Wildlife Sanctuaries of Himachal Pradesh, List of Wildlife Sanctuaries of Himachal Pradesh, Wildlife Sanctuaries in Himachal Pradesh, Popular Wildlife Sanctuaries of Himachal Pradesh, All wildlife Sanctuaries of India, Wildlife Sanctuaries State Wise, Bandli Wildlife Sanctuary, Chail Wildlife Sanctuary, Chandratal Wildlife Sanctuary, Churdhar Wildlife Sanctuary, Daranghati Wildlife Sanctuary, Dhauladhar Wildlife Sanctuary, Gamgul Siyabehi Wildlife Sanctuary, Kais Wildlife Sanctuary, Kalatop-Khajjiar Wildlife Sanctuary, Kanawar Wildlife Sanctuary, Khokhan Wildlife Sanctuary, Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary, Kugti Wildlife Sanctuary, Lippa Asrang Wildlife Sanctuary, Majathal Wildlife Sanctuary, Manali Wildlife Sanctuary, Nargu Wildlife Sanctuary, Pong Dam Lake Wildlife Sanctuary, Renuka Wildlife Sanctuary, Rupi Bhaba Wildlife Sanctuary, Sainj Wildlife Sanctuary, Rakchham Chitkul (Sangla Valley) Wildlife Sanctuary, Sech Tuan Nala Wildlife Sanctuary, Shikari Devi Wildlife Sanctuary, Shimla Water Catchment Wildlife Sanctuary, Talra Wildlife Sanctuary, Tirthan Wildlife Sanctuary, Tundah Wildlife Sanctuary
Table of Contents
Wildlife Sanctuaries of Himachal Pradesh
Bandli Wildlife Sanctuary
Bandli Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Mandi district in Himachal Pradesh, provides an important habitat to the rare snow leopard and pine pheasant. These animals can be seen living a life of peace and tranquility amidst the dense foliage of tall trees. It represents the north-west Himalayan region within the Himalayan biogeographic region. The terrain of Bandli Wildlife Sanctuary is hilly, with altitude ranging from 600 m to 2000 m. However, the changes in altitude are rapid and sudden. The highest point of Bandli Tibba is at an altitude of 2162 metres.
Animals: Common leopard, black bear, barking deer, goral, common langur, macaque; Pine Pheasant, Black Partridge, Green Backed Tit, White Brown Rose Finch, Plain Backed Thrush, Himalayan Slaty Headed Parakeet, Blue Headed Redstart.
Plants: Quercus leucotrichophora, Pinus roxburgii.
Chail Wildlife Sanctuary
Located in the famous hill station of Chail, the Chail Sanctuary is home to Sambar, Goral and Cheer Pheasants in Blossom and Jhaja. One can enjoy the spectacular views of Barking Deer and Kalijin at dusk and dawn. The sanctuary has extensive forest cover of oak, deodar and grassland. The former Maharaja of Patiala brought the European red deer here about half a century ago. However, a survey in 1988 did not show any of them. The sanctuary is the main attraction of Chail and the best time to visit is from March to October.
Animals: leopard, Indian muntjac, goral, crested porcupine, Himalayan black bear, wild boar, common langur, sambar, and black-naped rabbit; Cheer, Kalij, Himalayan Tree Creeper, Black Capped Sibia, Orange Flanked Bush Robin, Green Backed Tit, White Cheeked Bulbul, Greywinged Blackbird.
Plants: Cedrus deodara, Quercus leucotriophora, Myrica esculenta, Rhododendron arboretum, Pinus wallichiana.
Chandratal Wildlife Sanctuary
Located in the Tibetan Plateau biogeographic region, Chandratal Wildlife Sanctuary takes its name from Chandratal Lake in the Lahaul part of Lahaul and Spiti district. Tso Chikgama or Chandra Tal (meaning lake of the moon) is close to the source of the Chandra River. It is a highly sought after place for tourists and high altitude trekkers. The area’s abundant biodiversity has historical, economic and medicinal importance.
