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Himachal Pradesh is one of the most frequented tourist places in the country, literally meaning ‘the abode of snow’ in Hindi. Scenic views, abundant wildlife, and various wildlife sanctuaries make this state an essential place to visit. Several wildlife sanctuaries in Himachal Pradesh provide an opportunity to glance at the rich biodiversity in this region. These sanctuaries within the state of Himachal Pradesh offer a haven to endangered species and a pristine environment to visitors who come to experience the natural beauty and biodiversity of the Himalayas.
10 Wildlife Sanctuaries In Himachal Pradesh
Here’s a list of the 10 best wildlife sanctuaries in Himachal Pradesh that the nature lovers can visit on their upcoming trip:
1. Great Himalayan National Park
Photo: Samir Azad / Wikimedia Commons
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Great Himalayan National Park is known for its diverse ecosystems ranging from alpine meadows to dense forests. The park offers opportunities for trekking and camping and is one of the best wildlife sanctuaries in Himachal Pradesh. Visitors can opt for guided tours or indulge in wildlife safari to get a 360 tour of the park. Spread across an area of 1,171 square kilometres it features key wildlife like snow leopards, Himalayan tahr, musk deer, Himalayan brown bear, and over 375 species of fauna.
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Location: Seraj Forest Division, Kullu Himachal Pradesh
Entry Fee: ₹800
Suggested Read: Top Places To Visit In Himachal Pradesh For Your Next Vacation
2. Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Truewebsolution / Wikimedia Commons
The Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary in Himachal Pradesh is relatively smaller in area but still rich in biodiversity. Located near the famous Dalhousie and Khajjiar hill stations, this sanctuary is characterised by dense deodar forests and beautiful landscapes. It’s a popular destination for nature walks and birdwatching. Renowned for being surrounded by numerous natural lakes, it is home to leopards, elephants, and sloth bears. It houses approximately 50 indigenous leopard species. Tourists can indulge in safari tours and wildlife photography at the national park.
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Location: Kalatope R.F, Himachal Pradesh 176304
Entry Fee: ₹250
3. Pin Valley National Park
Photo: Vishrutpanday / Wikimedia Commons
Pin Valley National Park is situated in the Spiti area of Himachal Pradesh, a cold desert area falling under the Trans-Himalayas. This lies on the south side of the Pin River, which flows into the Spiti River. The park hosts an enormous variety of biodiversity with species of animals like leopards, bears, deer, and wild boars and birds like peacocks. There is a pristine lake in the middle of the park with glistening blue water from which the small animals and birds drink.
Timings: 6:30 AM – 6 PM
Location: Kaza Valley, Himachal Pradesh 172117
Suggested Read: Top Offbeat Places In Himachal Pradesh For Fresh Mountain Air
4. Chail Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Metro junction / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Another among the top wildlife sanctuaries in Himachal Pradesh is the Chail Wildlife Sanctuary in Solan district. Situated near the town of Chail, the sanctuary offers stunning views of the Shivalik range and is an excellent spot for hiking and wildlife spotting. The wide range of wildlife at this park includes sambar deer, sloth bears, leopards, wild pigs, black langers, purple-faced leaf monkeys, spotted deer, and Indian pangolin. Wildlife enthusiasts would love to indulge in sightseeing at this beautiful sanctuary.
Timings: 7 AM – 6 PM
Location: Sadhupul, Himachal Pradesh
5. Manali Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Navdeep Singh Bagga / Wikimedia Commons
The Manali Wildlife Sanctuary is close to the fronting tourist town of Manali, making it easily accessible. The route offers splendid views of lush forests and good chances of spotting wildlife. It is also a starting point for several famous treks in the area. Some of the primary wildlife found here are the musk deer, Himalayan tahr, brown bear, flying fox, and monal—the state bird of Himachal Pradesh. It offers a range of activities to its visitors, from bird watching to safari excursions, a wetland observatory, and a beautiful reservoir right in the middle of the sanctuary.
