Manali Sanctuary
Tags : Wildlife
Timings : 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Time Required : 2-3 hrs
Entry Fee : INR 10
Manali Wildlife Sanctuary
Manali Sanctuary, Manali Overview
A protected wildlife reserve covering the high-altitude forests and alpine meadows above Manali town, home to snow leopard, Himalayan brown bear, ibex, and a range of Himalayan bird species. The lower reaches are accessible on foot from town and overlap with several trekking routes; the deeper sanctuary requires forest department permits. More relevant to serious trekkers and wildlife enthusiasts than casual visitors.
The Manali Sanctuary commences from just behind the town and extends all the way up in the mountains behind the hill station. It was officially declared as a sanctuary in the year 1954 on 26 February, under the Punjab Birds and Wild Animals Protection Act of 1933. Spread over an area of just 31.80 square kilometres, the sanctuary, nevertheless, has everything that you would expect from a typical shelter. It is home to all kinds of species of flora and fauna: rare, endangered as well as common; such as the Himalayan Black Bear, Kashmir flying Squirrel, Himalayan Palm Civet, Himalayan Yellow-throated Marten, Barking Deer, Flying Fox, etc.
What the Manali Wildlife Sanctuary provides in addition to the usual biological diversity and adventure sports is its breathtaking scenic beauty. Visitors get to explore snow-capped mountains, alpine trees and the picturesque beauty of the surroundings, all at the same time. The place is the ideal tourist spot for honeymooners and couples who want to enjoy themselves in blissful solitude and capture their memories in the form of beautiful pictures forever.
Read More on Manali Sanctuary
Flora and Fauna at Manali Wildlife Sanctuary
The faunal species at the Manali Sanctuary includes birds, animals and reptiles. The Kolkass pheasant is easily spotted in the sanctuary due to its silver-grey coloured plumage and white coloured patches on the neck. Other prominent bird species include the treecreepers, western tragopan, snow pigeon, Himalayan Monal, chakor, bar throated minla, snow partridge, rufous-bellied niltava, kingfisher, green-backed tit and the Himalayan snowcock amongst others.
Mammals that can be found in the sanctuary include the brown bear, Asiatic black bear, barking deer, snow leopard, musk deer, and jungle cat. Other snakes and lizards are also found in the sanctuary.
Activities & Things To Do at Manali Sanctuary
Numerous trekking routes, ranging from easy climbs to difficult ones, pass through the sanctuary and primarily appeal to all those who want to experience an adrenaline rush. Camping at the Manali Sanctuary under the starlit sky is yet another unparalleled experience. The sanctuary allows camping only in the summer months. Visitors are also granted permission to stay in the camps at Gallant thatch or Lambadug during this time period.
Best Time to Visit Manali Sanctuary
Tips for Visiting Manali Sanctuary
2. Plastic is banned inside the sanctuary, and littering is strictly prohibited.
3. The Great Himalayan National Park and the Chail Wildlife Sanctuary are the other important wildlife sanctuaries in Himachal Pradesh, so do not give these places a miss while you visit the Manali Sanctuary.
