The Snow- capped mountains, rolling meadows, high-altitude lakes and dense forests in the hills of Garhwal support exotic wildlife, bird life and plant life. These wonderful creations of nature add a dash of splendour to nature's abundance that exists in the environs of the Garhwal regions. In order to preserve this gift of wild life and enable visitors to have a privileged view of the same, the Govt. has created special areas, National Parks and Sanctuaries.

National Park-valley of flowers: While on an expedition to Mt. Kamet, Frank S. Smith, an English niountaineer explorer and Botanist, discovered the valley of flowers. Bustling with beautiful, lively and vibrant colours, this park spread over an area of 87.5 sq. kms. has the largest collection of wild flower species. Hidden from the probing eyes of civilization, this valley had been known to the inhabitants as the Bhyundar valley. Legend associate this valley with the area from where Hanumanji of Ramayana collected 'Sanjeevani' herb to revive Lakshman. As though created by nature itself, the beauty of the park is enhanced by the Pushpawati river flowing in the vicinity overlooked by the towering Rataban peak in the background. More than 300 species of wild flowers like the Himalayan blue poppy, daisy, dianthus, calendula, white and yellow anemones bloom & swing with life during the monsoons

Nanda Devi National Park: Spread over an area of 630 sq. kms., just next to the Nanda Devi peak (which is the second highest mountain in India - 7816 mts.), is the Nanda Devi National Park. It was established in 1980. The first men on record to have reached this Sanctuary, while yet in its pristine form, were the British mountaineers Eric Shipton and Bill Tilman. The area had largely remained undisturbed till then, except for Tilman's successful attempt on Nanda Devi in 1936.

Govind Wildlife Sanctuary: In the beautiful & captivating environs of the Uttarkashi district is Govind Wildlife Sanctuary. The Govind Wildlife Sanctuary established in 1955, covering an area of 953 sq. kms. includes mountains like Swarg Rohini, Black Peak and Bandarpunch. Apart from the Sanctuary, the place is a popular tourist destination, mainly because of the beauty of its snow-clad peaks and glaciers. Attracting many trekkers and famous for its lush green beauty is Hari- ki-Dun. The wide variety of animal species that lives here includes Himalayan black bears, tahr, serow, monal, snow leopard, brown bears trogopan, chir, bharal, musk deer, koklas kaleej pheasants and chukor.

Rajaji National Park: Surrounded by mountains, Dehradun endures as a perfect retreat with beautiful spots for picnics and excursions. Its pleasant climate adds. further to its charm and makes it an attractive tourist destination. Established in 1966 on the edge of the Dehradunvalley is Rajaji National Park, covering an area of approx 820 sq. kms. The wildlife here includes elephant, tiger, panther, bear, chital, sambar, wild bear, kakar, python, i monitor lizard and a large variety of avian fauna. You find many opportunities of viewing these animals in their natural habitat here.

Kedarnath Sanctuary: In the land of gods Garhwal, lies the sprawling 967 sq. kms. Kedarnath Sanctuary, established in the year 1972. Garhwal Himalayas offer a breathtakingly spectacular view of snow-clad mountains, valleys and forests. The Garhwal Himalayas also houses the Char Dhams, namely, Yamnotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath. In the wilderness of this sanctuary animals like snow leopard, snow cock, tahr, musk deer, leopard and serow can be seen along with many species of birds To study the details of the musk deer, a project funded by WWF was undertaken between 1978-1980.