Overview: The Vindhyan Waterfall Wilderness
Perched along the rugged northern escarpment of the Vindhyan Range in Chakia and Naugarh tehsils of Chandauli district (approximately 70 kilometers south of Varanasi), Chandra Prabha Wildlife Sanctuary spans 78 square kilometers of deep sandstone gorges, dry deciduous woodlands, and roaring waterfalls.
Established in May 1957, Chandra Prabha is one of Uttar Pradesh's historic pioneer wildlife reserves. The sanctuary is traversed by the perennial **Chandraprabha River** (a tributary of the Karamnasa River), which tumbles over towering sandstone terraces to form two of Northern India's most spectacular natural waterfalls: the stepped, curtain-like **Rajdari Falls** (plunging 65 meters) and the narrow, deep canyon cataract of **Devdari Falls**.
Famed historically for the pioneering 1957 Asiatic Lion reintroduction program (where three Gir lions were successfully introduced before local conflicts intervened), Chandra Prabha today thrives as a vibrant stronghold for **Indian Leopards** (Panthera pardus), **Chinkaras** (Indian Gazelle), **Blackbucks**, **Sambars**, **Cheetals**, and **Mugger Crocodiles**.
Vindhyan Geomorphology & Waterfall Hydrology
The sanctuary's dramatic elevation rise from 150m to 380m above sea level creates distinct plateau and ravine habitats:
Geomorphological Landscape of Chandra Prabha
| Landscape Feature |
Geological Profile |
Dominant Flora |
Wildlife & Ecological Role |
| Rajdari Falls & Stream |
65-meter terraced stepped sandstone waterfall on Chandraprabha River. |
Riparian Jamun, Arjun, Mahua, Semal, wild figs. |
Perennial water pool attracting sambar deer and leopards at dusk. |
| Devdari Canyon Gorge |
Deep vertical rocky canyon 500m downstream from Rajdari. |
Manvel bamboo (Dendrocalamus), cliff ferns, thorny scrub. |
Nesting ledges for Long-billed Vultures and Shaheen Falcons. |
| Vindhyan Plateau Scrub |
Rocky sandstone plateau with thin red gravelly soils. |
Khair (Acacia catechu), Dhaura, Tendu, Palas, Ber. |
Open grazing range for Chinkara, Blackbuck, and Nilgai herds. |
| Chandraprabha Dam Reservoir |
Masonry irrigation reservoir built in 1954 in the upper catchment. |
Submerged macrophytes, water lilies, shoreline reeds. |
Mugger crocodiles, softshell turtles, and winter migratory ducks. |
The sandstone cliff faces contain prehistoric rock shelters and petroglyphs dating back to the Mesolithic era, illustrating primitive hunting scenes and wildlife that once roamed the ancient Vindhyan forests.
Faunal Diversity & Vindhyan Herbivores
Chandra Prabha offers open forest visibility for observing shy ungulates and carnivores:
Indian Leopard
Panthera pardus • Apex Predator
Roams the rocky sandstone gorges and bamboo thickets, ambushing barking deer and wild boars near waterfall plunge pools.
Chinkara (Indian Gazelle)
Gazella bennettii • Arid Specialist
Graceful gazelle leaping across rocky plateau scrub, obtaining moisture from succulent desert plants and morning dew.
Blackbuck
Antilope cervicapra • Spiral-horned Antelope
Inhabits open grassland patches, adult territorial bucks sporting striking black-and-white coats and long spiraled horns.
Mugger Crocodile
Crocodylus palustris • Marsh Predator
Basks on sun-warmed sandstone slabs along the Chandraprabha River reservoir pools during cool winter middays.
Striped Hyena
Hyaena hyaena • Scavenger
Shelters in natural sandstone rock crevices during the day, emerging after sunset to patrol dry river valleys.
Indian Rock Python
Python molurus • Giant Serpent
Frequents damp boulder piles near waterfall spray zones, hunting rodents, waterbirds, and small mammals.
Birdlife includes over **150 species**, featuring the **Indian Peafowl**, **Painted Spurfowl**, **Savitri Cuckoo**, **Crested Serpent Eagle**, **Changeable Hawk-Eagle**, and **Pied Kingfisher**.
