Maharana Pratap Sagar: Lake Sanctuary Kangra

This lake sanctuary is a big attraction for migratory ducks from Siberian region during winter. One can see thousands of ducks in the swamp area between Shahnahar barrage and Pongdam and the surrounding shallow waters of the lake. Clean blue water all around with the panoramic view of Dhauladhar Ranges and Kangra Valley make the visit to Ransar Island an unforgettable experience. Black buck and Cheetal on the island along with Surkhab, Cranes, Pintails and variety of water birds welcome the visitors on the Island and enjoy there trip.

Kanwar Sanctuary: Kullu

Kanawar Sanctuary lies in Kullu district, 2km from Manikaran, the nearest village. Access is via Kullu to Kasol, and onward by foot. Uphill walk along Garahan Nala from Kasol through dense majestic Deodar and Fir forests is enjoyable. The area under Kanawar Sanctuary is 6,157 ha using digitized maps with an altitude ranges from 1,800m to 4,833m. To the south-east, the area is connected by a forest corridor to Great Himalayan National Park. Kanawar is a high-altitude sanctuary, the terrain being mostly precipitous, with rocky cliffs and narrow valleys. There are lakes and natural springs of religious and historical importance at Khirganga and Mantalai on the outskirts of the sanctuary. There is also a temple and a gurudwara at Manikaran, adjacent to the sanctuary Two villages are located within the sanctuary (with an estimated population of 460 people), four temporary settlements, and 14 villages are located in the adjacent area. Many visitors come to climb the peaks in and around the sanctuary. Four rest houses are situated on the outskirts of the sanctuary. This sanctuary has large population of Himalayan Thar in Himalayas and seeing this big goat on high mountain cliffs is dream fulfilment of any wildlife lover.

Some of the other forms of wildlife found in the sanctuary include musk deer, brown bear, barking deer, snow leopard and pheasants like western tragopan and cheer.

The best time to visit Kanwar Sanctuary in Himachal Pradesh is during the summer months of May and June. The animals come out of their warm habitat out in the comfortable weather. This helps the tourists get a glimpse of the animals.

Temperature and rainfall

Temperatures range from -10 C to 25 C. Mean annual rainfall is 1000mm and mean annual snowfall 321mm

How to reach Kanwar Sanctuary

By Rail

The closest railway station to Kanwar sanctuary in Kullu Valley is at Jogindernagar, which is situated at a distance of 95 km from Kullu.

By Roadways

The Kanwar sanctuary in Kullu is well served by road network. Kullu can be accessed from Manali at a distance of 40 kms or alternatively from Shimla at a distance of 240 kms. Both Shimla and Manali are well-connected to other cities of India by regular service.

By Air

Bhuntar, at a distance of 10 kms from Kullu, houses the nearest airport to Kanwar Sanctuary after that move ahead by road.

Manali Sanctuary: Kullu

This sanctuary starts about 2 km from Manali town. It forms the catchments of Manalsu khad. A bridle path from Manali log huts/ Dhungri temple passes through dense Deodar, Kail, Horse chestnut, Walnut and Maple forests. Night stay in tents at Lambadug or Gallant thatch is an unforgettable experience. Alpine lush green pastures and glaciers beyond Galant thatch are a romantic attraction for the enthusiastic but enduring visitors. One may see Musk deer, Monal and Brown bear digging or ploughing the land and also pug marks with scent of Leopard or Snow leopard. Those who venture up to snows can see herds of Ibex in the glacier zone in summers and enjoy there trip.

Pin Valley National Park: Lahaul and Spiti

This National Park is situated in the cold desert of Spiti Valley. In this area visitors come across large herds of Ibex and Bharal. Snow leopard is found in this park. This area can be visited only by those who have tough leg muscles and strong lungs. Visitors can contact Divisional Forest Officer Wildlife Division Sarahan, Assistant Conservator of Forest Wildlife Kaza or Range Officer Wildlife Tabo for information about the park. The area is closed to foreign visitors. Indian visitors are also required to obtain a permit for entry from Deputy Commissioner Shimla or Sub Divisional Magistrate Rampur after that they can move ahead.

Great Himalayan National Park: Kullu

The National Park with an area of 620 sq. km. is located in Kullu District of Himachal Pradesh India and has the representative area of temperate and alpine forests of Himachal. It has some the virgin coniferous forests of the State. This area has many important wildlife species of Western Himalayas, like Musk deer, Brown bear, Goral, Thar, Leopard, Snow leopard, Bharal, Serow, Monal, Kalij, Koklas, Cheer, Tragopan, Snow cock etc.

The Great Himalayan National Park offers the causal hiker and serious trekker a wide range of experiences in the natural wonders of the Park. Trails range from relatively easy day walks in the Ecozone to challenging week or longer treks through arduous and spectacular terrain. GHNP ranks as one of the best national parks in the world and reveals its beauty, diversity, and depth through time spent in exploration.

The Ecozone is an area adjacent to the Park which contains villages that have historically had some economic dependence on the resources of the land incorporated into the Park. The formal designation of the Park boundaries and the resulting loss of these resources has economically impacted these villages. In recognition of this adverse economic impact, various programs have, and are being, developed by the state government of Himachal Pradesh, NGO’s (non-government organizations), and the villagers themselves to create alternative sources of economic well-being. EcoTourism, one such program, offers rewards to both the visitor and the villagers and helps protect GHNP.

At GHNP, there are numerous habitats for exploration: from lush forests of oak, conifer, and bamboo, to gentle alpine meadows; from swift flowing rivers to high elevation glaciers. The terrain and geology are diverse. If one is lucky there are opportunities to observe endangered species of the Western Himalayas in their natural habitat.

Climate

The general climate of the Park is quite temperate and the best time for visiting is in Spring (April-May) and Fall (September-October). Summer brings monsoon rains and winter brings colder temperatures and the possibility of dangerous snow storms, especially at higher elevations. Being remote and insulated within the Kullu valley, the Park has its own micro climate. At higher elevations, unexpected thunderstorms can soak the unprepared trekker. Just as quickly, the storm can pass, leaving the sky saturated with azure blue.

Getting there by road from Delhi

Approximately 500 kms by road (14+ hours trip). Come from Delhi to Chandigarh by National Highway 1, then to Aut in Mandi district by NH 21. Road journey in the mountain terrain of Himachal provides good views of Gobind Sagar Lake near Bilaspur, followed by lush and wide Bahl Valley. The drive continues through the outskirts of Mandi which leads into the Pandoh gorge. After Pandoh comes the small town of Aut from where a link road goes across the bridge over Beas River into the Banjar valley, where the Park is located. This trip can be made by private vehicle. Private and state run buses to the region are also available.

Getting there by Air

Bhuntar airport at Kullu is 50 Kilometers from this place. There are daily flights from new Delhi to this place from there you can plan your trip by road.

Entrance fee

There are fees for entering the Park and additional fees for cameras, video, and filming. Rates for Indian nationals are lower than foreigners. Check with Park officials for the latest entrance fees and requirements.