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Ideally located amid the mighty Himalayas, Daranghati Wildlife Sanctuary is a nature lover’s and wildlife enthusiast’s paradise. This abode is situated at the lowest height in the district of Shimla in Himachal Pradesh. It offers a peaceful getaway from the noise and chaos of city life. It is covered with dense forests and harbours a variety of flora and fauna, while the landscapes are eye-feasting. Being a wildlife sanctuary, it also offers scope for trekking, bird watching, and studying the cultural heritage of the tribal folk who inhabit this region.
Location
Daranghati Wildlife Sanctuary address is easily accessible. It is situated in the district of Shimla and approximately 150 km away from the state capital, has an area of about 167 sq. km. It was established in Himachal Pradesh at altitudes ranging from 2,500 to 3,500 metres above sea level. The closest town to Daranghati would be Rampur Bushahr, at a distance of about 55 kilometres.
How To Reach
Photo: Yoann Donzé / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
By Air: The closest airport to the sanctuary is Jubbarhatti Airport in Shimla, approximately 160 km away. You can take a cab from the airport or board a bus to the nearest town, Rampur Bushahr. It takes approximately 5-6 hours by road from Shimla to Rampur. You can hire a local taxi or board a bus to reach the sanctuary.
By Bus: Shimla, Rampur Bushahr, and other nearby towns have a regular bus service. HRTC runs buses linking Shimla with Rampur Bushahr. You can get into a taxi or a local bus from Rampur to reach the sanctuary. The journey by bus from Shimla to Rampur takes about 6 hours, after which you take a 2-hour drive to Daranghati.
By Rail: The nearest railway station to the sanctuary is Shimla Railway Station, about 150 km away. You can hire a taxi from Shimla Railway Station or take a bus to Rampur Bushahr and head towards the sanctuary. It takes 7-8 hours to reach the Daranghati Sanctuary from Shimla via road.
Places To Visit Around Daranghati Wildlife Sanctuary
Here is a list of five popular places around Daranghati Wildlife Sanctuary that one must explore while visiting this beautiful sanctuary.
1. Sarahan
Photo: Gerd Eichmann / Wikimedia Commons
Sarahan is a small village, about 35 km from Daranghati, epitomising the beautiful landscapes and the famous Bhimakali Temple. The temple is an architectural marvel and one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, therefore holding great religious significance. Apart from this place’s spiritual interest for visitors, it also offers beautiful views of Srikhand Mahadev Peak, making it one of the most sought-after places for nature and photography lovers. It is also one of the entry points to the Kinnaur Valley. The camps around this village are ideal for trekking, bird watching, and exploring the unbeaten beauty of the Himalayas.
Timings: Open all day
2. Narkanda
Photo: puneet kumar / Unsplash
Located about 60 km from Daranghati, Narkanda is a lovely hill station. It is famous for its apple orchards and has pretty lively skiing environments. It hosts Hatu Peak, one of the highest peaks in the area, offering unrivalled views of the snow-clad Himalayas. The trek to Hatu Peak is one of the most preferred for adventure buffs since it offers thrills and stunning natural beauty. Winter comes, and Narkanda transforms into a skiing resort that welcomes everybody for a recreation of adventure amidst the solitude of this mountain town.
Timings: Open all day
3. Rampur Bushahr
Photo: yash kiran / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Rampur Bushahr is one of the ancient towns, about 55 km from Daranghati. It is famous for its rich cultural heritage and architectural grandeur. Rampur was the capital of the princely state of Bushahr and boasts a magnificent Padam Palace, which reflects an excellent blend of both Indian and European styles of architecture. This town hosts the famous Lavi Fair, a vibrant fair in terms of culture, drawing traders and visitors from across the region. The historical importance and scenic beauty of Rampur make it a place one can always include in the must-visit list while visiting Daranghati.
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM (Padam Palace)
Entry Fee: ₹50 (Padam Palace)
4. Hatu Peak
Photo: Nomad Bikers / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Hatu Peak is among the highest peaks after Kamrau, nestled at an elevation of 3,400 m above sea level. The acme of the peak is renowned for the Hatu Mata Temple, which local people revere for its religious value. The trek of Hatu Peak is considered extremely difficult and full of adventure, but at the same time, it has a lot of natural beauty in the form of panoramic views of valleys and snow-covered mountains. The trails to the peak are adorned by lush pine and deodar forests, just the right approach to nature’s adventure.
Timings: Open all day
5. Rohru
Photo: Benita Elizabeth John / Unsplash
About 80 km from Daranghati, Rohru is a beautiful town famous for its apple orchards and great trout fishing in the Pabbar River. The serene surroundings and scenic beauty make this town a paradise for nature lovers and anglers. Rohru also forms the base for a few trek routes. For instance, Chanshal Pass provides breathtaking views and an adventurous experience to visitors. Whether it is a shot at some fishing or just relaxation in the lap of nature, Rohru provides an ideal setting for a peaceful retreat.
Timings: Open all day
Where To Stay
Photo: Roberto Nickson / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
From budget guesthouses to mid-range hotels or luxury resorts, several accommodation facilities are near the sanctuary. Rampur Bushahr is another alternative with various accommodation options like the HPTDC Hotel Bushahr Regency, which overlooks the Sutlej River beautifully. If one wants to stay closer to nature, the sanctuary offers tourists basic facilities at Daranghati Forest Rest House.
Where To Eat
Photo: Tim Douglas / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
There are no dining options near Daranghati Wildlife Sanctuary, but nearby towns like Rampur Bushahr, Sarahan, and Narkanda offer eateries serving local Himachali, North Indian, and Tibetan cuisines. Some popular ones are Hotel Bhagwati in Rampur, Himalayan Restaurant in Sarahan, and Negi Dhaba in Narkanda. These places offer a great variety of food at quite reasonable rates.
Best Time To Visit
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The best time to visit this sanctuary is from April to June and September to November. During these seasons, the days are pleasant, with the environment of the sanctuary lush green and the wildlife vibrant. The summer season, from April to June, is ideal for trekking and spotting the diversified flora and fauna of the sanctuary. The post-monsoon period from September to November is excellent for birdwatching or enjoying the scenic beauty because of clear weather with cool temperatures.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: ian dooley / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Average Cost Of The Trip
The average cost of a Daranghati Wildlife Sanctuary trip varies depending on the kind of travel, accommodation, and activities. The best part is that there is no Daranghati Wildlife Sanctuary ticket price. Budget travellers spend around ₹5000 – ₹7000 and if one is looking at mid-range accommodations and activity options, it falls somewhere around ₹10,000 – ₹15,000.
Tips For Travellers
- Since the sanctuary lies at an altitude, the weather conditions can be pretty cold. It’s best to carry warm clothing even in the summer months.
- The region does not have many ATMs. Therefore, always carry sufficient cash to help you through the day.
- The area is home to numerous indigenous local communities. Please respect their customs and traditions. Be careful while clicking Daranghati Wildlife Sanctuary photos.
- Drink lots of water because the high altitude might lead to dehydration.
- One can get the help of a local guide who will ensure the best visit and give insights regarding the wildlife and cultural relevance of the sanctuary.
Daranghati Wildlife Sanctuary is a hidden paradise in the Himalayas. It’s the perfect blend of adventure, wildlife, and cultural experiences. Be it a nature lover, a trekking enthusiast, or someone looking for tranquillity, this sanctuary offers something for everyone. Plan your trip to this pristine destination and experience the beauty of the Himalayas today. Book your adventure with TripXL and experience the magic of this wildlife Sanctuary.
Cover Photo: Wolfgang Hasselmann / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
