Wildlife Sanctuaries In Himachal Pradesh

By Author: Hap Singh
Total Articles: 2
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The state of Himachal Pradesh is blessed with rich flora and fauna; the state’s topography and the climate supports dense forest cover over tall mountains and in them live the rarest of the rare animals. These green expanses are made up of various trees that are native to Himachal Pradesh and these include- pine, cedar, oak, birch, spruce and alder. The native wildlife here comprises of many birds and animals like partridges, patient kites, ibex, deer, bears, etc.
Owing to the nurtured land of Himachal, this state has a number of Wildlife Sanctuaries that protect the flora and fauna, without removing them from their natural habitat. The major wildlife sanctuaries in the state, out of the total of 32, include:

Simbalbara Sanctuary-

This sanctuary lies in Sirmour district’s Paonta Valley which is densely covered with Sal forest. This sanctuary in the Shivalik ranges has a perennial stream flowing through and one can easily witness animals like Goral, Sambar and Cheetah while enjoying a walk on the defined walking trail made for visitors. Summer months are the best time to visit this Sanctuary.

Churdahar ...
... Wildlife Sanctuary-

This Sanctuary has been named after the highest peak of outer Himalayas; lies in the Sirmour district. The best season to visit here would be from April to June and October till November. To witness the colourful state bird of Himachal Pradesh, Monal, you can come here. Other animals that can be seen here include- musk deer, langur, leopards, etc.

Chail Wildlife Sanctuary-

A visit to this Sanctuary can be best enjoyed in the months of March till October. The major attractions are the Sambar, Cheer Pheasants, Goral, Macaques, Leopards, etc. The wildlife sanctuary is a major tourist attraction and generates the major part of total local revenue.

Daranghati Wildlife Sanctuary-

Located in Shimla, the regular sightings here include Monal, Kalij, Musk Deer, Thar, etc. In order to completely explore this wilderness, you can stay at the nearby forest chowki in Kashapaat.

Manali Wildlife Sanctuary-

Sitting at a distance of two kilometres from the town of Manali, this sanctuary houses the Monal, Ibex, Snow leopards, leopards and Musk Deer. The forest cover comprises of Deodar, Walnut, Maple and Horse Chestnut forests.
Kalatop Khajjiar Wildlife Sanctuary-
You will have to travel a distance of less than 7 kilometres from Dalhousie to reach this wildlife sanctuary in the Kullu District. The beauty here gets magnified since it is located in the path of the Ravi River and comprises of Fir and Deodar trees. You can witness Jackal, Serow, Goral and many other animals strolling around in their natural environments.

Kanwar Sanctuary-

If you have been waiting all your life wondering whether you will get to see the Himalayan Thar, this is the Wildlife Sanctuary you need to visit. The Kanwar Santuary lies in the Kullu District’s Parbati Valley and you will have to climb up the distance between the sanctuary and Kasol. Although, the tall green Deodar trees and other natural elements ensure that you do not feel the strain of the climb when you reach the Sanctuary.

The other Wildlife Sanctuary and National Parks in Himachal Pradesh include- Bnadii Wildlife Sanctuary, Great Himalayan National Park, Darlaghat Wildlife Sanctuary, Govind Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary, etc.

For more information about Himachal Pradesh, himachal wildlife and to book tour visit our website http://www.himachaltourism.in