Churdhar
Sanctuary |
Daranghati Sanctuary
| Great
Himalayan National Park |
Kalatop Khajjiar Sanctuary
| Kanwar
Sanctuary | Maharana
Pratap Sagar | Majathal
Sanctuary | Manali
Sanctuary | Nature
Park, Kufri | Nature
Park, Manali | Nature
Park, Gopalpur | Pin
Valley Park | Renuka
Sanctuary | Simbalbara
Sanctuary
Churdhar Sanctuary :
Churdhar peak, with height of 3647 metres is the highestpeak in
outer Himalayas.It is like a Oasis of Alpine area in a ocean of
temperate forests.This is an excellent area for trekking during
summer and early winters. The view from Churdhar peak is un-paralled.
One is sure to come across a large number of multicoloured and
agile Monals in the adjoining forests. Trekking from Nohra, Sarain
and Pulbahal is tough but enjoyable. There are Rest Houses at
Nohra, Choras and Sarain. There is also a Sarai and a Shiv Temple
at Churdhar.
Daranghati Sanctuary : This sanctuary
located in the upper area of Shimla District has undisturbed forest
area with plenty of wildlife. Monal, Tragopan, Koklas and Kalij
are the pheasants found here. The area also has Musk deer, Goral
and Thar. There is a net work of bridle paths and inspection paths
in the sanctuary. Visitors are advised to seek assistance from
the forest staff posted at Dofda and Sarahan. The area is ideal
for those who love to trek along mountain heights.
Great Himalayan National Park : The
National Park with an area of 620 sq. km. is located in Kullu
District and has the representative area of temperate and alpine
forests of Himachal. It has some the virgin coniferous forests
of the State.Vast areas of alpine pastures and glaciers cap this
park. This area has many important wildlife species of Western
Himalayas, like Musk deer, Brown bear, Goral, Thar, Leopard, Snow
leopard, Bharal, Serow, Monal, Kalij, Koklas, Cheer, Tragopan,
Snow cock etc. Trekking of Rakti-Sar, origin of Sainj river and
camping in alpine partures is unforgettable. Similar is the trekking
route to Tirath the origin of Tirthan river. Visitors can contact
Director, National Park at Shamshi or Range Officer wildlife at
Sainj or Range Officer Wild Life at Sai Ropa (Banjar) for assistance
and guidance. Camping equipment and guides are provided by the
Forests Department.
Kalatop Khajjiar Sanctuary : This
sanctuary area with its well laid out trekking jungle trails both
at Kalatop and Khajjiar is a tourist paradise. Dense Deodar and
Fir forests are places of solitude very close to Dalhousie town.
Visitors should look for pheasants and Serow in these forests
but should be beware of Black bear which can be encountered often
in the area.
Kanwar Sanctuary : This sanctuary
is located in Parbati valley of Kullu district. There is a Rest
House at Kasol. R.O. wildlife Kasol provides information and help
to visitors. Uphill walk along Garahan Nala from Kasol through
dense majestic Deodar and Fir forests is enjoyable. This sanctuary
has large population of Himalayan Thar in Himalayas and seeing
this big goat on high mountain cliffs is dream fulfillment of
any wildlife lover.
Maharana Pratap Sagar : This lake
sanctuary is a big attraction for migratory ducks from Siberian
region during winter. One can see thousands of ducks in the swamp
area between Shahnahar barrage and Pongdam and the surrounding
shallow waters of the lake. Clean blue water all around with the
panoramic view of Dhauladhar Ranges and Kangra Valley make the
visit to Ransar Island an unforgettable experience. Black buck
and Cheetal on the island along with Surkhab, Cranes, Pintails
and variety of water birds welcome the visitors on the Island.
Majathal Sanctuary : This sanctuary
has a very steep and rugged terrain away from habitation. This
can be visited by travelling about 10 kms. on a kacha road Kararaghat
(Shimla-Bilaspur- Highway) to Kashlog and then walking on foot
from Kashlog. This sanctuary has the highest concentration of
Goral which can be seen in its natural habitat. This sanctuary
is reported to have the maximum population of endangered Cheer
pheasant. One has to stay in tents in the forest, Best season
to visit is the winters.
Manali Sanctuary : This sanctuary
starts about 2 km from Manali town. It forms the catchment of
Manalsu khad. A bridle path from Manali log huts/Dhungri temple
passes through dense Deodar, Kail, Horse chestnut, Walnut and
Maple forests. Night stay in tents at Lambadug or Gallant thatch
is an unforgettable experience. Alpine lush green pastures and
glaciers beyond Galant thatch are a romantic attraction for the
enthusiastic but enduring visitors. One may see Musk deer, Monal
and Brown bear digging or ploughing the land and also pug marks
with scent of Leopard or Snow leopard. Those who venture up to
snows can see herds of Ibex in the glacier zone in summers.
Nature Park, Kufri : Kufri is a well
known tourist resort near Shimla. A large number of tourists visiting
Shimla also visit Kufri where a nature park has been established.
In this park rare varieties of Hangal, Barking Deer, Musk Deer,
Brown Bear, rare species of Monal and other pheasants are kept
in social groupings.
Nature
Park, Manali : Manali is another tourist spot where a large
number of visitors come. To expose visitors to the nature and
to create awareness and love for wild life it is planned to develop
many other facilities at Manali. There is a wild life sanctuary
about 2 km away from Manali town. The tourists will be encouraged
to visit this area and see the magnificence of nature here.
Nature
Park, Gopalpur : Gopalpur is a village situated near Palampur
on Palampur-Dharamsala upper road. Kangra valley in Himachal Pradesh
is another area where visitors come regularly. In this nature
park animals will be kept in large enclosures and conservation
messages will be conveyed to the visitors through audio-visual
aids.
Pin
Valley Park : This National Park is situated in the cold desert
of Spiti Valley. In this area visitors come across large herds
of Ibex and Bharal. Snow leopard is found in this park. This area
can be visited only by those who have tough leg muscles and strong
lungs. Visitors can contact Divisional Forest Officer Wildlife
Division Sarahan, Assistant Conservator of Forest Wildlife Kaza
or Range Officer Wildlife Tabo for information about the park.
The area is closed to foreign visitors. Indian visitors are also
required to obtain a permit for entry from Deputy Commissioner
Shimla or Sub Divisional Magistrate Rampur.
Renuka Sanctuary : This is a small
sanctuary connected by motorable road. Renuka lake and the temples
attract a large number of people from hills and plains. Forests
and the catchment of the lake add to its beauty and attraction.
Lion Safari and open Nature Parks with freely moving animals like
Chittal, Sambhar, Kakkar, etc. are a big attraction. Tourist Bunglow
and Cafeteria provide the comforts needed in a calm and quite
place. Visitors come all round the year.
Simbalbara
Sanctuary : This sanctuary is located in Paonta Valley of
Sirmour District. This area bears beautiful dense Sal forests
with grassy glades. This is probably the most picturesque area
of Shiwaliks. There is a perennial stream in the area. Simbalbara
Forest Rest House is connected by a fair weather road from Puruwala
and provides a beautiful view of the valley. Goral, Sambhar and
Chittal can be easily seen here.There are walking trails in the
quiet adjoining forests.Winter is the best season to visit this
sanctuary.
