Top Wildlife Sanctuaries in Himachal Pradesh

It is one of India’s unique and well-known national parks. Situated in Banjar, a Kullu district subdivision, this park is spread across an area of 754 sq. kilometers. Back in 2010, it was named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It is one of the Best Places To Visit in June in India.

It is home to 160 settlements engaged in organic farming, vermicomposting, ecotourism, medical plant cultivation, and various other activities that generate revenue. Indian Pika, Himalayan Black and Brown Bear, Red Fox, Mongoose, Crimson Sunbird, and many other species are in this park. When it comes to Wildlife Sanctuaries in Himachal Pradesh, this park is a must. 

• Ideal Trip Duration: 3 to 4 hours
• Location: Forest Office Rd, Shamshi, Himachal Pradesh, 175126
• How To Reach: The closest railhead is Joginder Nagar, near Mandi, located about 143 km
• Staying Options: Sunshine Himalayan Cottage
• Timings: Open 24 hours
• Entry Fee: INR 50

A must in all Himachal tour packages, this gorgeous and well-recognized wildlife sanctuary is well-situated in the heart of Himachal Pradesh. It is known for being home to snow leopards, which can be spotted living in their natural habitat. Other than the gorgeous snow leopards, various wildlife species can be seen in this sanctuary, which makes it one of the best places to visit in India with Family. This is one of the best offbeat destinations offered by the state. You can spot Indian hare, common palm civet, Rhesus macaque, barking deer, and many other species here. Safe to say, if you plan for Places to Enjoy Snowfall in February in India, Bandli Sanctuary should be included in that list. Whether planning for a long or short trip, include this sanctuary in the itinerary even if you are passing by the town.

• Ideal Trip Duration: 3 to 4 hours
• Location: Mandi District, Himachal Pradesh
• How To Reach: Cab or bus: 7 km from Sunder Nagar Town, Mandi District
• Staying Options: F.R.H. Kamodi & Patrolling Hut Soul
• Timings: 8 am to 4 pm
• Entry Fee: INR 10

A must in every Shimla tour packages, this place is a protected area situated in Himachal Pradesh. It was established back in 1974. The Daranghati Wildlife Sanctuary spans an area of about 167.32 sq. kilometers and is home to a wide range of flora and fauna, including various endangered species. 

The scenic beauty of this place is one of the reasons it is on this list of top Wildlife Sanctuaries in Himachal Pradesh. The deodar and oak trees, tall mountains, and snow-capped peaks are a sight to behold which also makes it one of the most beautiful and best places to visit in Shimla.

It is a vital habitat for many endangered species, including snow leopards and masked deer. This sanctuary is a famous destination for folks who love being around nature and wildlife photographers.

• Ideal Trip Duration: 2 to 3 hours
• Location: Shimla, Himachal Pradesh 172034
• How To Reach: It is convenient to go by railway, air or road.
• Staying Options: Nearby hotels or lodges
• Timings: 9 am to 5 pm 
• Entry Fee: No entry fee

Are you planning for Dalhousie Tour Packages? Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary is a must, as it is considered a great offbeat place to visit. It is also one of the best Wildlife Sanctuaries in Himachal Pradesh. This famous sanctuary is located right between Khajijar and Dalhousie. 

The beauty and charm of the said wildlife can be justified by the impressive range of flora & fauna and, indeed, the picturesque scenes that can be witnessed all around. Quite naturally, the natural beauty makes it one of the most popular places to visit in Dalhousie.

The visitors can witness a wide range of wildlife species, including jackal, deer, leopard, and other species. Other than having the chance to spot various gorgeous endangered animal species, you can also enjoy quality and calm time right beside your loved ones amid the endless number of nearby deodar trees. It is one of the Best Places To Visit In North India.

• Ideal Trip Duration: 2 to 3 hours
• Location: Dalhousie, Himachal Pradesh
• How To Reach: Bus or taxi from Pathankot
• Staying Options: Nearby hotels or lodges
• Timings: 7 am to 6 pm
• Entry Fee: INR 250

Founded in 1954, this place is essential in every Kasol Tour Packages. The total area is about 60.7 sq. kilometers. Among many travel wanderers like you, it is often considered one of the Best Places To Visit In December In India. 

Both endangered and gorgeous, the Himalayan Thar is one of the main attractions of this sanctuary, which ranks amongst the top places to visit in Kasol. It is home to the unique Western Tragopan along with 200 bird species and over 30 animal species, including the flying squirrel, brown bear, golden jackal, snow leopard, and cheer pheasant.

This park is a confluence of temperate deciduous forest, alpine dry pastures, mixed coniferous forest, and alpine dry shrubs. It is situated in the bio-geographical zone of the northwest Himalayas. It is, without a doubt, one of the famous Wildlife Sanctuaries in Himachal Pradesh.

