Ranipur Wildlife Sanctuary

Introduction

Ranipur Wildlife Sanctuary is a premier protected wildlife reserve located in Uttar Pradesh, safeguarding rare bio-regions and indigenous forest species.

Quick Facts

Particular Details
StateUttar Pradesh
DistrictsForest Division of Uttar Pradesh
Year of Notification1978 (Wildlife Protection Act)
Total Area380.00 sq km
LandscapeTerai Gangetic alluvial plain grasslands, riverine sal forests, wetland jheels, and Vindhyan hill scrub.
Major Rivers & WaterbodiesYamuna River tributaries and Pathraida Dam reservoir
Nearest AirportChaudhary Charan Singh International Airport Lucknow (LKO) / Varanasi (VNS) – 40 to 95 km
Nearest Railway StationLucknow Charbagh (LKO) / Varanasi Junction (BSB) / Kanpur Central (CNB) – 20 to 50 km
Best Time to VisitOctober to April

Location

The wildlife sanctuary lies in the Forest Division of Uttar Pradesh region of Uttar Pradesh. Well connected via state highways and district road networks in Uttar Pradesh.

History

Notified as a Wildlife Sanctuary under the Indian Wildlife Protection Act to conserve native wildlife corridors, watersheds, and forest ecosystems in Uttar Pradesh.

Landscape, Geography & Habitat

Covering an exact area of 380.00 sq km, the sanctuary’s terrain features Terai Gangetic alluvial plain grasslands, riverine sal forests, wetland jheels, and Vindhyan hill scrub.

Flora

Dominant vegetation and floral species include: Sal (Shorea robusta), Teak (Tectona grandis), Saja (Terminalia tomentosa), Tendu (Diospyros melanoxylon), Mahua (Madhuca longifolia), Palas (Butea monosperma), Bamboo..

Fauna

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

  • Primary Mammals: Royal Bengal Tiger, Indian Leopard, Sloth Bear, Gaur (Indian Bison), Spotted Deer (Chital), Sambar Deer, Barking Deer, Nilgai (Blue Bull), Chousingha (Four-horned Antelope), Wild Boar, Golden Jackal.
  • Predators & Carnivores: Royal Bengal Tiger, Indian Leopard, Wild Dog (Dhole), Sloth Bear, Striped Hyena, Jungle Cat, Golden Jackal.
  • Herbivores & Ungulates: Gaur (Bison), Sambar Deer, Chital, Nilgai, Chousingha, Barking Deer.
  • Reptiles & Amphibians: Indian Python, King Cobra, Monitor Lizard, Mugger Crocodile, Flapshell Turtle.

Other Wild Animals & Avifauna

  • Resident Woodland Birds: Indian Skimmer, Sarus Crane, Black-necked Stork, Paradise Flycatcher, Crested Serpent Eagle, Indian Grey Hornbill, Peafowl.
  • Raptors & Owls: Changeable Hawk-Eagle, Crested Serpent Eagle, White-backed Vulture, Pallas’s Fish Eagle.
  • Migratory Species: Bar-headed Goose, Pintail, Garganey, Black-bellied Tern, Flamingos.

Rivers & Water Bodies

The lifeline of Ranipur Wildlife Sanctuary is sustained by: Yamuna River tributaries and Pathraida Dam reservoir.

Other Attractions

Major nearby tourist attractions and historic viewpoints include: Taj Mahal Agra, Varanasi Ghats, Sarnath Buddhist Stupa, Ayodhya Ram Mandir.

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: Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport Lucknow (LKO) / Varanasi (VNS) – 40 to 95 km
  • Nearest Railway Station: Lucknow Charbagh (LKO) / Varanasi Junction (BSB) / Kanpur Central (CNB) – 20 to 50 km
  • Road Connectivity: Well connected via state highways and district road networks in Uttar Pradesh.

Best Time to Visit

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

Accommodation

Forest Rest Houses and State Tourism eco-lodges near Forest Division of Uttar Pradesh.. Advance booking through official portals is recommended.

Conservation Highlights

Key conservation zone protecting native wildlife corridors and forest watersheds in Uttar Pradesh.

Visitor Tips

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

Did You Know?

  • Official protected Wildlife Sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh notified under Indian wildlife conservation acts.
  • Preserves key wildlife species including Royal Bengal Tiger and native avifauna.
  • Covers an exact area of 380.00 sq km along the Yamuna River tributaries and Pathraida Dam reservoir watershed.

Last Updated: August 2026