Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary: Famous Nature Lover’s Paradise in Dalhousie

Location of Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary

Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary is located about 6 km away from Dalhousie Bus Stand, which is about 350 km away from Chandigarh, the nearest major city. Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary is easily accessible by road, rail and air from various parts of India. The nearest airport is Pathankot Airport, which is about 85 km away from Dalhousie. The nearest railway station is Pathankot Railway Station, which is about 80 km away from Dalhousie. There are also regular bus services to Dalhousie from Chandigarh, Delhi, Amritsar and other cities.

Things to Do/Must See Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary

There are many things to do and see at Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary, such as:

Sightseeing: The main attraction of Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary is sightseeing for the scenic and panoramic view of the valleys and mountains of the Himalayan region. The Wildlife Sanctuary also offers a clear view of the flow of the rivers Ravi, Chenab and Beas at the base. One can enjoy the natural beauty and freshness of The Wildlife Sanctuary in any season.

Trekking: Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary is also a famous place for trekking in Dalhousie. The trek to The Wildlife Sanctuary starts from Lakkar Mandi, which is about 3 km away from The Wildlife Sanctuary. The trek is about 4 km long, of which the first km is very steep, but safe as the path is made of wide concrete steps. The trek offers a thrilling and adventurous experience, with great views and cool mountain air.

Camping: Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary is also a place for camping in Dalhousie. One can pitch a tent at the top of The Wildlife Sanctuary and spend a night under the stars. Camping at The Wildlife Sanctuary is a wonderful way to enjoy the solitude and serenity of nature.

Visiting Kalatop Forest Rest House: Kalatop Forest Rest House is a colonial-era bungalow situated at the top of Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary. It offers a comfortable stay with basic amenities and a stunning view of the surroundings. It also serves as a base for exploring the sanctuary and nearby attractions.

Spotting wildlife: The Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a variety of flora and fauna, especially the pheasants, that are native to the Himalayan region. One can spot animals such as leopard, bear, deer, langur, jackal and many more in their natural habitat. One can also spot birds such as blackbird, Eurasian jay, chestnut-billed rock thrush, grey-headed canary flycatcher and many more in their natural habitat.

Nearby Tourist Attractions Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary

There are many other tourist attractions near Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary that are worth visiting, such as:

Khajjiar Lake: This is a beautiful lake surrounded by green meadows and pine forests in Khajjiar, which is about 4 km away from The Wildlife Sanctuary. Khajjiar Lake is also known as the Mini Switzerland of India because of its resemblance to Switzerland’s topography.

Dainkund Peak: This is the highest peak in Dalhousie that offers a bird’s eye view of the city. Dainkund Peak is also known as the Singing Hill because of the musical sound of the wind passing through the trees. Dainkund Peak is about 17 km away from The Wildlife Sanctuary.

Golden Devi Temple: This is a Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Kali, who is believed to be the protector of Khajjiar. The temple is situated near Khajjiar Lake and has a golden dome that shines in the sunlight. The temple is about 4 km away from The Wildlife Sanctuary.

Khajji Nag Temple: This is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Nag, who is believed to be the lord of serpents. The temple is situated near Khajjiar Lake and has a unique architecture that blends Hindu and Mughal styles. The temple is about 4 km away from The Wildlife Sanctuary.

Significance of Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary

Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary is not only a tourist attraction, but also a source of awareness and appreciation for the wildlife of the Himalayan region. It is a place that celebrates the spirit and culture of the hill town. It is also a place that reflects the diversity and harmony of Dalhousie, as it has people of different religions, such as Hinduism, Buddhism and Sikhism, who visit and worship here. It is also a place that preserves the ecological and biological heritage of Dalhousie, as it has plants and animals that are endemic to the Himalayan region.

FAQ

Q: How big is Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary?

A: The Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of about 30.69 sq km.

Q: How old is Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary?

A: The Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1958 by the Himachal Pradesh Forest Department.

Q: What is the best time to visit Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary?

A: The Wildlife Sanctuary can be visited throughout the year, as the climate is pleasant and cool. However, the best time to visit The Wildlife Sanctuary is from April to June and from September to November, when the weather is clear and sunny, and the plants and animals are more active and visible.

Conclusion

Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary is a must-visit destination for anyone who wants to experience the charm and beauty of Dalhousie. It is a place where one can sightsee, trek, camp, visit and spot wildlife in a scenic and serene atmosphere. It is a place where one can enjoy the views of nature while listening to the music of the wildlife. It is a place where one can experience the glory and spirit of Dalhousie.