The 1957 Gir Lion Reintroduction & Cultural Legacy
In December 1957, Chandra Prabha made international conservation history when wildlife biologists selected the sanctuary for India's first-ever **Asiatic Lion translocation experiment**. One lion and two lionesses from Gir in Gujarat were successfully released into a 96-sq-km fenced enclosure. The population bred well, increasing to 11 lions by 1965, before subsequent poaching beyond the unmonitored sanctuary borders led to the eventual disappearance of the pride.
The nearby ancient township of **Chakia** and the historic fort of **Naugarh** were pivotal royal centers of the Benares State (Kashi Naresh). The Rajas of Benares maintained Chandra Prabha as a private royal game preserve, constructing stone watchtowers that still command breathtaking views over the Gangetic horizon.
Eco-development programs managed by the UP Forest Department have transformed former woodcutters from local Kol and Kharwar tribal villages into nature guides, managing visitor parking, garbage segregation, and interpretive tours around Rajdari Falls.
Visitor Experience, Waterfall Trails & Practical Details
Chandra Prabha is a premier nature and weekend getaway from Varanasi:
Safari Planning & Practical Details
- Best Visiting Months: August through March. Post-monsoon (August–November) showcases Rajdari and Devdari waterfalls in roaring full flow; winter (December–February) is ideal for pleasant hiking and wildlife viewing.
- Visiting Timings: 06:00 AM to 05:00 PM daily.
- Waterfall Promenades: Well-paved stone stairs and safe viewing railings line the cascades of Rajdari; a scenic 500m trail connects Rajdari to the canyon viewpoint of Devdari.
- Accommodation: UP Tourism Rahi Tourist Bungalow and Forest Inspection Bungalows in Chakia (15 km) and Naugarh (20 km); luxury hotels available in Varanasi (70 km).
How to Reach Chandra Prabha Wildlife Sanctuary
Situated within easy driving distance of Varanasi:
Gateway Transit Routes
- From Varanasi City (Cantt): Approx. 70 km south via Chakia-Naugarh road (approx. 1.8 hours by car or bus).
- From Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction (Mughalsarai / DDU): Approx. 60 km south via SH-5A (approx. 1.5 hours).
- From Chandauli City (District HQ): Approx. 55 km southwest via Chakia (approx. 1.3 hours).
- From Mirzapur: Approx. 85 km east via Ahraura and Sukrit (approx. 2.2 hours).
- By Train: Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction (DDU) (~60 km) and Varanasi Junction (BSB) (~70 km) connect premier high-speed trains from across India.
- Nearest Airport: Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport Varanasi (VNS) (~90 km).
Explore Chandauli District — Rice Bowl of UP, Vindhyan Forts & Waterfalls
Chandra Prabha Wildlife Sanctuary is the outdoor wonderland of Chandauli. Ascend to the historic Naugarh Fort nestled among forested ridges, marvel at Latif Shah Dam (one of India's oldest stone dams), and experience the fertile agrarian landscape of the Rice Bowl of Uttar Pradesh.
View Chandauli District Guide →
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chandra Prabha Wildlife Sanctuary famous for?
Chandra Prabha Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for its 78 sq km Vindhyan forest landscape, spectacular Rajdari (65m stepped) and Devdari waterfalls, leopards, chinkaras, blackbucks, and the historic 1957 Gir lion reintroduction experiment.
How far is Chandra Prabha Sanctuary from Varanasi?
Chandra Prabha Wildlife Sanctuary is located approximately 70 kilometers south of Varanasi city center via the Chakia-Naugarh highway.
What are the names of the two main waterfalls in the sanctuary?
The two main waterfalls are Rajdari Falls (a multi-tiered stepped cascade) and Devdari Falls (a dramatic cataract plunging into a deep rocky canyon on the Chandraprabha River).
When was Chandra Prabha Wildlife Sanctuary established?
Chandra Prabha Wildlife Sanctuary was officially established in May 1957, making it one of the oldest notified wildlife sanctuaries in Uttar Pradesh.