With mountains overlooking the lake on one side and a ring surrounding it on the other, Chandra Tal Lake is one of the two high altitude wetlands in the country that have been declared Ramsar sites. Preservation of this ancient hidden paradise is important and any visitor should never attempt to destabilize its delicate ecological balance.
Animals: snow leopard, wolf, Himalayan red fox, ibex, blue sheep, marmot, mongoose; Red billed and yellow billed choughs, black redstart, chukar partridge, golden eagle, horned lark, citrine wagtail.
Plants: Alpine pasture or dry alpine shrub forest.
Churdhar Wildlife Sanctuary
Located in the Sirmaur and Shimla districts, the Churdhar Sanctuary is named after Churdhar Peak, the highest in Sirmour district and also in the outer Himalayas. The people of Sirmour, Shimla, Chaupal, Solan districts of Himachal Pradesh and Dehardun district of Uttarakhand attach great religious significance to the Churdhar Peak. The sanctuary is bustling with vibrant and abundant biodiversity of rare fauna and flora such as the Common Langur, the Himalayan Black Bear, the Red-headed Bullfinch etc.
Animals: Common langur, Rhesus Macaque, Leopard, Himalayan Black Bear, Wild Boar, Indian Muntjac, Musk Deer, Goral, Royle’s Pika, Indian Porcupine; Koklas Pheasant, Himalayan Monal, Variegated Laughing Thrush, Chestnuttailed Minla, Grey-Crested Tit, Black-crested Tit, Whitetailed Nuthatch, Himalayan Green Finch, Red-headed Bullfinch, Brown Bull Finch.
Plants: Picea smithtiana, Abies pindrow, Pinus wallichiana, Quercus semicarpifolia, Quercus leucotriophora.
Daranghati Wildlife Sanctuary
Located in Rampur Bushahr in Shimla district, Daranghati Sanctuary is bordered by Mangalab to the north and Nogli Gab to the south. It is home to various species of koklass, pheasants, tragopans and kalijs. Tourists can see the famous wooden temples of Himachal right in the middle of the sanctuary. Set amidst beautiful landscapes, the abundant native biodiversity includes musk deer, goral and Himalayan thar. For adventure lovers, trekking options are available from Sarahan to Daranghati or on the old silk route. Guidance and advice can be sought from forest staff posted at Dofda and Sarahan.
Animals: Musk deer, Himalayan black bear, serow, Himalayan tahr, blue sheep, red fox, Himalayan mongoose, yellow-throated marten, Himalayan pachyderm
civet, jungle cat; Western Tragopan, Cheer Pheasant, Kokalas, White Crested Budgies, Monal, Himalayan Slaty-headed Parakeet, Himalayan Tree Pie, White-cheeked Bulbul, Black Bulbul, Rusty-cheeked Scimitarbubbler.
Plants: Quercus leucotrichophora, Pinus roxburgii, Quercus semicarpifolia, Betula utilis, Cedrus deodara, Pinus gerardiana, Picea smithiana, Abies pindro, Pinus wallichiana.
Dhauladhar Wildlife Sanctuary
Located in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, the Dhauladhar Wildlife Sanctuary forms a stunningly picturesque landscape. Surrounded by snow capped mountains on three sides and a mesmerizing green valley in front, this sanctuary has ample sights to see in and around it. Adventure sports lovers can do activities like paragliding and trout fishing to make their stay memorable. Other tourist attractions around the sanctuary include Thamsar Pass and Thamsar Lake. Thamsar Pass connects Kangra/Mandi districts near Badagra/Barot with the remotest Bada Bhangal region of the state.
Animals: Musk deer, Himalayan black bear, serow, Himalayan mongoose, Himalayan palm civet; Cheer Pheasant, Western Tragopan, Spotted Wood-pigeon, Himalayan Woodpecker, Golden-billed Magpie, Himalayan Tree Creeper, Himalayan Slaty-headed Parakeet, Himalayan Tree Pie.
Plants: Cedrus deodara, Picea smithiana, Abies pindro Pinus wallichiana, Quercus dilatata, Quercus semicarpifolia.
