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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.
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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.
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Kanawar 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.
.. 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
.. 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.
.. Chail Sanctuary
Chail is a hill station visited by many tourists.The Deodar and Oak forests
with grasslands around the township are the abode of wildlife. One can see
Sambar, Goral and Cheer Pheasants at Blossom and Jhaja.Visitors are welcome
to the Cheer pheasant breeding centre at both these places. Barking deer and
Kalijin in the forests are sure to meet and greet the visitors at dusk and
dawn. Trekking from Chail to Gaura and Chail to Jhaja is common and
rewarding as one is sure to see wildlife and beautiful snowy peaks. Range
Officer Wildlife Chail and his staff welcome the visitors and assists the
wildlife lovers to see wildlife in the sanctuary area.
.. 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.
.. Pin Valley National 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.
