Himachal Pradesh is heaven on earth, surrounded by the majestic Himalayas. This stunning region is home to snow-capped peaks and lush green forests, offering some of the world’s most beautiful wildlife sanctuaries in Himachal Pradesh. These sanctuaries protect many animals while allowing visitors to enjoy the peaceful beauty of nature. Whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation, the wildlife sanctuaries in Himachal Pradesh provide the perfect escape into the wild.
Why Himachal Pradesh is a Wildlife Lover’s Paradise
Himachal Pradesh has a wide variety of ecosystems, ranging from dense forests to the alpine meadow. Thus, it has allowed different flora and fauna to flourish in such a geographic range. The endangered species in the state include the snow leopard, Himalayan tahr, and Western tragopan. That impressive biodiversity combined with the serene surroundings can provide a destination for those wildlife lovers.
Top 11 Wildlife Sanctuaries in Himachal Pradesh
| Sanctuary Name | Location | Special Feature |
| Great Himalayan National Park | Kullu Valley | UNESCO World Heritage Site |
| Bandli Sanctuary | Solan District | Rich biodiversity and natural beauty |
| Daranghati Wildlife Sanctuary | Solan District | Scenic landscapes and wildlife diversity |
| Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary | Kangra District | Dense forests and diverse wildlife |
| Kanwar Wildlife Sanctuary | Solan District | Known for its serene environment and flora |
| Chail Wildlife Sanctuary | Solan District | Diverse birdlife and peaceful surroundings |
| Churdhar Wildlife Sanctuary | Sirmaur District | Home to the Western Tragopan and trekking trails |
| Dhauladhar Wildlife Sanctuary | Kangra District | High-altitude habitat for rare wildlife |
| Shimla Water Catchment Wildlife Sanctuary | Shimla District | Source of drinking water for the city, rich flora |
| Manali Wildlife Sanctuary | Kullu District | Famous for its scenic beauty and wildlife |
| Kugti Wildlife Sanctuary | Chamba District | Known for its rugged terrain and wildlife |
Great Himalayan National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site
One of the most famous wildlife sanctuaries in Himachal Pradesh, the Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This sanctuary is present in the Kullu Valley and has rugged terrain with high mountains covered with snow and other unique fauna. Several species, such as the snow leopard, Himalayan tahr, and the very rare Western tragopan, are seen here. With over 1,000 species of plants, 31 species of mammals, and 209 species of birds, this is a must-visit for any nature lover or wildlife photographer.
- Ideal Trip: A nature and wildlife photography tour.
- Location: Kullu Valley, Himachal Pradesh.
- How to Reach: By road from Kullu and Manali, or via Bhuntar Airport.
- Staying Options: Camping, homestays, and eco-friendly lodges.
- Timings: Open year-round (best from March to November).
- Entry Fee: INR 50 for Indian nationals, INR 200 for foreign nationals.
Bandli Sanctuary: A Biodiversity Haven
Bandli Sanctuary Located in the Solan District, it has a beautiful variety of flora and fauna, and its pretty landscape of heavy forests and green pastures makes the place ideal for nature walks, wild life observation and photography. What the sanctuary offers is a big variety of birds as well as tranquility.
- Ideal Trip: Wildlife exploration and nature walks.
- Location: Solan District, Himachal Pradesh.
- How to Reach: Accessible by road from Shimla and Solan.
- Staying Options: Guesthouses and homestays.
- Timings: Best visited from March to October.
- Entry Fee: INR 30 for Indian nationals, INR 100 for foreign nationals.
Daranghati Wildlife Sanctuary: A Serene Escape
Daranghati Wildlife Sanctuary is another hidden treasure set in the district of Solan, famous for its calmness and varied forms of wildlife. It harbours a few different mammalian, bird, and reptilian species making it a hot favourite among the people who are great at wildlife observation. It is one of the sanctuary destinations that hosts peaceful treks through its lavish forests.
- Ideal Trip: Trekking and wildlife observation.
- Location: Solan District, Himachal Pradesh.
- How to Reach: By road from Shimla and Solan.
- Staying Options: Forest rest houses and local guesthouses.
- Timings: Open year-round, with the best time from March to October.
- Entry Fee: INR 30 for Indian nationals, INR 100 for foreign nationals.
Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary: A Dense Forest Retreat
The Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary falls in the Kangra District and is characterized by abundant forests, cold streams, and wildlife. Within the sanctuary inhabit various species of mammals, avifauna, as well as floristic species and include the pheasants and Himalayan tahr. These sanctuaries provide a highly peaceful environment together with excellent photogenic opportunities related to wildlife.
- Ideal Trip: Wildlife photography and nature walks.
- Location: Kangra District, Himachal Pradesh.
- How to Reach: By road from Dharamshala.
- Staying Options: Forest rest houses and nearby hotels.
- Timings: Best visited from March to November.
- Entry Fee: INR 50 for Indian nationals, INR 150 for foreign nationals.
Kanwar Wildlife Sanctuary: A Natural Escape
The Kanwar Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the Solan District. The sanctuary has its own charm in terms of its scenic beauty and diverse wildlife. The serenity of the sanctuary and the lush green surroundings make it an ideal getaway for nature lovers. It has many species of flora and fauna, such as leopards and deer.
- Ideal Trip: Nature walks and wildlife exploration.
- Location: Solan District, Himachal Pradesh.
- How to Reach: By road from Shimla and Solan.
- Staying Options: Guesthouses and homestays.
- Timings: Open year-round, with the best time from March to October.