Gamgul Siyabehi Wildlife Sanctuary
The wildlife sanctuary of Gamgul in Chamba district is situated at a high altitude in the Bhandal valley in Saloni tehsil. It is connected to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir at the northern end. It is reported that the famous Kashmir Stag is found only in this sanctuary located in Himachal Pradesh. It is a viable home to small populations of Himalayan tahr, musk deer and pheasant. Many colorful birds can also be seen in this area. The typical high altitude vegetation found here includes pine forests, coniferous forests and alpine pastures.
Animals: Common langur, Himalayan black bear, brown bear, fox, Himalayan mongoose; Cheerios, koklass, Himalayan monal, various types of laughing thrushes, white-browed blue flycatcher.
Plants: Picea smithiana, Abies pindro, Cedrus deodara, Quercus semicarpifolia, Betula utilis, Rhododendron campanulatum.
Kais Wildlife Sanctuary
Kais Wildlife Sanctuary in Himachal Pradesh was notified as a protected area in the year 1954. The original objective of declaring it as a sanctuary was to protect endangered species like pheasant and musk deer. The hilly terrain of Kullu has provided a picturesque landscape to this sanctuary. A huge biodiversity of wildlife living here is the main attraction for wildlife lovers. Efficient arrangements have been made for the convenience of the visitors in this wildlife sanctuary.
Animals: Common langur, Himalayan black bear, brown bear, leopard; Himalayan Monal, Kalij, Kokalas, Chukor Partridge, Cheer, Western Tragopan.
Plants: Picea smithiana, Abies pindro, Cedrus deodara, Quercus semicarpifolia, Betula utilis, Rhododendron campanulatum.
Kalatop-Khajjiar Wildlife Sanctuary
Kalatop Khajjiar Sanctuary is located about 6 km from Dalhousie at Kalatop and Khajjiar in the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh, India. Lying on the course of the Ravi River, the sanctuary has abundant dense deodar and deodar forests and good trekking routes at both Kalatop and Khajjiar. Common animals found here include pheasant, serow and black bear. The place is picturesque with abundant forests which is a sight to behold for any nature lover.
Animals: Common langur, leopard, giant Indian flying squirrel, Indian porcupine, yellow-throated marten; Koklas, Kalij and Cheer Pheasant, Monal.
Plants: Cedrus deodara, Picea smithiana, Abies pindro, Quercus leucotrichophora.
Kanawar Wildlife Sanctuary
Located in the Parbati Valley of Kullu district, the Kanwar Sanctuary is situated at a high altitude with rocky terrain. Thick canopies of deodar and deodar trees cover a large part of the sanctuary. It is home to the rare “Western Tragopan” and many other species of birds including the Cheer Pheasant and White-cheeked Tit. This is a testament to the supernatural beauty of the local forests. Trekking is the best way to experience the sanctuary’s fascinating grasslands and hidden lakes. This journey highlights the divine beauty of the Himalayan region. R.O. Information and assistance is provided to visitors. Wildlife Kasol.
Animals: Common langur, Rhesus macaque, Himalayan black bear, brown bear, jungle cat, leopard cat, snow leopard, jackal, yellow-throated marten, Himalayan palm civet, Himalayan weasel, fox, goral, Indian muntjac, musk deer, royal pika. , Indian porcupine, giant flying squirrel; western tragopan,
Cheers, Monal.
Plants: Cedrus deodara, Pinus wallichiana, Picea smithiana, Abies pindro, Pinus wallichiana.
Khokhan Wildlife Sanctuary
Khokhan Wildlife Sanctuary is located at a distance of 19 km from Kullu city center and is home to a variety of mammals and reptiles. The major attraction of this sanctuary is the Himalayan black bear which is listed as a vulnerable species. Since it is not very far from Kullu city, tourists visiting this sanctuary area can indulge in adventure activities. The average rainfall during monsoon is 850 mm. Bhuntar is the nearest town to the wildlife sanctuary. The view of dense forests atop high mountains is one of pure wonder and joy for any nature lover.
