Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary

Location

The wildlife sanctuary lies in the South Delhi / Faridabad Border region of Delhi (NCT). Well connected via state highways and district road networks in Delhi (NCT).

History

Notified as a Wildlife Sanctuary in May 1992 to protect the southern ridge of Delhi from illegal quarrying and urbanization.

Landscape, Geography & Habitat

Covering an exact area of 32.71 sq km, the sanctuary’s terrain features Aravalli hill ridge, thorny acacia scrub forest, semi-arid rocky terrain, and Asola lake quarries.

Flora

Dominant vegetation and floral species include: Desi Kikar (Acacia nilotica), Vilayati Kikar (Prosopis juliflora), Dhak (Butea monosperma), Hingot, Kareel (Capparis decidua), and Ber..

Fauna

The sanctuary harbors a diverse array of mammalian, reptilian, and avian wildlife:

• Primary Mammals: Nilgai (Blue Bull – primary mammal!), Indian Leopard, Golden Jackal, Striped Hyena, Jungle Cat, Indian Crested Porcupine, Indian Hare, Small Indian Civet.
• Predators & Carnivores: Indian Leopard, Golden Jackal, Striped Hyena, Jungle Cat, Small Indian Civet.
• Herbivores & Ungulates: Nilgai (Blue Bull), Indian Crested Porcupine, Indian Hare.
• Reptiles & Amphibians: Indian Cobra, Common Krait, Saw-scaled Viper, Monitor Lizard, Fan-throated Lizard.

Other Wild Animals & Avifauna

• Resident Woodland Birds: Indian Peafowl, Laughing Dove, Indian Grey Hornbill, Yellow-crowned Woodpecker, House Sparrow, Eurasian Collared Dove, Green Bee-eater.
• Raptors & Owls: Black Kite, Shikra, Spotted Owlet, Eurasian Eagle-Owl.
• Migratory Species: Red-throated Flycatcher, Greenish Warbler, Black-redstart, Grey Wagtail.

Rivers & Water Bodies

The lifeline of Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary is sustained by: Yamuna River basin and Asola lake quarries.

Other Attractions

Major nearby tourist attractions and historic viewpoints include: Asola Bhatti Butterfly Park (0 km), Surajkund Lake (5 km), Qutub Minar (12 km), Tughlaqabad Fort (6 km).

Weather & Climate

Subtropical climate with pleasant winters (12°C to 26°C) and warm summers (24°C to 38°C).

How to Reach

• Nearest Airport: Indira Gandhi International Airport Delhi (DEL) – 20 km
• Nearest Railway Station: New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS) / Hazrat Nizamuddin (NZM) – 15 km / Tuglakabad (TKD) – 5 km
• Road Connectivity: Well connected via state highways and district road networks in Delhi (NCT).

Best Time to Visit

The optimal season for visiting Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary is from October to April.

Accommodation

Forest Rest Houses and State Tourism eco-lodges near South Delhi / Faridabad Border.. Advance booking through official portals is recommended.

Conservation Highlights

Key conservation zone protecting native wildlife corridors and forest watersheds in Delhi (NCT).

Visitor Tips

Obtain necessary entry permits from the local forest division office prior to visiting.

Did You Know?

• Official protected Wildlife Sanctuary in Delhi (NCT) notified under Indian wildlife conservation acts.
• Preserves key wildlife species including Nilgai (Blue Bull – primary mammal!) and native avifauna.
• Covers an exact area of 32.71 sq km along the Yamuna River basin and Asola lake quarries watershed.