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GAUTAM BUDDHA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

Gautam Buddha Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in Bihar. Half of the sanctuary area is spread across the Gangetic plains and the other half is spread over some parts of the Chhota Nagpur plateau. The sanctuary is named after the two adjoining towns, which are Gaya and Bodh Gaya. Both these towns are linked with Lord Buddha and His heavenly enlightenment. Gautam Buddha sanctuary was established as a wildlife sanctuary in 1976. Prior to that in the British era and post-Indian independence till 1950, it used to be a private game reserve.

Flora
Dry tropical riverine forest, ravine thorn forest and moist and arid sal forest.

Fauna
Leopards, Barking Deer, Tigers, Spotted Deer, Wild Dogs, Blue Bull, Wild Buffalo, krait, cobra, python, etc.

Avian Fauna
Pea fowl, water fowl, bulbul, jungle fowl, hawk, etc.

Getting there
Gautam Buddha Wildlife Sanctuary is well connected with different towns and cities of Bihar by road. The National Highway no. 2 passes through the sanctuary. The closest railway station and domestic airport is at Gaya, about 65 km away. The nearest international airport is at Patna.

Tourist Information
Tourists can find accommodation in the Forest Department rest houses situated within the sanctuary and in the adjoining towns of Gaya and Bodh Gaya with prior booking.
Permission for entering the sanctuary has to be obtained from the Divisional Forest Office, stationed at Gaya. For any special arrangement or any queries the visitors have to contact the Range Officer, Gaya. Safari rides and short trekking trips are popular tourist activities here. Some important Buddhist religious sites are situated in the towns of Bodh Gaya and Gaya.

Additional Information
Location: Gautam Buddha Wildlife Sanctuary, Gaya District, Bihar.
Area: approximately 259 sq km
Ideal visiting time: November and March
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