Animals: Musk Deer, Tahr, Barking Deer, Goral, Leopard, Himalayan Mongoose; Kokalas, Monal, Western Tragopan, Red Jungle Fowl.
Plants: Cedrus deod
Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary
Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary is situated on a limestone rock mountain, near Kibber village in the glorious Lahaul and Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh. It has a monastery as well as the Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary. The local economy is driven by agriculture and there is abundant green farmland. The vegetation here is rare and it also has medicinal properties. Famous ecologist and scholar C.P. Kala has discovered eight species of rare and endangered medicinal plants in this sanctuary. More than 30 snow leopards have also been spotted by the wildlife wing of the forest department of Himachal Pradesh.
Animals: snow leopard, ibex, bharal, red fox, Himalayan wolf, Tibetan wild ass, lynx; Golden Eagle, Snow Cock, Chukor, Goldfinch, Himalayan Griffon, Brahminy Duck, Horned Lark.
Plants: Juniperus macropoda.
Kugti Wildlife Sanctuary
The second largest sanctuary of Himachal Pradesh, Kugti Wildlife Sanctuary, Bharmour represents an altitudinal diversity ranging from 2,195 m to 5,040 m. Tundah Sanctuary is connected to this sanctuary by a forest corridor towards the west. Located just 17 km from Bharmour, Kugti Wildlife Sanctuary houses the famous Manimahesh Temple. It is a popular religious tourist destination, where every year thousands of devotees undertake the arduous pilgrimage journey to the temple, crossing rough terrain, fast flowing streams, dense forests, green grasslands and glaciers.
Animals: brown bear, snow leopard, Himalayan black bear, leopard cat, panther; Cheer pheasant, koklass, monal.
Plants: Quercus semicarpifolia, Betula utilis, Rhododendron campanulatum, Cedrus deodara, Picea smithiana, Abies pindro.
Lippa Asrang Wildlife Sanctuary
Located in Kinnaur district, Lippa Asrang Sanctuary boasts of a unique landscape of arid trans-Himalayan region spanning an altitude between 3000 to 5122 metres. This forest area, with its varied altitude, supports a variety of flora and fauna under specific climatic conditions. The vast biodiversity is a sure inspiration to visit for nature and wildlife lovers. The local forests themselves are quite diverse. Dwarf juniper scrub forest is also spread throughout the entire area of the sanctuary. The sanctuary has also been declared an Important Bird Area.
Animals: musk deer, ibex, Himalayan black bear, brown bear, goral, blue sheep; Chukor, Yellow-billed Chough, Snowcock, Lammergeier, Griffon, Chestnut-bellied Nuthatch.
Plants: Quercus semicarpifolia, Cedrus deodara, Pinus gerardiana, Picea smithiana, Abies pindro, Pinus wallichiana.
Majathal Wildlife Sanctuary
Located in Solan district, Majthal Sanctuary has a steep and rugged terrain. It supports a large goral population as well as a large population of the endangered cheer pheasant. A good time to visit the sanctuary is during winter. Adequate arrangements have been made to ensure tracking facilities for the visitors. Tourists can also pitch their tents to enjoy an overnight stay in the ever-expanding area of the sanctuary. The surrounding areas have a rich, dense cover of grass, while inside the sanctuary there are dense forests of oak, moru and kharsu. Chir pine is the only type of conifer that grows in this region.
Animals: Common langur, rhesus macaque, Himalayan black bear, jackal, common palm civet, Himalayan palm civet, jungle cat, leopard, sambar, Indian muntjac, yellow-throated marten, goral, wild boar.
Plants: Pinus roxburghii, Quercus leucotriophora.
Manali Wildlife Sanctuary
Manali Wildlife Sanctuary is the catchment area of Manalsu ravine. Forests of deodar, kail, horse chestnut, walnut and maple cover the route that passes through Manali Log Huts and Dhungri Temple. In summer, herds of ibex can be seen migrating through the glacier area. The biggest attraction for visitors are the birds as the sanctuary is home to many species of migratory birds during summer. It is also popular among those who want an adrenaline rush. There are various trekking routes through the sanctuary, ranging from fairly easy to difficult climbs. Camping is also allowed during summer. The best time for trekking is May and June.
