Situated at an altitude of 1,524 mt, 112 km’s from Uttarkashi, Purola is on the way to Har-ki-dun trek and is surrounded by mountain ranges and the Govind Wildlife sanctuary. The park occupies an area of 957.968 sq. km’s. It houses a whole lot of endangered species within its premises with the most important of these being, Snow Leopard.
How To Reach
Air- Jolly grant airport, dehradun is nearest airport.
Rail- Dehradun is also the closest railhead.
Roads- Purola is easily accessible by road via Rishikesh-Uttarkashi or via Mussoorie-Purola-Saur, Buses from Uttarkashi, Barkot, Dehradun, Naitwar to saur-Sankri connect Purola by road.
Where To Stay
(STD Code- 013732)
- Tourist Rest House, GMVN – Ph. 23311
- Hotel Kamal Ganga
- Har ki Dun Tourist Lodge
- Thapliyal tourist lodge
What To See
Govind Wildlife Sanctuary: The Govind Wildlife Sanctuary lies in the Purola tehsil of Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. Founded in the year 1955, the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary is the upper reservoir of the Tons river, one of the most important tributaries of river Yamuna in the region.
The park has many rare species, like the Snow Leopard. Once on the verge of extinction, this animal has now increased in numbers considerably. The upper reaches of the park, which has been declared a National Park, are now home to this wonderful animal. Approximately 15 species of wild animals are found in this park, including Bharal, Black Bear, Brown bear, Common Leopard, Himalayan Thar, Musk deer, Serow besides the Snow Leopard.
The bird population of the park contributes a lot in enhancing the charm of the atmosphere. Most prominent of the 150 species of birds here are the Bearded vulture, Black Eagle, Himalayan Snow Cock, golden Eagle, Monal Pheasant, Koalas Pheasant, steppe eagle and western Tragopan. Other birds of the park include Buntings, Bulbuls, Cuckoos, Finches, Minivets, Owls, Pigeons, Parakeets, Thrushes, Tits and Warblers.
The best time to visit this park is during the months of April-June and September-November.
Beyond Purola
Tourist Village- Mautad : You can reach village Mautad by a 02 km birdle trek from Mori. This tourist Village has local guest houses and Ecololodges for Tourists.
You can reach Kedarkantha through a 20 km trek from Jarmola.
Har-ki-dun- The Sankri-Taluka-Osla-har ki dun (38 km trek) is one of the most important trekking routes of the Garhwal region. It is situated in the Western range of the Garhwal Himalayas, at the base of the Fateh Parvat, at an elevation of 3,556 mt. Har ki dun, the hanging valley of gods is a veritable treat for the trekkers. There is a beautifully carved temple dedicated to Duryodan, the Kaurava price. And if you are interesed in glaciers then the Jaundhar Glacier at 4300 mt is just about 5 km from Har-Ki-Dun.
Sankari- This road head to the almost untouched har-ki-dun (3566 mt) with the SWARGARAHINI peak (6096 mt) towering abive it in the backdrop. It is situated above the confluence of the Oberagaaad and Karmanasha streams that flow from Har-ki-dun. Sankri is the last village one can drive up to and plies regular roadways bus service to Vikasnagar (Dehradun) and Uttarkashi. Right above Sankri is the surrounding peaks in the greater Himalayas.