• Ideal Trip Duration: 3 to 4 hours
• Location: Parbati Valley, Kullu District
• How To Reach: The airport at Bhuntar is 10 km from Kullu, where taxis and buses are available.
• Staying Options: Rest House at Kasol R.O. Wildlife
• Timings: 6 am to 7 pm
• Entry Fee: INR 250

Just a few kilometers away from Kullu awaits one of the best wildlife sanctuaries in Himachal Pradesh, known as Khokhap Wildlife Sanctuary. It is the habitat of an incredible variety of reptiles and mammals. 

This wildlife sanctuary’s highlighting factor is the Himalayan Black Bear, which is now tagged as one of the endangered species. Situated in 1954, the sanctuary is spread over 14.2 sq kilometers, and it is often visited by travelers who are staying or passing Kullu on their trip to Himachal Pradesh. 

If you are planning to visit the best places in October in India, you must include this beautiful sanctuary. Whether you are an animal lover or one of your family members enjoys their time watching four-legged friends, a trip to this sanctuary is sure to give you a fun and relaxed time.

• Ideal Trip Duration: 3 to 4 hours
• Location: Kataula, Himachal Pradesh 175005
• How To Reach: The efficient way to reach this sanctuary from the northern part of India is by road or personal cars or buses.
• Staying Options: Closeby lodges and hotels
• Timings: 7 am to 6 pm.
• Entry Fee: INR 250

The Chail Wildlife Sanctuary is another famous protected area in Himachal Pradesh. It is spread across an area of approximately 110 sq. kilometers. It was established in 1976 and is situated in the Solan district. 

The Chail Wildlife Sanctuary is acknowledged for its massive forest cover, including the Himalayan Oak and Cher Pine trees, which offer a natural habitat to various animals such as Himalayan Black Bears, Leopard, and Indian Muntjac. Tourists visiting this unique sanctuary can enjoy wildlife safaris and grab a glimpse of these wild animals in their natural habitat. Whenever the conversation is about the Wildlife sanctuaries in Himachal Pradesh, the Chail Wildlife Sanctuary adds to that conversation. If you are planning a Shimla trip, include this sanctuary along with the many scenic views. 

• Ideal Trip Duration: 2 to 3 hours
• Location: Sadhupul, Himachal Pradesh
• How To Reach: The Sanctuary is located from Shimla at a distance of 40 km and can be reached easily if we take the Kalka-Shimla Route.
• Staying Options: Jungle Stays Camp Retreat
• Timings: 7 am to 6 pm
• Entry Fee: INR 30

It is one of the Best Places To Visit In Summer In India and is another of Himachal Pradesh’s finest wildlife reserves worth seeing. Founded in 1985, the sanctuary is situated atop the Churdhar peak in the districts of Shimla and Sirmaur. Barking deer, Monal, Musk Deer, langur, and Himalayan Black Bears are the primary attractions of Churdhar Wildlife Sanctuary.

Additionally, the red jungle fowl, Indian peafowl, and koklass pheasant can be seen peacefully coexisting there. In addition, the flora includes a variety of oak and deodar trees, along with lovely scented plants that cover the ground of the sanctuary. There is also a Lord Shiva statue within the shrine that gives the park a religious value. Along with summer, it is also considered one of the Best Places To Visit In Winter In India.

• Ideal Trip Duration: 3 to 4 hours
• Location: Churdhar, Himachal Pradesh 173104
• How To Reach: You can reach Churdhar by trekking from Dadahu, Sarain, Nahura, and Rajgarh.
• Staying Options: N.A
• Timings: 8 am to 5 pm
• Entry Fee: No entry fee

When the conversation is about wildlife sanctuaries in Himachal Pradesh, it should include Dhauladhar Wildlife Sanctuary. It is a famous destination for wildlife lovers and nature enthusiasts alike. Surrounding an area of approximately 942 sq. kilometres, the sanctuary is home to various flora and fauna, including black bears, leopards, barking deer, porcupines, and many other species. 

Visitors to the sanctuary can enjoy wildlife safaris, trekking, camping, and many other activities and witness the lush greenery and picturesque mountains. 

The sanctuary also offers distinct opportunities to experience the rich cultural heritage of the local communities living around it, making it an ideal destination for culture and nature lovers.

• Ideal Trip Duration: 2 to 3 hours
• Location: Bhowen, Himachal Pradesh 176310
• How To Reach: Buses or cabs from Delhi
• Staying Options: Aaroham By Aamod Resorts
• Timings: 8 am to 5 pm
• Entry Fee: INR 200 

If you are wondering about the things to do in Shimla, visiting this place is a must. If your traveling team has any animal lover, then it will be a treat for their eyes. This place is considered one of the best wildlife sanctuaries in Himachal Pradesh. It is located on the northern side of the Kufri and is merely 8 km away from Shimla town. 

The rich history of this place dates back to 1878, when the owner, the Rana of Koti, leased the land to the Shimla Municipal Corporation. It was then declared a protected forest in 1952, and finally, in 1990, it became an official wildlife sanctuary. This place is spread across an area of 10.25 sq. kilometers and connected to the Chail Wildlife Sanctuary through a forest corridor. 

