Sanctuaries Of Himachal Pradesh
Renuka Wildlife Sanctuary:
Renuka Wild Life Sanctuary is at a distance of 40 Km from Nahan approachable by road. Nearest point of getting to the sanctuary is Dadahu which is served by regular daily bus service. The sanctuary covers an area of about 30 Sq. Km. with a buffer belt of 2 Sq. Km. It lies among the lower Himalayan region sheltered by the beautiful Renuka Lake. It is a treat to see the Majestic Emperor of the forests and pride of the nation "ASIATIC LION". This animal is now provided with a much bigger enclosure to roam around and display its natural behaviour which the people will have the privilege of watching from watch towers and mobile vans. This sanctuary also has a large number of Black Bear, Barking Deer, Goral, Jackal and Leopard. Besides, it has a large number of birds and fishes like Parakeet, Barbet, Wild Fowl, Water Hen, Common Coot, Wood Pecker, King-fisher, Kalij Pheasant, Red Fowl, Sambhar with its sagacious antlers, Spotted Deer and the Geese along with other aquatic birds.
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.
The Churdhar Sanctury:
Dominating the entire landscape of fields, forests and ravines is the Churdhar peak, which rises to 3,647 meters and is a trekkers’treat from Nahan and Renuka. Approached by way of Dadahu, Sangrah, Bhawal, Gandhuri and Nauhra, it is a 50 Km trek. A less taxing journey is by taxi or car to Nauhra and thereafter a walk of 16 km. The climb is difficult but rewarding. One is sure to come across a large number of multicoloured and agile Monals in the adjoining forests. The peak offers a fine view of the Gangetic plains and the Satluj river in south, and Badrinath towards the north, a well known Hindu pilgrimage. Also seen are the hills of Chakrata and Shimla from the top.
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. An alternative route to Churdhar is through Rajgarh, an orchard country.
Daranghati Sanctuary:
This sanctuary located in the upper area of Shimla's Musk Deer 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.
Kalatop Khajiar Sanctuary:
This sanctuary area with its well laid out Khaijl Pheasant 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 the black bear which can be encountered often in the area.
Kanawar Sanctury:
This sanctuary is located in Parbati valley of Kullu Thar Habitat in Kanwar Sanctuary district. There is a rest house at Kasol and R.O. wildlife, Kasol that provide information and help to the visitors. Uphill walk along Garahan Nala from Kasol through dense majestic deodar and fir forests is enjoyable. This sanctuary has a large population of Himalayan Thar in Himalayas and seeing this big goat on high mountain cliffs is a dream fulfillment of any wildlife lover.
Manjathal Sanctury:
This sanctuary has a very steep and rugged terrain. This can be visited by travelling about 10 Km 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. The best season to visit is winters.
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 Sambhar, Goral and Cheer Pheasants at Blossom and Jhaja. Visitors are welcome to the Cheer pheasant breeding centre at both these places. The 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 assist the wildlife lovers to see wildlife in the sanctuary area.
Manali Sanctury:
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.