Straddling the districts of Solan, Shimla and Sirmaur, the sanctuaries in southern Himachal Pradesh are fantastic destinations for nature lovers. Repositories of pristine forests of the Shivalik Range, these sanctuaries are home to the musk deer, leopard, black bear, wild boar, barking deer and jackal. The two main species of birds here are the endangered Himalayan monal and khaleej pheasant.

THINGS TO SEE AND DO

Sprawling over 167sq km, the fenced sanctuary of Daranghati offers thrilling trekking trails and wildlife sightings. The Chail Sanctuary, spread across 109sq km, is ideal for  camping. Contact the forest range officer for information on adventure camps here.

The 66sq km Churdhar Sanctuary is situated on the pilgrimage route to Chur peak (11,965 ft), the highest in southern Himachal Pradesh. Perched atop the peak is a beautiful Shiva temple.

Lionesses at the Renuka Mini Zoo
Lionesses at the Renuka Mini Zoo
Outlook Archives

The Renuka Sanctuary (4sq km) includes the oldest zoo in Himachal Pradesh. The Renuka Mini Zoo was established in 1957 with the aim of providing shelter to rescued animals from the surrounding forests. The lake here attracts a number of birds, so don’t forget your binoculars.

Vehicle entry fee ₹50 Timings 9.00am–5.00pm Closed Monday

 WHERE TO STAY

There are forest rest houses at Churdhar (Range officer, Sirmour Cell: 09817055998; Tariff: Rs.480); Dofda (Contact DFO, Sarahan; Tariff: ₹480); and Renuka Lake (Contact DFO; Tariff: ₹1,000).

At Daranghati, the best options are HPTDC’s Hotel Shrikhand (Tel: 01782-274234; Tariff: ₹1,600–2,800) and Shrikhand Cottages (Tariff: ₹3,000) in Sarahan.

For Renuka Sanctuary, stay at HPTDC’s Hotel Renuka (Tel: 01702-267339; Tariff: ₹1,200–2,000). Grand View Resort (Tel: 01702-258814; Tariff: ₹3,500–6,000) and The Sirmour Retreat (Cell: 09313704919, 09313002006; Tariff: ₹3,750–5,750) in Nahan are also good. Besides, Shimla and Chail offer numerous stay options to suit all budgets.

THE INFORMATION

When to go Anytime of the year

Wildlife/ Forest Dept offices

DFO (Wildlife), Shimla

Tel: 0177-2623993

Forest Range Officer, Chail

Tel: 01792-248357

DFO, Renuka Lake

Tel: 01702-267321

DFO (Wildlife), Daranghati, Sarahan

Tel: 01782-274232

STD code Shimla 0177, Chail 01792, Renuka 01702, Sarahan 01782

State Himachal Pradesh

Location South Siwalik range, spread over Solan, Shimla and Sirmour districts

Distance Shimla is 347km and Nahan 267km N of Delhi

Route from Delhi to Churdhar NH1 to Pipli via Karnal; SH to Bata Pul via Yamunanagar; NH72 to Paonta Saheb; state road to Chakrata via Kalsi From Shimla to Daranghati NH22 to Jeori via Rampur Bushehr; district road to Sarahan; link road to Daranghati

GETTING THERE

Delhi to Shimla

Air Chandigarh airport (120km/ 1hr). Taxi costs ₹2,600 approx

Rail Kalka (94km/ 2hrs)

Road Take NH1 from Delhi to Ambala. The Zirakpur-Shimla stretch from Chandigarh makes for a good drive

Delhi to Nahan

Rail Nearest railhead: Ambala (80km/ 2hrs). Taxi costs ₹2,000

Road NH1 to Shahbad; SH to Shazad­pur via Narayangarh; NH72 to Nahan via Kala Amb (13km)