Timings: 9 AM – 7 PM
Location: Nasogi, Himachal Pradesh 175131
Suggested Read: Explore The Majestic Forts In Himachal Pradesh To Relive The History Again
6. Renuka Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Pixabay / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Renuka Wildlife Sanctuary surrounds the picturesque Renuka Lake, the largest natural lake in Himachal Pradesh. The sanctuary is home to a mini zoo and a facility for lion safari, making it a popular spot for families and wildlife enthusiasts. Dense forests of oak, sycamore, and other native species cover the sanctuary, providing a lush habitat for a variety of animals. The area is known for its religious significance and natural beauty, making it one of the best places to visit in Himachal Pradesh.
Best Time: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM (winters), 9 AM – 6:30 PM (summers), closed on Mondays
Location: Renuka, Himachal Pradesh
7. Simbalbara Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Kevin Bidwell / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Simbalbara Wildlife Sanctuary is a 140-square-kilometre protected area. The sanctuary, surrounded by luxuriant greenery, houses various flora and fauna. The refuge lies within the lower ranges of the Shivalik Hills. It is an ecologically rich area with many floristic compositions, including broadleaf forests and mixed deciduous trees, thus making it a habitat for diverse faunal elements—especially the endangered Himalayan black bear. The visitors’ attentiveness is drawn toward watching wildlife, enjoying nature walks, and bird-watching at the sanctuary.
Timings: 6:30 AM – 5 PM
Location: South Central Province, Sri Lanka
Entry Fee: ₹70
Suggested Read: National Parks In Himachal Pradesh
8. Tirthan Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Andrew Patrick Photography / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
The Tirthan Wildlife Sanctuary of the Kullu District in Himachal Pradesh covers 830 square kilometres of the Tirthan Valley. Named after the Tirthan River, the sanctuary is known for its rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes. This sanctuary is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including the Himalayan brown bear, musk deer, goral, western tragopan, and Himalayan monal. Trekking, camping, and eco-tourism are activities most commonly experienced here due to the tranquillity of the place and the picturesque beauty of the green-covered surroundings.
Timings: 10 AM – 8 PM
Location: Tirthan Valley, Himachal Pradesh
9. Churdhar Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Anilthakur878 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Churdhar Wildlife Sanctuary is named after the Churdhar Peak, the highest peak in the Outer Himalayas at 3,647 metres. It is a significant pilgrimage site, with the temple of Lord Shirgul Maharaj located on the summit. The sanctuary offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, making it a popular trekking destination. Dense forests of deodar, oak, and rhododendron cover the sanctuary, providing a rich habitat for wildlife and making it to the list of the top ten Himachal Pradesh wildlife sanctuaries.
Timings: 6 AM – 4 PM
Location: Churdhar, Himachal Pradesh
Suggested Read: Hill Stations In Himachal Pradesh Where You Can Get Lost In The Mountains
10. Shimla Water Catchment Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Eberhard grossgasteiger / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
The Shimla Water Catchment Wildlife Sanctuary was originally established to protect the water supply of Shimla, but now it is a protected area rich in biodiversity. It is located close to the popular hill station of Shimla, making it easily accessible for visitors. The sanctuary offers tourists the opportunity to explore the dense forests of oak, pine, and cedar within its territories. It offers several trails for nature walks, birdwatching, and exploring the local flora and fauna.
Timings: 24/7
Location: Himachal Pradesh
Entry Fee: ₹130 onwards (for tours)
This list of top ten wildlife sanctuaries in Himachal Pradesh provides a guided itinerary to help you make the best of your trip. Himachal Pradesh’s wildlife sanctuaries offer diverse experiences for nature and wildlife enthusiasts, making them a must-visit for anyone interested in the state’s rich biodiversity. Plan a trip to Himachal Pradesh with TripXL for a hassle-free vacation experience.
Cover Photo: Prakhar / Wikimedia Commons
