Govind Pashu Vihar Wildlife Sanctuary, Uttarakhand
Taking pride in place in the district of Uttarkashi, Govind National Park (GNP) and Govind Pashu Vihar Wildlife Sanctuary (GWS) are protected areas covering an area of about 958 sq km. A part of the Upper Tones Valley was notified as a Sanctuary in 1955 while GNP was notified in 1991. The area also encompasses the Rupin and Supin valleys that form important catchments for the Tons, the main tributary of River Yamuna. The region boasts varied climatic zones – sub-tropical, temperate, and alpine – that result in diverse flora, including Himalayan cedar, rhododendron, Himalayan spruce, Himalayan yew, beech, spikenard. As many as 70 species of butterflies, 20 species of mammals, and 100 species of birds have also been recorded here. Tourists planning to visit Govind Pashu Vihar National Park and Sanctuary in Uttarkashi will have to register online and get a hard copy of the permit from the head office at Purola.