Kalesar National Park

Why in News?

• The last sighting of a tiger in the Kalesar area was in 1913. Thus, the recent sight of the tiger in the Kalesar area is after a gap of 110 years.

About Kalesar National Park:

• Location:
  • It is located in Yamunanagar District of Haryana.
  • It is situated in the foothills of the Shiwalik ranges of the Himalayas.
  • It was declared a National Park on 8th December 2003.
• Boundaries:
• River Yamuna lies to its east.
• Rajaji National Park, which is located in Uttrakhand, lies to the northeast of the park.
• Simbalbara National Park nestled in Shivalik Hills lies to the north, sharing a border with Himachal Pradesh.
• Morni Hills lies to the west.
• The park was named after a temple (known as Kalesar Mahadev temple) located inside the premise of the park.
• In earlier times, rulers under the Mughal and British Raj used the now park as hunting grounds.
• The park is also famous for its Dak bungalows – the administrative architectural bungalows built in colonial times.
• Flora:
• Most of the forest is covered by tall and dense sal trees.
• Other trees that are found in the forest are Semul, Bahera, Amaltas, Shisham, Khair, Sain, Chhal and Jhingan.
• Fauna: It houses many threatened animals like leopards, Ghoral, Barking deer, Sambar, Chital, Python, King Cobra, Monitor lizard etc.