Wildlife in Himachal Pradesh offers a breathtaking landscape, rare species of birds and animals, and a range of adventurous activities. Indeed it is a fascinating and thrilling aspect of Himachal tourism. With 14,668 sq km, Himachal Pradesh has about 26.3% of its total geographic area under forests. These are home to a wide range of flora (3295 species) and fauna (5721 species) spread across the Himalayan mountain ranges. However, due to their endemic habitat, medicinal value, and commercial significance, they are threatened with depletion. Therefore, the forest department established and manages many wildlife-protected areas to conserve these, including 2 national parks and 33 wildlife sanctuaries. You can visit these national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in Himachal Pradesh to enjoy the variety of unique plants, birds, and animals. Indianholiday.com brings you the details.
When you visit a protected area in Himachal Pradesh, you can look out for the species endemic to that particular area of the Himalayas. The forests are at varying altitudes of about 900 to 5000 m above sea level. In the higher altitudes, the terrain is steep and undulating with sparse vegetation, and in the lower altitudes, there are gentle slopes and valleys with gushing streams.
Vegetations in these terrains of Himachal Pradesh range from sub-tropical to alpine. In the Trans Himalayan areas of Lahaul & Spiti, you can visit the Pin Valley National Park which covers the area above the tree line. The animals here, including snow leopards, snow partridge, and Himalayan snowcock, are adapted to the freezing climate. Wildlife sanctuaries have animals and birds adapted to the temperate climate in the lower altitudes. They include endangered bird species of cheer pheasant and western tragopan and rare animal species of musk deer and Himalayan thar. If you are a bird lover, Himachal Pradesh has a number of rivers, glacial lakes, and artificial reservoirs that receives various migratory birds during the summer and autumn seasons. You can visit sanctuaries in Maharana Pratap Sagar Reservoir, Renuka Lake and Khajjiar Lake to enjoy bird watching.
The state government encourages wildlife tourism in Himachal Pradesh by building rest houses, allotting land for campsites, and providing information regarding trek and safari routes. Moreover, roads in Himachal Pradesh are motorable even at elevations of around 3000 m. No wonder the state receives an increasing number of wildlife tourists from India and abroad every year.
How many national park in Himachal Pradesh
There are 5 national parks in Himachal Pradesh. Here are:
- Great Himalayan National Park
- Pin Valley National Park
- Inderkilla National Park
- Khirganga National Park
- Simbalbara National Park
You can check out other protected areas to enjoy these and other wildlife adventures. Make your wildlife vacation in Himachal Pradesh memorable by booking a tour on indianholiday.com. Please click on the desired name for more information on wildlife sanctuaries and national parks in Himachal Pradesh.
