Nandhaur Wildlife Sanctuary was created in 2012 in the Terai Arc Landscape, a forest zone stretching between Uttarakhand, India, and Nepal. This lesser known gem of Uttarakhand is famous as a tiger reserve and enjoys the highest concentration of tigers in the entire state. Declared a sanctuary in 2012, Nandhaur opened its gates to wildlife tourism in 2015. boasting raw paths, untouched land, virgin landscapes, and untamed jungles. It’ is one of the youngest sanctuary in the country. Nandhaur offers a mosaic of various landscapes and is an ideal destination for true naturalists seeking something more than the overly-visited ‘'touristy' sanctuaries. Since 2002, the Nandhaur Wildlife Sanctuary area has been part of the Shivalik Elephant Reserve. In 2004, the Wildlife Institute of India recognized the Nandhaur Wildlife Sanctuary area as one of the three viable habitats key to the long-term future of the tiger. This sanctuary is primarily a sal forest with more than 100 species of trees, including shisham, bamboo, teak, etc. Also, the sanctuary is home to about 25 species of mammals, 250 species of birds, 15 species of reptiles, and 20 species of fish. The major mammalian species include Asian elephants, leopards, tigers, and sloth bears.
With the commitment and determination to serve mankind, Swami Vivekananda established the Ramakrishna Mission Association in 1897 and started the work of furthering the spirit of spiritual consciousness and harmony among all religions in the world. During this time, his supreme disciple, Swami Virjanand Ji Maharaj, took initiation from Swami Vivekananda. Between 1906 and 1914, Swami Virjanand was the President of Mayawati Ashram, and he published the entire literature of Swami Vivekananda while staying here. After accomplishing this significant work, he started searching for another suitable place for himself in the mountains with the desire for solitude.
His search was completed on the shores of Shyamlatal, a natural lake surrounded by beautiful forest hills. This place was where the wandering monk set up a retreat in his quest for solitude. The Ramakrishna Mission is in charge of this ashram, which opened its doors in 1915 and is a significant hub for spirituality and social service. The ashram is located approximately 22 km from Tanakpur and 56 km from Champawat.
