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If you are in Punjab and looking for a serene escape amidst nature and wildlife, Takhni Rehmapur Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the best spots. Ideal for families, children, and solo travellers too, the sanctuary is quite close to Hoshiarpur district. Despite being quite lesser known, the sanctuary stands out with its picturesque terrains, dense wildlife population and wide range of bird species. Walking through or embarking on a safari in this sanctuary opens up a hotspot of biodiversity. As you are planning a quick getaway to Punjab, ensure that you also add this wildlife sanctuary to the itinerary without fail.
Quick Details
Takhni Rehmapur Wildlife Sanctuary Address: Rahmanpur, Punjab 144209
Takhni Rehmapur Wildlife Sanctuary Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Takhni Rehmapur Wildlife Sanctuary Ticket Price: General
Closest City: Hoshiarpur
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Area: Approx. 382 hectares
How To Reach Takhni Rehmapur Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Gwen Weustink / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Takhni Rehmapur Wildlife Sanctuary lies on the Shivalik foothills of Punjab’s Hoshiarpur district, near the village of Rehmapur. The sanctuary is part of the larger Kandi region, known for its rolling hills and rich biodiversity. It is located slightly offbeat from the main town, which explains why it has gained so much traction over time.
By Air: For the individuals flying to Punjab to visit the sanctuary, you’d need to reach Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport in Amritsar, which is the nearest airport. From the airport, you can either take a taxi or there are buses to Hoshiarpur, and then proceed to the sanctuary.
By Rail: If you are taking the train route, Hoshiarpur Railway Station is your nearest railhead. Since it is around 16 km from the sanctuary, you can either opt for a taxi or an auto rickshaw from the station.
By Road: You can easily access the sanctuary by car or bus from Hoshiarpur. Buses are plying to Hoshiarpur from nearby cities like Chandigarh and Ludhiana. Even taxis are available for a smoother journey.
Things To Do At Takhni Rehmapur Wildlife Sanctuary
Despite being a small wildlife sanctuary, there are numerous exploring opportunities inside Takhni Rehmapur. Depending on your comfort, you can go around exploring the numerous activities available.
1. Bird Watching
Photo: Ramesha Sheshachala / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Between October to March, the wildlife sanctuary transforms into a bird watcher’s paradise since migratory birds flock in from different states and countries. The sanctuary is home to over 200 species of birds, both resident and migratory. Some of the most commonly sighted birds in the sanctuary include Indian peafowl, Eurasian Golden Oriole, Red Junglefowl, Pied Kingfisher and White-breasted Kingfisher. It’s recommended to bring a good pair of binoculars and a field guide to identify the many species you’ll encounter.
2. Hiking Along Nature Trails
Photo: Sharefaith / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
The dense forest surrounding the wildlife sanctuary is one of the highlights of this place. So, while planning a getaway, ensure that you set out on guided nature walks. The trails provide an intimate experience with the sanctuary’s ecosystem, allowing visitors to experience the rich flora and fauna up close. These well-marked trails are ideal for leisure walks, trekking and wildlife observation from a distance. You do need a local guide with you for safety and to return to the sanctuary’s entrance once you finish.
3. Wildlife Spotting
Photo: Deirdre Boys / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Without any doubt, the highlight of visiting the wildlife sanctuary is to indulge in a wildlife safari experience. While the bird species are quite predominant there, the sanctuary is also home to Indian leopards, Jungle cats and sambar deer, which you can spot on the safari. Wildlife spotting in Takhni Rehmapur requires patience and a keen eye. Early mornings and late afternoons are the best times for animal sightings as wildlife tends to be more active during these cooler parts of the day.
4. Photography
Photo: Jan Harder / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
The wildlife sanctuary offers countless opportunities for both amateur and professional photographers. Be it the wildlife up close or the surrounding landscapes, there are numerous opportunities to take Takhni Rehmapur Wildlife Sanctuary photos. However, one thing that you should keep in mind is to avoid flash photography, especially when taking pictures of animals. This can be disruptive and agitate the animals. There are no restrictions on taking a professional camera but you might have to pay an additional fee for that at the entrance.
