Himachal Pradesh wildlife

A varied topography, climate and forest endowed with a vast variety of flora and fauna makes Himachal Pradesh a natural habitat of wild animals and birds. In Himachal Pradesh the forest area covers an area of 37,691 sq km where nestles 32 Sanctuaries, two National Parks and three Games Reserves. Simbalbara sanctuary, located in Paonta Valley of Sirmour District has beautiful dense Sal forests with grassy glades. There is a perennial stream in the area. Simbalbara Forest Rest House, connected by a road from Puruwala provides a beautiful view of the valley. Goral, Sambhar and Chittal can be easily seen here. Winter is the best season to visit this sanctuary. Renuka sanctuary is a small sanctuary where the forests and the lake add to its beauty and attraction. Lion Safari and open Nature Parks houses moving animals like Chittal, Sambhar, Kakkar. Churdhar sanctuary is the highest peak in outer Himalayas. The view from Churdhar peak is un-paralled. A large number of multicoloured and agile Monals in the adjoining forests and trekking from Nohra, Sarain and Pulbahal is tough but enjoyable. There are Rest Houses at Nohra, Choras and Sarain. Chail sanctuary with its Deodar and Oak forests is the abode of wildlife. One can see Sambar, Goral and Cheer Pheasants at Blossom and Jhaja. Majathal sanctuary has a very steep and rugged terrain away from habitation. This sanctuary has the highest concentration of Goral which can be seen in its natural habitat. One has to stay in tents in the forest. Best season to visit is the winter. Maharan Pratapsagar, a lake sanctuary is a big attraction for migratory ducks from Siberian region during winter. Clean blue water all around with the panoramic view of Dhauladhar ranges and Kangra valley make the visit to Ransar Island an unforgettable experience. Manali sanctuary forms the catchment of Manalsu khad. A bridle path from Manali log huts passes through dense Deodar, Kail, Horse chestnut, Walnut and Maple forests. Night stay in tents at Lambadug or Gallant thatch is an unforgettable experience. 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. Kanawar sanctuary is located in Parbati valley of Kulu district. 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 with its well laid out trekking jungle trails both at Kalatop and Khajjiar is a tourist paradise. Daranghati sanctuary has undisturbed forest area with plenty of wildlife. Monal, Tragopan, Koklas and Kalij are the pheasants found here.

Besides wildlife sanctuaries existence of a good number of nature parks are found in the thick forests of Himachal Pradesh. Great Himalayan National Park 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. The tourists frequently visit Pin Valley National Park of Spiti Valley. Indian visitors are also required to obtain a permit for entry from Deputy Commissioner Shimla or Sub Divisional Magistrate Rampur. In Kufri a nature park has varieties of Hangal, Barking deer, Musk deer, Brown bear, rare species of Monal. There is a wild life sanctuary about 2 km away from Manali town. Nature Park in Gopalpur is situated near Palampur on Palampur-Dharamsala upper road. Kangra valley in Himachal Pradesh is another area where visitors come regularly.