Kalatop wildlife sanctuary
About Kalatop wildlife sanctuary
Far From City: 4 kms from city center
Cost:
About Kalatop wildlife sanctuary
Weather:
Time Required:2-3 hours
Open Time:7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Cost:No entry fee,Forest Reserve Entry Permit: INR 250
Flora and Fauna at Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary
The domain holds a great diversity of flora and fauna. Animals that reside in the forest area include the black bear, Himalayan black marten, barking goral, leopard, wild cats, deer, serow (goat-like/antelope-like mammal) etc. The place is an ornithologists' paradise, with a plethora of aviary species such as the Eurasian jay, chestnut billed thrush, blackbird, grey-headed canary, pheasant, Himalayan monal etc.
Things To See at Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary
The Kalatop Khajjiar Sanctuary is a pristine location set in the hilly Chambal district of Himachal Pradesh and nature here attracts you like a magnet. The unspoilt abode of mother nature offers thick deodar foliage, amazing green carpets of grassland, sweet freshwater streams, the panorama of the hills around and views of the majestic snowcapped Himalayan range of Pir Panjal all the way in Jammu & Kashmir! The area of Khajjiar and adjoining Chambal area is sometimes referred to as the Switzerland of India.
The well laid out trekking trails meandering amidst towering deodar, coniferous, rhododendron, oak and fir trees are something out of a fairy tale. From the hilltop, you have extremely idyllic and picturesque panoramas of the adjoining twisty valleys, snaking path of the river Ravi to the north, lush green grasslands below, eye-pleasing sights of the snow covered Himalayan ranges and picture-perfect hamlets. Being less explored and subject to almost negligible human intervention, the Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary is the right place to experience picnicking, trekking, nature walks and safaris. The highest point is a 4-kilometre trek from Lakkadmandi and is definitely worth the effort. Tourists can stay at the accommodation facilities offered by the sanctuary services such as guest houses and cottages, which are located in scenic spots within the premises itself.
History of Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary
During the rule of the princely states under British regime, the place was famous as hunting and sporting grounds for the Chamba rulers. The area under the Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary was notified as a natural reserve during the early 1960's but efforts to protect and preserve the pristine area was undertaken only during the 1970's when it was declared a sanctuary. The Kalatop Khajjiar Sanctuary has always been an open forest sanctuary, meaning that there are no enclosures of any kind and animals are free to move in and out of the area.
Best time to visit Kalatop wildlife sanctuary
Summer months from March to May are the times when the forest area is at its verdant best apart from the monsoon months when it can get uncomfortable to travel around. The post-monsoon season from September onwards are pleasant and are favourable to enjoy whatever nature has to offer you!
How to Reach Kalatop wildlife sanctuary
The closest nearby major settlement to Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary is the important hill station and resort town of Dalhousie, which is at a distance of 8 kilometres. From Dalhousie, you should proceed towards the Karelnu road or onto the Chamba/Khajjiar road to enter the forest area.
Major Indian cities like Shimla (333 kilometres), Chandigarh (322 kilometres), New Delhi (580 kilometres) and Srinagar (390 kilometres) are all accessible via roadways. State transport buses also operate from major nearby towns and cities such as Dharamshala, Manali, Ludhiana etc.
The Kangra airport in Gaggal, near Dharamshala, is the nearest airport at a distance of 100 kilometres from Dalhousie. Other major nearby airports are in Amritsar, Kullu Manali and Shimla. Air travel can be avoided as the location is far off and flights are limited. The Pathankot Cantonment railway station in Punjab on the Delhi-Jammu line is the nearest railhead.
Top Tourist Places in Dalhousie
Panch Pulla
Satdhara Falls
Kalatop wildlife sanctuary
River Crossing and River Rafting
Daikund Peak
Subhash Baoli
All Tourist Places in Dalhousie
Tips
1. To stay at one of the guest houses or cottages, you need to make prior reservations. Details about the accommodations can be found online.2. You need to take permission from the District Forest Officer, Chamba for rest house and vehicle entry.3. No guided tours are offered by the forest department.4. Taxi services can be easily hired at Dalhousie if you want to sightsee around.5. The nights are a stargazing haven here, so carry your binoculars or telescopes!
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