Wildlife in Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh has a varied topography, climate and forest cover and is endowed with a vast variety of flora and fauna. From times immemorial, this tract is known for its wilderness, landscapes, beautiful forests and wildlife. In Himachal Pradesh, out of the total geographical area of 55,670 sqkm, the forest area as per legal classification is 37,691 sqkm. At present there are 32 Sanctuaries, 2 National Parks and 3 Games Reserves.

SIMBALBARA SANCTUARY: This sanctuary is located in Paonta Valley of Sirmour District. This areabears 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. [Sirmour]

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. [Sirmour]

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 Deodarand 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. [Solan] (more…)