|
|
|
 |
Churdhar Sanctuary ( Sirmour ) : |
|
|
Named after the 3647 m high Churdhar peak, this wildlife
sanctuary is a trekkers' paradise in the outer Himalayas. The spectacular
Monal, Himachal's state bird, can be easily sighted in the forested
slopes of Churadhar along with the Koklass and the Kaleej pheasants.
The endangered Himalayan Black Bear and the canine toothed Musk Deer
inhabit the higher reaches of the sanctuary.
There is Shiva temple and a sarai at Churadhar and Forest Rest Houses at Nehra,
Choras and Sarain. Summer or early winter is the best time to visit. |
 |
|
Chail Sanctuary ( Solan ) : |
|
|
| Chail, the summer retreat of the erstwhile Patiala
state, is a popular hill station, only a couple of hours drive from
Kalka. Thick deodar, blue pine and oak forests clothe the slopes
around this quiet, cool town. Extensive grasslands in the sanctuary
are ideal habitat for Ghoral and the rare Cheer pheasant. A herd
of european Red Deer, introduced earlier, still roam the forest.
An encounter with a Barking Deer or the Kaleej pheasant is a near
certainty at dawn or dusk. Trekking is popular with visitors and
rewarding. A well appointed hotel housed in the palace of the Maharaja
of Patiala is the perfect launch site to make foray into this fascinating
wildlife sanctuary. For cricket lovers, Chail incidentally, boasts
of the world's highest cricket ground. Summer is cool and winter
is very cold. |
 |
|
Maharana Pratap Sagar : |
|
|
Himachal's famous wetland, spread over 300 sq. kms,
teeming with the anglers' delight, the Mahaseer, the Pong Dam Lake
Wildlife Sanctuary is more importantly the ultimate heaven for birds,
both migratory and resident in Himachal Pradesh.
In winter, watching 'commotional' flocks of colorful water birds jostling for
space in the sun or in water, against the shimmering backdrop of the snow-capped
Dhauladhar range makes for one of the many breathtakingly beautiful sights of
this sanctuary. The Ranser Island in the lake has Black Buck and Chital. Elsewhere,
Feral Buffaloes chew the cud of contentment, unhurriedly amidst the incessant
chattering of Pintails, Porchards, Mallards and Egrets. Visit in winter when
the party is on. |
 |
|
Kalatop-Khajjiar Sanctuary ( Chamba ) : |
|
|
The magnificence of the deodar forest is at its best
here. An hour's drive from the well known hill resort of Dalhousie,
the Kalatop-Khajjiar Sanctuary, home to the elusive serow and the
common Black Bear and numerous well laid out trekking paths is a
starattraction for the wildlife tourist.
The curious floating island in a small water body amidst an enchating meadow
at khajjiar has become legendary scenery. Nowhere in Himachal is such pure and
exquisite wilderness so easily accessible. To experience the bliss of solitude,
stay at the Kalatop Forest Rest House. Summer is best here. |
 |
|
|
|
|
