An oasis of wildlife in the fertile plains of Punjab

The Bir Moti Bagh Wildlife Sanctuary, located just 5 kilometres away from Patiala city, recognised under the Preservation of Fauna of Patiala Act, 1896 will not fail to amaze you with its dense foliage. You will bear witness to the wildlife in one of the largest and the most frequented of the six wildlife sanctuaries in Patiala.

This sanctuary, spread over an area of 654 hectares, was once frequented by the Royal family of Patiala. The Maharajas of Patiala visited this area for game hunting, something that they did in a well-organised set of events, highlighting their chivalry. The exploits of these Maharajas are detailed in the books "Maharaja" by Jiwan Jarmani Dass and "Hunting Dangerous Game with the Maharajas" by Shuja Ul Islam and John H Roush Jr.

The sanctuary offers a unique allure that attracts numerous visitors. Wildlife enthusiasts can spot a variety of animals, including spotted deer, black buck, monkeys, wild boar, Indian hog deer, Chital deer, Indian porcupine, and the Indian grey mongoose. Bird watchers will delight in the presence of the endangered blue bell bird, grey and black partridge, Indian eagle owl, and black francolin, thanks to few significant residents contributing to conservation efforts. The sanctuary also boasts diverse flora, featuring species such as Toot, Mesquite, Kikar, Sheesham, Neem, Mango, Teak, and Eucalyptus. This rich oasis of nature promises a captivating experience for all who visit.

While much of the Bir area remains a pristine forest, it also includes a well-managed zoo and deer park, with ongoing projects to grow medicinal plants. The sanctuary’s conservation success is attributed to the dedicated efforts of the forest department staff, including rangers and vets, as well as the cooperation of local villagers who help report and return stray game to the sanctuary.