Flora & Fauna
Buransh, kafal, hisalu, the Monal, ghoral, leopards and more, and the months to see them.
🌸 Buranshबुरांश
PlantFeb, Mar, AprRhododendron arboreum. Uttarakhand’s state tree; deep-red flowers colour the forests and make the famous buransh juice.
🌸 Pyonliप्योंली
PlantFeb, MarBright yellow flower of late winter and spring, gathered by children for Phool Dei.
🌸 Kafalकाफल
PlantMay, JunBayberry (Myrica esculenta). Sweet-sour red fruit of early summer, sold along hill roads; subject of a famous Kumaoni folk tale.
🌸 Hisaluहिसालू
PlantMay, JunGolden Himalayan raspberry (Rubus ellipticus), picked from bushes along village paths.
🌸 Kilmoraकिलमोड़ा
PlantMay, JunWild barberry with purple berries; its roots are used in traditional remedies.
🌸 Brahma Kamalब्रह्म कमल
PlantJul, Aug, SepState flower; blooms in high meadows above about 3,500 m and is offered at temples during Nanda Ashtami.
🌸 Deodar & Banj oakदेवदार व बांज
PlantAll yearDeodar cedars shade temples like Jageshwar; banj oak forests hold water and feed the hill springs (naulas and dharas).
🦌 Himalayan Monalमोनाल
AnimalApr, May, Jun, Oct, NovState bird; the male shines in metallic green, blue and copper. Lives in high forests and alpine slopes.
🦌 Kalij Pheasantकालिज
AnimalNov, Dec, Jan, FebDark pheasant often seen crossing forest roads at dawn, especially in winter.
🦌 Ghughutiघुघुती
AnimalAll yearThe spotted dove, whose soft call fills countless Kumaoni folk songs of longing and the festival of Ghughutiya.
🦌 “Kafal pako” birdकाफल पाको
AnimalApr, May, JunThe Indian cuckoo, whose four-note spring call is heard by locals as “kafal pako” (the kafal is ripe).
🦌 Ghoralघ्रौंल
AnimalJan, Feb, Mar, Oct, Nov, DecGoat-antelope of steep grassy cliffs; often spotted on rocky slopes at dawn and dusk.
🦌 Kakad (barking deer)काकड़
AnimalAll yearSmall deer whose dog-like bark echoes through hill forests.
🦌 Leopard (Guldar)गुलदार
AnimalAll yearLives close to villages across Kumaon. Stay indoors after dark in leopard areas, keep children close and follow forest department advice.
🦌 Himalayan Black Bearभालू
AnimalSep, Oct, NovFound in oak forests; most active before winter when it feeds heavily.
🦌 Tiger & Elephantबाघ व हाथी
AnimalNov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, JunCorbett and the Terai forests are among India’s best places to see both. Corbett’s main zones open from mid-November to June.
🦌 Golden Mahseerमहाशीर
AnimalMar, Apr, May, Oct, NovLegendary river fish of the Kosi and Ramganga; protected, catch-and-release only where permitted.
Months are typical for the middle hills (1,200–2,400 m); timing shifts with altitude and each year’s weather. Never pick protected plants or disturb wildlife.