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.

Content last updated in January 2023. Travel with confidence with Sunrsie Himachal Packages from Sunrise Holidays Shimla.