Animals: musk deer, ibex, Himalayan black bear, leopard, snow leopard, brown bear, jungle cat, Himalayan palm civet, yellow-throated marten, Indian muntjac; Western Tragopan, Himalayan Monal, Kokalas, Raptors.
Plants: Cedrus deodara, Pinus wallichiana, Quercus semicarpifolia, Quercus dilatata, Rhododendron campanulatum, Juniper spp.
Nargu Wildlife Sanctuary
A popular tourist destination, situated on the banks of the Uhal River, Nargu Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Mandi. A major gateway to this sanctuary is Barog village, which is connected to Kullu through a trekking route. Tourists can spot many animals within its range including monal, Himalayan black bear, serow, musk deer, black bear, barking deer, ghoral and pheasant. Travelers can avail accommodation facilities by visiting rest houses located at Thaltukhod and Silbadhwani. The ideal time to visit this region falls between April to May and August to October.
Animals: Himalayan black bear, civet, barking deer, leopard, porcupine; Hawk-cuckoo, jungle fowl, myna, chir, kalij, koklass, vulture.
Plants: Cedrus deodara, Quercus semicarpifolia, Quercus dilatata, Pinus roxburghii.
Pong Dam Lake Wildlife Sanctuary
A major attraction for migratory ducks and geese from the Siberian region, this sanctuary can be seen teeming with thousands of ducks in the marshy area located between the Shah Nahar Barrage and the Pong Dam as well as the shallow waters around the lake. Pong Dam was constructed in 1975 on the Beas River. Also known as Pong Reservoir or Maharana Pratap Sagar, Pong Dam Lake was listed as a Ramsar site in November 2002. The sanctuary becomes home to about 220 species of birds from 54 families. During winter, migratory birds come from all over the Hindukush Himalayas and even Siberia.
Animals: wild boar, barking deer, bluebull, Indian/red rabbit; Rednecked Grebe, Indian Skimmer, Black Stork, White-rumped Vulture, Himalayan Long-billed Vulture. A total of 228 species were recorded around Jawali and Shivalikh hills north-east of Jawali and 180 species were recorded in the Shanehar Barrage area. A large population of bar-headed geese visit the lake every year.
Plants: Pinus roxburghii, Mallotus philippinensis, Eucalyptus, Dalbergia sisso, Mangifera indica, Bauhinia variegata, Prunus, Acacia, Morus alba.
Renuka Wildlife Sanctuary
Renuka Sanctuary is located in Sirmaur district of Himachal Pradesh. Formally declared a sanctuary, an area of approximately 3 square kilometers located outside the sanctuary has been declared as a buffer. The area adjacent to Renuka Wildlife Sanctuary is highly revered by the local people as a pilgrimage site. This region of Himachal holds immense importance for the temples of mother and son. This sanctuary protects the rich local flora and fauna. Renukaji Mini Zoo, considered to be the oldest zoo in Himachal Pradesh, established in 1983, is also located within the boundaries of the wildlife sanctuary.
Animals: Leopard, Himalayan black bear, jungle cat, porcupine, goral, Himalayan palm civet; Blue Jay, Black Partridge, Scarlet Minnow, Bulbul, Common Coot, Mahseer, Mirror Carp.
Plants: Anozicus spp., Lucinia spp., Terminalia spp., Acacia catechu, Dalbergia sissoo, Mangifera indica, Cordia spp.
Rupi Bhaba Wildlife Sanctuary
Situated in the lap of the Shrikhand mountains of the Dhauladhar range, the Rupi Bhabha Wildlife Sanctuary takes its name from the Rupi and Bhaba valleys of lower Kinnaur. The sanctuary is situated on the upper part of these valleys on the left bank of the Sutlej river. The altitude of this region varies between 909 to 5,650 meters and is covered with lush green forests. The undulating terrain of the sanctuary supports an abundance of Indian wildlife species. Although the altitude of the sanctuary ranges between 2000 – 6000 metres, it is quite popular for its extensive alpine pastures as well as numerous treks and trails.
