Discover the enchanting bir forest

Immerse yourself in the natural splendour of Moti Bagh Wildlife Sanctuary also known as Bir Forest Sanctuary, situated in Patiala. Established under the historic Preservation of Fauna of Patiala Act in 1896, this sanctuary provides an unforgettable escape just steps away from Patiala City Centre. As one of six wildlife sanctuaries in this region, Bir Forest Sanctuary promises an incredible experience amidst lush foliage and abundant wildlife. Be it nature lovers or simply seeking an unhurried escape, Bir Forest Sanctuary's charm draws people in; experience it first-hand to witness first-hand its vibrant ecosystem at work in Patiala City itself.

The enchanting sanctuary

Moti Bagh Sanctuary, nestled in nature's paradise, is an enchanting sanctuary ideal for wildlife enthusiasts and history lovers. Once a beloved retreat of the Patiala Royal family, its unique blend of history and fauna attracts visitors from across the globe. As you venture into its depths, keep an eye out for graceful spotted deer and magnificent black bucks gifted to it by the Department of Wildlife to enrich its faunal diversity; stroll through lush greenery to spot monkeys or spot elusive wild boars amongst other forms of wildlife!

A wildlife extravaganza

Moti Bagh Sanctuary offers an incredible wildlife experience, offering visitors glimpses of Indian Hog Deers, Chital (also spotted deers), black bucks, Indian porcupines and Indian grey mongooses. Bird lovers, get ready to be amazed! Prepare yourself to be entranced by the melodious blue bell bird and charming grey and black partridge. For even more feathered wonders in this region, look out for the Indian eagle owl and black francolin! Within this tranquil oasis of nature, you will encounter an array of unique plants such as Toot Mesquite Kikar Sheesham Neem Mango Teak and Eucalyptus trees. As you explore this sanctuary, you'll also uncover its fascinating history of game hunting by the Maharajas of Patiala; their exploits are recorded in books like "Maharaja" and "Hunting Dangerous Game with the Maharajas." Be sure to keep an eye out for endangered blue bells- a sign of conservation efforts- in this unique sanctuary.

Timings

Opening time - NA

Closing time - NA

Conservation and beyond

While much of Bir Forest remains an unspoiled forest, it also hosts an established zoo and deer park that are both managed efficiently. Furthermore, efforts are currently being undertaken to establish a pilot project for cultivating medicinal plants in this region. Moti Bagh Sanctuary's successful conservation can be credited to both the tireless work of forest department staff, such as rangers and veterinarians, as well as the local villagers' cooperation. Together, they ensure that any wildlife straying into the sanctuary is promptly reported and safely returned back into its natural environment, maintaining Moti Bagh's unique blend of history and biodiversity for future generations. So come immerse yourself in Moti Bagh Sanctuary, where nature's beauty meets royal history in an elegant symphony!

Explore nature

Behold the beautiful natural wonders of the sanctuary by embarking on exciting treks through its serene trails. Wear comfortable sports shoes as you traverse these scenic landscapes. Binoculars will allow you to indulge in birdwatching, an often underappreciated pleasure here, while for photographers, an SLR camera or any camera equipped with zoom capabilities will come in handy for taking stunning wildlife images.

While in town, make sure not to miss the exhilarating wildlife safari that promises unforgettable encounters with local fauna. For those wanting a deeper connection with nature and camping sites for more exploration - when night falls prepare yourself to be mesmerised by its brilliant night sky and captivating sounds of forest that create an incredible mesmerising experience!