This glorious place has beautiful topography, various cycling and hiking routes, and deep deodar woods stretching across miles. Some of the most common species you might find here are Yellow-throated porcupines, Common langur, Rhesus macaque, Musk deer, and Cheer Pheasant. 

If we talk about wildlife preserves, this place is a must for everyone considering the Best Places to Visit in September in India and Himachal Pradesh in particular.

• Ideal Trip Duration: 3 to 4 hours
• Location: NH 22 Charabra Mashobra, Himachal Pradesh 171012
• How To Reach: Flights or buses to Shimla, then cabs to the sanctuary
• Staying Options: Hotel Woodrina
• Timings: 10 am to 4 pm
• Entry Fee: No entry fees

Also Read: Best Adventure Activities in Shimla

If you are considering Manali tour packages, they are a must-add to your itinerary. It is just 2 kilometers away from the main town and covers an area of around 3180 hectares. It was built and declared a wildlife sanctuary under the Punjab Birds and Wild Animals Protection Act of 1933 and 1954. It is one of the Best Places To Visit In Manali In December.

It is home to many Indian hares, musk deer, mammals, reptiles, barking deer, Himalayan Thar, Kashmiri flying squirrel, Himalayan Palm Civet, and many more. This place is surrounded by lush green foliage, horse chestnut, Deodar, and Maple trees, which are common there. It is a no-brainer why this place is on the list of Wildlife sanctuaries in Himachal Pradesh.

So, if you have been wondering about Things To Do in Manali, and how to enjoy the scenic beauty of this place, here’s a quick list for you to check.

• Ideal Trip Duration: 4 to 5 hours
• Location: Nasogi, Himachal Pradesh 175131
• How To Reach: The best way to reach the sanctuary is via bus from Delhi or Bhuntar.
• Staying Options: Mary’s Cottages
• Timings: 9 am to 6 pm
• Entry Fee: INR 20

Also Read: Best Adventure Sports in Manali 

One of the largest wildlife sanctuaries in Himachal Pradesh, it has numerous species of animals that attract many visitors throughout the year. This area of the district used to be a part of Punjab. It is part of the Kullu district, close to Parati Valley and some parts of the Kais Nala area. The Best Time To Visit Manali For Snowfall is around January. If you are planning a trip to Manali from Kullu, make sure to add this gorgeous sanctuary to the itinerary. 

This place was established to protect the animals from attacks and frequent poaching. The Kais Wildlife Sanctuary contains shrubs and trees like Cheed, Deodar, Walnut, Oak, and more. Birch and Alpine forests are found at higher altitudes, and walnuts are found in the lower areas of the sanctuary.

Various colourful and beautiful birds like peacocks, Himalayan monal, Myna, Hornbill, and cheer are protected and preserved here. The animals that are the main attraction of this sanctuary are leopards, black bears, musk deer, hyenas, barking deer, and many more. Just know how to reach Manali and once you arrive at this beautiful destination, don’t forget to visit Kais Wildlife sanctuary 

If you are looking to spend some time and stay for a few days to relish the natural beauty, then some many cottages and homestays are convenient and affordable. Luxury hotels and medium-budget hotels are available with a beautiful view of the valley and luxury facilities. It is easily one of the Best Places to Visit in India. Also, in addition to being a great offbeat place to visit, it is considered as one of the best Wildlife sanctuaries in Himachal Pradesh.  

• Ideal Trip Duration: 3 to 4 hours
• Location:  Kullu, Himachal Pradesh 175105
• How To Reach: Buses or cabs are the best way to reach this sanctuary
• Staying Options: Himalyan Kothi Kais
• Timings: 8 am to 5 pm
• Entry Fee: INR 250

Whether you are considering the Best Places To Visit in May in India or any other time, this sanctuary is a must for your trip. It is the second-largest sanctuary in Himachal Pradesh, spread over 378 sq. kilometers. Situated at a steep height of 2145m to 5040m, this place is home to various medicinal plants and some rare floral species. 

To the west lies the Tundah Sanctuary, divided by a forest corridor. It is 87 km from Chamba, 30 km from Bharmaur, and 15 km from Kugti village. It is also considered one of the best Offbeat Destinations In Himachal Pradesh.

It has a lot of water springs made from melting glaciers. There are medicinal herbs found in the area by local experts and researchers. These sanctuary houses endangered species like Ibex, Monal snow cox, Musk deer, Himalayan Thar, etc. 

Visitors can also trek on the ways leading to dense woods populated with Deodar and coniferous forests. Avid trekkers walk through this place to reach the Lahaul spirit of Himachal Pradesh. It is one of the best Tourist Places To Visit In Himachal Pradesh.

• Ideal Trip Duration: 2 to 3 hours
• Location: Hadsar, Himachal Pradesh 176315
• How To Reach: Conveniently by roads and buses
• Staying Options: Bharmour Homestay
• Timings: 8 am to 4 pm
• Entry Fee: No entry  fee