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Himachal : Wild Life |
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| The state's protected area network of 32 wildlife
sanctuaries and 2 national parks represents the myriad diversity
of life in the North Western Himalayas. With 64 species of mammals,
463 of birds, 43 of reptiles and 516 of aquatic fauna teeming among
over 3240 species of plants than define a range of eco-system and
habitants, there is, for the wildlife enthusiast, the indefatigable
trekker and the romantic tourist, an endless quest. There are two
national parks in Himachal pradesh. Both are natural wonders. |
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The Great Himalayan National Park ( Kullu ) : |
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| The great Himalayan National Park (GHNP) is an investment
in the physical, mental and spiritual well being of Indians as individuals,
and of Himachalis in particular. It is a gainful investment in something
as simple and fundamental as good citizenship, love of country and
an appreciation of the natural and historic fabric of the natural
and historic fabric of the Western Himalaya. Bounded on three sides
by the perpetual snow of the Himalayas, the westerly entrance to
the park through the Tirthan Valley leading up to the Pin Parvati
Pass (5800 m+) in the GHNP is traditionally considered one of the
most sacred places in the Western Himalaya. The GHNP proper, the
Sainj and the Tirthan wildlife sanctuaries together enrich Himachal
by their unparalleled splendour. Each of these highlight a unique
niche in the rich mosaic of our natural heritage. You may visit any
one to experience the natural mystique of the place. The features
that initially attracted and led to the preservation of this area
as GHNP were its enormous bio-diversity representativeness of the
Western Himalaya. From the critically endangered Western Tragopan
to the rare and elusive serow and the most beautiful of the big cats,
the snow leopard ; they are all here, amidst the entire range of
vegetation and ecological complexes of the Western Himalaya. The
GHNP is a true wilderness, one of the few large natural areas remaining
intact in this part of the world. Here you meet Nature on its terms,
not yours. |
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The Pin Valley National Park ( Spiti ) : |
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For unknown aeons, long before man discovered this
remote land, several hardy animals and birds inhabited this Himalayan
Eden in exquisite equilibrium. The Pin Valley National Park represents
the bio-geography of the Trans-Himalayan cold desert with its characteristic
flora and fauna. Endangered species such as the precious snow leopard,
the endemic Himalayan Ibex, the mighty Bharal or Blue Sheep and Lynx
among others are found in these cold and rugged lands. The desolate
grandeur accentuated by the utter lack of noticeable vegetation brings
stunning lunar-like beauty to the landscape set against the blust
of skies. The large variety of indigenous, medicinal herbs that help
sustain the ancient Amchi (Tibetan) system of medicine add much to
the cultural and floristic significance of this national park. Fossilised
crustacea and other marine life forms lay embedded in stone and geologic
folds, testimony to the tectonic rise of the Himalaya from the depth
of the Tetheys sea.
To be here is to get into a time machine ; geological, biological and cultural.
If the real and surreal overlap anywhere, it must be here, it must be here, it
must be here ...........
The wildlife sanctuaries of Himachal Pradesh, scattered over its varied mountains
terrain from sweltering sub-tropical lowlands to icy, alpine heights harbour
much of our natural heritage, like colorful beads strung together in a time-chain
that links our inheritance with our legacy. |
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Renuka Wildlife Sanctuary ( Sirmaur ) : |
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Spread over 400 hectares of wood and grass land surrounding
the sacred and picturesque Renuka lake, this Wildlife Sanctuary despite
its small size, harbours several species of deer like Chital, Sambhar
and Barking Deer. The threatened Kaleej pheasant and the more common
Red jungle fowl are also found here.
The Renuka Lake and temple attract pilgrims from far and near. An added attraction
is the lion safari. The sanctuary can be visited all the year round and is easily
approachable from Chandigarh or Dehradun. |
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