Animals: brown bear, Himalayan black bear, barking deer, musk deer, red fox, goral, ibex, leopard, snow leopard, serow, blue sheep, Himalayan tahr; Western Tragopan, Cheer, Kokalas, Blue-throated Flycatcher, White-throated Tit, White-cheeked Tit, Orange Bullfinch, Hill Partridge, Himalayan Woodpecker.
Plants: Pinus roxburghi, Quercus semicarpifolia, Betula utilis, Cedrus deodara, Pinus gerardiana, Picea smithiana, Abies pindro, Pinus wallichiana.
Sainj Wildlife Sanctuary
Located next to Maraur in Himachal Pradesh, the Sainj Wildlife Sanctuary occupies the V-shaped Sainj Valley rising from the lower mountain ranges of the main Himalayas to the east of Kullu. The Sainj River flows through a series of interlocking spurs and heads south-west to join the Beas River at the small village of Larji as it widens. Within the sanctuary you can see the tower temples, which are unique for their height and are believed to play an important role in protecting the clans from invaders. Built from locally available materials like wood and stone, these structures are still strong after hundreds of years.
Animals: Bharal, snow leopard, Himalayan tahr, Himalayan ibex, red fox, musk deer, brown bear, Himalayan black bear; Western Tragopan, Cheer, Khaleej, Kokalas and White-cheeked Tit.
Plants: Picea smithiana, Abies pindro, Quercus leucotrichophora, Cedrus deodara, Quercus semicarpifolia.
Rakchham Chitkul (Sangla Valley) Wildlife Sanctuary
Situated at an altitude of about 5500 meters, Rakcham Chitkul Sanctuary is a famous attraction of Kinnaur. Situated between Sangla Valley and Chitkul and considered to be one of the few popular wildlife sanctuaries of Himachal Pradesh, this place is considered to be a paradise for trekkers and nature lovers. Several trekking routes pass through this sanctuary, the most famous of which is the Lamkhanga Pass, as it connects Kinnaur to the Gangotri Glacier in Himachal Pradesh. Given that the sanctuary does not experience monsoons as it is located in an arid region, tourists can visit this reserved forest throughout the year. Mostly dry deciduous type of vegetation is found in the forest.
Animals: Musk deer, serow, Himalayan tahr, bharal, ghoral, leopard, snow leopard; Monal, Kokalas, Western Tragopan.
Plants: Cedrus deodara, Pinus wallichiana, Pinus gerardiana, Picea smithiana, Abies pindro, Pinus wallichiana.
Sech Tuan Nala Wildlife Sanctuary
Sechu Tuan Nala Wildlife Sanctuary is situated at an altitude of 2550 to 6072 meters. Located in Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh, Sechu Tuan Nala Wildlife Sanctuary is located adjacent to Chamba city. Some high altitude endangered species of both flora and fauna are found in the sanctuary. Famous for its temples and trek routes, Chamba attracts a large number of foreign and domestic tourists. Apart from wildlife attractions, the place is also home to many Buddhist and Hindu temples. For trekkers, there are several trekking routes from Chamba town to the sanctuary.
Animals: Ibex, musk deer, snow leopard, Himalayan black bear, brown bear; Western Tragopan, Kokalas, Monal, Green Backed Tit, Black Tit.
Plants: Cedrus deodara, Picea smithiana, Abies pindro, Aconium heterphyllum, Jurinia macrocephala.
Shikari Devi Wildlife Sanctuary
Located in the outlying seraj areas like Janjehli of Mandi district, Shikari Devi Wildlife Sanctuary houses the Shikari Devi Temple, the local goddess revered in the region. Historically, she was prayed to by hunters in the area for success in their hunts, giving rise to the name “Hunter Goddess”. The area is breathtaking and provides a panoramic view of the surrounding area. It can make visitors feel as if they have reached the top of the world. It was first notified as a sanctuary in 1962 and then re-notified on 27 March 1974.
