Butterflies have long been of interest to wildlife lovers across the world for their bright colors, patterns,0 0and varying shapes. There are about 17500 different species of butterflies in the world, of which 1800 can be seen in India. With rapid urbanization, development of cities and destruction to their natural habitat, many species have become rare and wildlife associations throughout India have tried their best to preserve these creatures. They are extremely delicate insects and tend to injure themselves very easily. They must be provided with the right ecosystem to feed and breed naturally. Butterflies evolve through a process known as metamorphosis, starting as eggs to the larva stage (caterpillar stage), after which they create a protective covering called the pupa or chrysalis where most of the development takes place before they emerge as adults. The life cycle of different butterflies varies from just 10 days to about 6 months. Here’s a list of India’s best parks where butterflies have been preserved to educate and appreciate their natural beauty.
- Butterfly Park at Bannerghatta National Park, Bangalore
The first butterfly park to be set up in India is in Bangalore, at the Bannerghatta National Park. The butterfly park was opened in 2006 and covers an area of over 7.5 acres. The centre has been in use for conservation and research, with a dome of 10000 square feet that houses about 30 different species of butterflies. They have maintained good vegetation and very good daylight to provide the effect of their natural habitat. There is a museum where you can learn in detail on butterflies, various species, life cycle and other things. There is also a theatre where documentaries are screened for visitors to educate and promote conservation.
- Ovalekar Wadi Butterfly Garden, Thane
Just off the Mumbai city limits in the village of Owla, Rajendra Ovalekar decided to convert his 2-acre farm into a butterfly park. The Ovalekar Wadi Butterfly Garden is a privately-owned butterfly park where butterflies are bred entirely under natural conditions. Through an entirely personal effort of passion and patience, Ovalekar cultivated various different plants to support the feeding and shelter needs of the butterflies. If you visit the butterfly park at sunrise, Ovalekar will personally show you around and educate you on the life and varieties of butterflies. The lovely garden hosts about 70 different species, and often other migrant varieties that fly in from elsewhere.
- Sammilan Shetty Butterfly Park, Karkala
Sammilan Shetty’s Butterfly Park was inaugurated in 2013 at Belvai near Karkala, a 42-km drive from Mangalore. The 7.35-acre private park was set up by Sammilan Shetty, a former college lecturer, to further the conservation and natural breeding of butterflies. The park attracts locals, tourists to visit Karnataka and many students who come here for research purposes. It is home to the largest Indian butterfly
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