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Bandli Wildlife Sanctuary which is situated amidst the serene landscapes of Himachal Pradesh, is an unsung destination that attracts many nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers. Spread over an area of 32.11 square kilometres, the sanctuary beautifully blends its rich biodiversity with picturesque views of the Himalayas. Whether you are an avid birdwatcher, a wildlife photographer, or simply want to reconnect with nature, the sanctuary gives the perfect abode for you. This guide will take you through everything you need to know to make the most of your visit to this enchanting destination.
Location
Photo: Kashish Lamba / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
The location of the sanctuary is in the Mandi District of Himachal Pradesh, India. The sanctuary lies at an altitude of about 1,500 metres above mean sea level. The climate remains cool and salubrious during all seasons of the calendar. Bandli Wildlife Sanctuary address is easy to navigate. The closest town is Jogindernagar, which is about 18 kilometres away, hence easily accessible for travellers.
How To Reach
Photo: John McArthur / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
By Air: The nearest airport to the sanctuary lies at Bhuntar in Kullu, located about 85 km away. There is excellent connectivity to other major cities, such as Delhi and Chandigarh, with frequent flights between them. You can take a bus or hire a cab from Bhuntar Airport towards Jogindernagar and go to the sanctuary via local transport or private vehicle.
By Bus: Buses are available from Shimla, Chandigarh, and Delhi to Jogindernagar. Further, one gets local buses and taxis at Jogindernagar for the journey to the sanctuary. The trip via bus keeps you entranced during the passage because of its scenic Himalayan landscape view, serving as a reward to people who like routes with beauty in them.
By Rail: The nearest railway station to the sanctuary is Jogindernagar Railway Station, approximately 18 kilometres away. Jogindernagar is connected to Pathankot through the narrow-gauge Kangra Valley Railway. You can hire a taxi from Jogindernagar or take a local bus to the sanctuary.
Places To Visit In And Around Bandli Wildlife Sanctuary
Here is the list of five popular places to visit around Bandli Wildlife Sanctuary that one must visit while going to this beautiful place.
1. Rewalsar Lake
Photo: Mystic nishant99 / Wikimedia Commons
Situated about 40 kilometres from the sanctuary, Rewalsar Lake has a lot of religious significance and is known for its picturesque views. With the rugged mountains surrounding it, the lake is famous for its reed islands that apparently move on their own and float on the water. According to Hindus, Buddhists, and Sikhs, the waters of Rewalsar are sacred. Dotting the area are monasteries, temples, and one Gurudwara. It is a spiritual retreat for every visitor. With the peaceful ambience blending into scenic beauty, Rewalsar Lake happens to be one of the greatest spots to visit.
Timings: Open all day
2. Prashar Lake
Located at an altitude of about 65 kilometres away from the sanctuary, Prashar Lake offers an unforgettable experience for every nature enthusiast and adventure lover. This lake was named after the great sage, Prashar, who meditated here. It is a beautiful place surrounded by dense forests and peaks. Its crystal clear waters mirror the shadows of the surrounding mountains in its sickle-shaped waters. A small, floating island in the middle of the lake adds much mystery and beauty. The trek to Prashar Lake is the one that stays in memory for a very long time, with panoramic views of the Himalayas all along the way.
Timings: Open all day
3. Barot Valley
Photo: Hardik Monga / Unsplash
Barot Valley lies off the beaten track in Himachal, about 25 km from the sanctuary. The beautiful valley has all the ingredients to blend nature and adventure in a perfect ratio. It is lush green and is considered a paradise for trout fishing, camping, and trekking. You will find an abundance of trout in the Uhl River that flows through it. Therefore, it attracts angling enthusiasts from far and wide. The valley also serves as an entry point to many trek routes leading to some of the most picturesque spots in the surrounding hills.
Timings: Open all day
4. Jogindernagar
Photo: Ales Krivec / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Jogindernagar is just eighteen kilometres from Bandli Wildlife Sanctuary. It is quiet, full of greenery, and has heavy cultural vibes. It is also hailed as the ‘Electric City’ of Kangra Valley Railway, making it an opportunity to explore the lifestyle of a typical Himachal resident. Key attractions at Jogindernagar include Macchial Lake, a sacred spot for local fishing communities, and Bhubu Pass, which offers mesmerising views of the surrounding mountains. It is said that the peaceful ambience of the town, coupled with its natural beauty, offers the perfect stopover for travellers.
Timings: Open all day
5. Shikari Devi Temple
Photo: Narender Sharma, Blue Particle Solutions / Wikimedia Commons
Situated at an altitude of 3,332 metres, Shikari Devi Temple is an ancient shrine approximately 60 kilometres from the sanctuary. The shrine is dedicated to Shikari Devi, who is worshipped as the Goddess of the Hunt. This place has become of great importance as a pilgrimage centre for devotees. It is estimated that this temple is more than 500 years old and overlooks the mountain and valley panorama in its surroundings. Thus, it becomes a worthy destination for trekkers. The trek to the temple is a long one and somewhat difficult.
Timings: Open all day
Where To Stay
Photo: Vojtech Bruzek / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Options to stay around the sanctuary vary from budget guesthouses and mid-range hotels, catering to various tastes. For those wanting to stay amidst nature, the Forest Rest House inside the sanctuary is rustic, quite simple, and appropriate. Across from Jogindernagar, 18 km away, lies Hotel Shingar, offering decent rooms equipped with modern facilities. On the other hand, HPTDC Hotel Mamleshwar at Chindi is about 50 kilometres from the sanctuary and provides decent facilities for a comfortable stay amidst a calm environment.
Where To Eat
Photo: Shameel mukkath / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
There are few dining options around the sanctuary including Neelam Restaurant in Jogindernagar which has a variety of North Indian and Himachali cuisines. Cafe Shimla Times in Jogindernagar is a small, cosseted inlet for refreshments, beverages, and light meals. Further down the road to Barot Valley, small roadside dhabas offer irresistible home-cooked delicacies to enjoy the real and rustic taste of the local flavours.
Best Time To Visit
The ideal time to visit Bandli Wildlife Sanctuary is during summer, from March to June, and autumn, from September to November. The weather is pleasing, and the entire sanctuary turns green, which is an excellent reason to visit, spot wildlife, and trek.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Chris Lawton / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Average Cost Of The Trip
The average cost of a trip to the sanctuary may vary between ₹5000 – ₹10,000 per person, including Bandli Wildlife Sanctuary ticket price, transportation, stay, and food.
Tips For Travellers
- Pack light, but do not forget to include the basics, such as warm clothing, comfortable walking shoes, and a rain suit during the monsoon season.
- Always carry some cash with you, as there is a limited number of ATMs in the area, and most places will not accept card payments.
- Keep a safe distance from the wildlife, and do not disturb an animal in its habitat.
- Be mindful and seek permission before taking Bandli Wildlife Sanctuary photos.
- Hire a local guide if you plan to trek or move around other less frequented parts of the sanctuary.
- Stay hydrated and carry snacks, especially in case of long hikes or remote tours.
The beauty of Bandli Wildlife Sanctuary is that one feels in harmony with nature amongst its thick forests, viewing exotic wildlife, or just soaking in tranquillity amidst the mighty Himalayas, sure to leave you with memories worth a lifetime. Plan your trip with TripXL to Bandli Wildlife Sanctuary today and get ready to be enchanted by this pristine beauty, one of the most alluring places in Himachal Pradesh.
Cover Photo: Ryutaro Tsukata / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