Animals: Himalayan black bear, leopard, Himalayan palm civet, musk deer, barking deer, goral, langur; Himalayan griffon, Tickle’s leaf warbler, plain-backed thrush, rufous-streaked accentor, wall creeper.
Plants: Picea smithiana, Abies pindro, Cedrus deodara, Quercus semicarpifolia, Betula utilis, Rhododendron campanulatum.
Shimla Water Catchment Wildlife Sanctuary
The Shimla Water Catchment Wildlife Sanctuary, located near Shimla city, is considered one of the densest forests in Asia, and has a long history of conservation. It has been under conservation for over 135 years. A fairly easy and comfortable track leads through the sanctuary on a rough narrow road which is almost level without any ups and downs. The sanctuary offers wildlife tourism opportunities for nature lovers with breathtaking views, with plenty of chances to spot animals and birds. The sanctuary has a large variety of trees such as ban-oak, moru-oak, kharsu-oak, kail, spruce, silver fir, rhododendron, pine and Himalayan cedar.
Animals: Sambar, fox, jackal, porcupine, leopard; Cheer, Kokalas, Khaleej, Himalayan Pied Woodpecker, Great Himalayan Barbet.
Plants: Quercus leucotrichophora, Cedrus deodara, Pinus wallichiana.
Talra Wildlife Sanctuary
Talara Wildlife Sanctuary in the eastern region of Shimla is a part of the two tehsils of Jubbal and Chopal and is located very close to the borders of Uttarakhand. The sanctuary was a hunting ground during British rule and remained so even after independence. It is home to oak and pine forests generally prevalent in the upper western Himalayas as well as dense forests of the western lower Himalayas. This dense network of forests forms a magnificent green corridor across the sanctuary grounds, attracting nature lovers to the area.
Animals: Goral, Langur, Leopard, Barking Deer, Himalayan Black Bear, Sambar; Monal, Koklass pheasant, spotted wood-pigeon, Himalayan woodpecker, black-crowned tit, green-backed tit.
Plants: Cedrus deodara, Picea smithiana, Abies pindro, Quercus semicarpifolia.
Tirthan Wildlife Sanctuary
Tirthan Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Kullu district, is one of the most stunningly beautiful sanctuaries of Himachal Pradesh. A part of this sanctuary has also been declared a World Heritage Site. The hot springs originate from the mountain ranges surrounding the sanctuary. On the southern side, it is connected to the Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP). Approvals and permissions to visit GHNP can be sought at Sai Ropa Complex in Shamshi village. The famous Shringa Rishi temple is located at Banjar near the campus. If the visitor moves ahead, he will be welcomed by the famous Chaini Kothi, a site of archaeological and architectural wonder.
Animals: snow leopard, Himalayan tahr, musk deer, Himalayan brown bear and black bear; Western tragopan, cheetah, budgie, koklass and white-cheeked tit.
Plants: Quercus leucotrichophora, Cedrus deodara, Quercus semicarpifolia.
Tundah Wildlife Sanctuary
Located at the junction of Tundah Nala and Ravi River, Tundah Wildlife Sanctuary is about 45 km from Dalhousie. It is connected to the Kugti Sanctuary in the east by a forest corridor. The altitude of this sanctuary falls between 2074 to 5532 meters. ‘Banni Mata Temple’ in Banni village and Kali Cho Pass (one of the toughest mountain passes in the state) located within the Tundah Wildlife Sanctuary are some of the other attractions. Kali Cho Pass connects Udaipur/Triloknath in Lahaul Valley with Bharmour area of Chamba district.
Animals: Himalayan brown bear, goral, Himalayan tahr, ibex, Himalayan black bear; Monal, Western Tragopan, Kokalas, Flycatcher and Thrush.
Plants: Quercus semicarpifolia, Betula utilis, Rhododendron campanulatum, Cedrus deodara, Picea smithiana, Abies pindro.