5. Picnicking
Photo: Madara / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
To spend a relaxing day amidst nature, plan a picnic inside the sanctuary. It is one of the most interactive activities and amazing for families and friends too. You do have to bring all the picnic essentials with you since there are no food stalls or dedicated picnic supplies inside. However, the rustic picnic experience, out in the wilderness, almost feels like camping. Once you finish your picnic, ensure to clean up after yourself and not litter the area.
Places To Visit Around Takhni Rehmapur Wildlife Sanctuary
Spending a few hours inside the wildlife sanctuary means that you have the remainder of your day to explore some of the nearby sightseeing spots.
1. Chintpurni Temple
Photo: Guptaele / Wikimedia Commons
Located roughly 40 km from the sanctuary, Chintpurni Temple is one of the most celebrated and visited temples nearby. It is part of the Shakti Peethas, a group of temples dedicated to the goddess Shakti. It is believed that praying to the Goddess Chintpurni gets rid of worries and anxieties (hence the name “Chintpurni”). Also, the temple is located on top of a hill, which adds to the scenic views and experiences further.
Distance: 40 km from the sanctuary
Timings: 4 AM – 9:30 PM
2. Bhakra Nangal Dam
Photo: mrinalpal / Shutterstock
Sometimes, we need to witness the engineering marvels to realise how far things have come in our world. Bhakra Nangal Dam is one of the highest gravity dams in the world and a major landmark in the region. This engineering marvel, built across the Sutlej River, serves as a popular tourist attraction due to its scenic beauty and its historical and technological significance. The dam creates the Gobind Sagar Reservoir, a massive water body that offers beautiful views and the chance to take boat rides. You can also indulge in a picnic around the surrounding areas.
Distance: 85.6 km from the sanctuary
Timings: 8 AM – 4 PM
3. Kapurthala’s Jagatjit Palace
Photo: Harvinder Chandigarh / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
To immerse yourself in the local history, head to Kapurthala’s Jagatjit Palace, which stands out for its stunning architecture and the history behind it. This majestic palace, built in Indo-Saracenic architecture, was once the residence of the Maharaja of Kapurthala. Today, it houses the Sainik School, but visitors can explore parts of the palace’s exterior and its stunning gardens. The palace’s origin dates back to 1908 and it has undergone restoration and renovations to preserve its architecture and the artefacts inside.
Distance: 73.5 km from the sanctuary
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM
Where To Stay & Eat
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The remote and offbeat location of this wildlife sanctuary means that you won’t find a lot of accommodation options right beside it. However, Hoshiarpur is a nearby city from the sanctuary that has numerous hotels and resorts for you to book your accommodation in. Some of the most popular ones include Hotel Maharaja Palace, Fortune Park, Hotel Garden Court, Hotel Presidency, and Hotel Amber Residency, Hoshiarpur.
Also, there are numerous restaurants and local eateries available around the wildlife sanctuary, especially in Hoshiarpur. A few popular restaurants to explore around are Hoshiarpur’s Dhaba Express, Moti Mahal Delux, Amber, Ds Vaishno Dhaba and Narang Cafeteria.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Fajruddin Mudzakkir / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
When visiting the wildlife sanctuary, ensure that you keep the following pointers in mind:
- Visit between October and March for pleasant weather and better wildlife sightings.
- Wear comfortable, breathable clothes and sturdy shoes for trekking and wildlife spotting.
- Carry water, sunscreen, and a first-aid kit, especially if you’re planning a hike or nature walk.
- Don’t forget a good camera and binoculars if you’re interested in birdwatching or wildlife photography.
- Maintain a safe distance from animals and avoid disturbing the natural environment.
Visiting Takhni Rehmapur Wildlife Sanctuary is pretty much a must-visit experience the next time you are in Hoshiarpur, Punjab. The smaller area coverage of the sanctuary enables you to explore it in its entirety within the day, spot animals in their natural habitat and even indulge in a laidback picnic. Plan your next vacation to Punjab with TripXL to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature.
Cover Photo: Irina Blok / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
