Name: Palampur
Rating: 4.2

Saurabh Van Vihar, Palampur Overview

The Saurabh Van Vihar is a nature park that has been built in dedication of the brave and valiant soldier Saurabh Kalia, who was a martyr in the Kargil War. This beautiful and scenic tourist attraction is located on the banks of the snow-fed Neugel Khad in the village of Kwat and is spread over a total area of 13 kilometres. Saurabh Van Vihar is located just 4 kilometres away from Palampur and is an ideal place to visit for a quiet getaway over the weekend. The nature park offers a panoramic view of the Dhauladhar Range and is home to a wide variety of plants, trees and birds, which add to the beauty of the park and attract nature lovers from all across.

The park today stands as a proud symbol of honour for all the fearless soldiers, who willingly lay their lives in wars to protect their country and motherland. What was initially established with the simple objective of spreading awareness about the degradation of the environment is today one of the most popular tourist attractions in Palampur, and is loved by people of all age groups. Children and adults equally enjoy boating, birdwatching and bouldering at the Saurabh Van Vihar, and the place is a must visit while in Palampur to enjoy in the lap of nature, and to feel closer to it.

Things To Do at Saurabh Van Vihar

Himachal Pradesh Forest Department is currently managing the Saurabh Van Vihar, and the organisation has worked hard to ensure that a visit to this beautiful park is memorable and exciting for all its visitors. One of the primary reasons behind the establishment of this park was also to ensure that people can enjoy the company of nature and become aware of its crucial role in our lives. It is home to picnic sheds, shrubs, trees and a hundred and fifty-one species of medicinal plants. The park also houses water bodies, health trails, an open-air theatre, a Bambusetum and a Tiger Hill Bridge. It is thus the perfect spot to spend a relaxed evening in the midst of greenery and picturesque views.

Bird Watching is also another common activity that tourists enjoy here. After you are done with exploring the park, you can also walk to the Kandi Villages, which are located nearby. This group of villages includes the villages of Sukandi, Drugun Kandi and Thala Kandi. The Kandi Villages and the Saurabh Van Vihar are well connected to Palampur via the Neogal Khad bridges, one of which is used for vehicles, while the other one is for walkers. You can also walk on the pebbly bank of the Neogal Khad to have some fun, or enjoy snacks at the Café Monal in the park.

Bouldering and Boating at Saurabh Van Vihar

A small lake can be found in Saurabh Van Vihar, where visitors can enjoy boating. The lake gets its water from the glacier in the Dhauladhar ranges of Himalayas, and even though boating here is not very challenging, it is definitely worth trying. One can also enjoy bouldering at the park. The park is scattered with boulders of different sizes all around, and you can just select one depending on your fitness level for climbing and scrambling, and enjoy the adrenaline rush.

History of Saurabh Van Vihar

Capt. Saurabh Kalia was a member of the Indian Army, who fought selflessly for the country in the Kargil War in 1999, without caring for his own life. He lost his life in the battle, but before that, he had to face torture at the hands of the Pakistani soldiers for over 20 days. Saurabh Van Vihar was built in the late captain's honour and serves as a memoir of all those who sacrifice their lives for the country, conserving its resources and wildlife, and show their respect to the nation in all forms.

How To Reach Saurabh Van Vihar

Saurabh Van Vihar is located in Neugal, just 2 kilometres away from Palampur. However, it is very difficult to find public transport to this place. The most convenient option is taking a full day cab from Palampur.