Delhi

Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary

Asola Bhati Wildlife Sanctuary is a beautiful biodiversity zone located in the southern district of Delhi near Karni Singh Shooting Range. The sanctuary is part of the Southern Ridge and holds great biodiversity significance due to its merger with Indo-Gangetic plains. It is also a vital part of the Northern Aravalli leopard wildlife corridor that starts from the Sariska National Park in Rajasthan, passing through various districts of Haryana and finally meeting at the Delhi Ridge. Moreover, it also acts as a carbon sink for the national capital region.It is a perfect destination for nature and wildlife enthusiasts. The sanctuary is currently under Conservation Education Centre (CEC) Delhi. They are actively working on imparting conservation education to students and professionals through field-based educational programmes. I visited Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary in September 2021 for the first time to attend a butterfly walk and was awe-struck by its untouched beauty. The sanctuary shares its border with areas infamous for mugging and looting activities. The Butterfly Park and cycling trails are safe to visit. However, if you wish to explore the Neeli Jheel, travel in a larger group or request for a Govt assigned ranger to tag along.Best time to visit the sanctuaryIf you are visiting the sanctuary for birding, early morning is the best time to spot birds. Whereas, if you are visiting for butterflies, bees and dragonflies, noon is when you’ll get the maximum sighting.How to reach, ticket and timing.Tughlakhabad and Saket are the closest metro station. However, a cab or an auto is a must to reach the sanctuary from either of the stations. You can also travel by bus. The closest stop is Tughlakabad Fort, from there you can walk to the main gate. If you wish to visit the lake, I recommend getting your vehicle as the lake is 16kms from the entrance and hard to reach on foot. Timing: 8 am to 5 pmEntry Fee: ₹5 per person for Butterfly Park and its nearby areas, ₹500 per person for the lake