- Entry Fee: INR 30 for Indian nationals, INR 100 for foreign nationals.
Chail Wildlife Sanctuary: A Scenic Beauty
Chail Wildlife Sanctuary is in Solan District and is a green forest, which offers diverse wildlife, serene ambiance, and beautiful scenery. Some of the mammals that have been tracked in the area are Indian muntjac, leopard, etc. Chail Wildlife Sanctuary is a popular spot for avitours as well as nature photographers because of its rich wildlife.
- Ideal Trip: Birdwatching and wildlife photography.
- Location: Solan District, Himachal Pradesh.
- How to Reach: By road from Shimla.
- Staying Options: Hotels and forest rest houses.
- Timings: Best visited from March to October.
- Entry Fee: INR 30 for Indian nationals, INR 100 for foreign nationals.
Churdhar Wildlife Sanctuary: A Trekking Delight
Churdhar Wildlife Sanctuary is found in the Sirmaur District and is quite famous for trekking routes as well as the birdlife here. It accommodates the Western Tragopan and a variety of bird species. Additionally, it features trekking trails that go all the way up to Churdhar Peak with its scenic vistas of the surroundings.
- Ideal Trip: Trekking and birdwatching.
- Location: Sirmaur District, Himachal Pradesh.
- How to Reach: By road from Nahan, followed by a trek.
- Staying Options: Forest rest houses and nearby hotels.
- Timings: Best visited from March to October.
- Entry Fee: INR 30 for Indian nationals, INR 100 for foreign nationals.
Dhauladhar Wildlife Sanctuary: A Rugged Terrain for Wildlife
The Kangra district’s Dhauladhar Wildlife Sanctuary is well-known for its high-altitude and specific wildlife. Dhauladhar can be found within the animals of leopards and Himalayan tahr. Its rocky terrain makes Dhauladhar a challenge for wildlife lovers and trekkers.
- Ideal Trip: Wildlife exploration and trekking.
- Location: Kangra District, Himachal Pradesh.
- How to Reach: By road from Dharamshala.
- Staying Options: Hotels and guesthouses in Dharamshala.
- Timings: Open year-round, best visited from March to October.
- Entry Fee: INR 50 for Indian nationals, INR 150 for foreign nationals.
Shimla Water Catchment Wildlife Sanctuary: A Vital Ecosystem
Shimla Water Catchment Wildlife Sanctuary is an important ecosystem that supplies the city of Shimla with drinking water. It is also abundant in flora and fauna with numerous species of birds and animals. This sanctuary provides tranquil nature walks as well as the possibility of relating with the region’s natural beauty.
- Ideal Trip: Nature walks and wildlife photography.
- Location: Shimla District, Himachal Pradesh.
- How to Reach: By road from Shimla.
- Staying Options: Hotels and guesthouses in Shimla.
- Timings: Open year-round.
- Entry Fee: INR 20 for Indian nationals, INR 50 for foreign nationals.
Manali Wildlife Sanctuary: Scenic Beauty and Wildlife
Manali Wildlife Sanctuary is a district in Kullu, which offers great scenic beauty with abundant wildlife. The sanctuary features several species like the Himalayan tahr, along with other bird species, and provides scopes for trekking and nature walks in its rich green surroundings.
- Ideal Trip: Wildlife photography and trekking.
- Location: Kullu District, Himachal Pradesh.
- How to Reach: By road from Manali.
- Staying Options: Hotels and guesthouses in Manali.
- Timings: Best visited from March to November.
- Entry Fee: INR 30 for Indian nationals, INR 100 for foreign nationals.
Kugti Wildlife Sanctuary: Rugged Terrain and Rich Biodiversity
Kugti Wildlife Sanctuary, in the Chamba District, is famous for its tough landscape and high level of biodiversity. It harbors a vast array of species such as leopards, Himalayan tahr, and different species of birds. This sanctuary offers an excellent opportunity for wildlife exploration and trekking.
- Ideal Trip: Wildlife exploration and trekking.
- Location: Chamba District, Himachal Pradesh.
- How to Reach: By road from Chamba, followed by a trek.
- Staying Options: Guesthouses and camping sites.
- Timings: Best visited from March to October.
- Entry Fee: INR 50 for Indian nationals, INR 150 for foreign nationals.
Conclusion
Wildlife Sanctuary in Himachal Pradesh blend adventure, serenity, and natural beauty to create a wonderful experience for everyone. From the wildlife enthusiast, nature lover, or the mere seeker of tranquility in the arms of nature, there are experiences aplenty. Be it the snowy heights of the Great Himalayan National Park or the lush green Daranghati forests, every sanctuary has a promise in its store. So pack your bags and get ready to explore the wildlife gems of Himachal Pradesh!
Also Read: Best Treks in Himachal for 2025: Explore Nature’s Paradise
FAQ’s
Which is the smallest wildlife sanctuary in Himachal Pradesh?
Tirthan Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the smallest wildlife sanctuaries in Himachal Pradesh. It is situated in the Kullu district.
What is the most famous wildlife sanctuary in Himachal Pradesh?
The most famous wildlife sanctuary in Himachal Pradesh, as result of its great biodiversity and status as a UNESCO World Heritage site, is Great Himalayan National Park.
How many wildlife sanctuaries are there in Himachal Pradesh?
Himachal Pradesh houses 32 wildlife sanctuaries that accommodate innumerable animals, birds, and plants.
Is it safe to visit wildlife sanctuaries in Himachal Pradesh?
Yes, it is generally safe, but it is always best to follow guidelines and stay with a guide when exploring.
