Himachal : Wild Life

The state's protected area network of 32 wildlife sanctuaries and 2 national parks represents the myriad diversity of life in the North Western Himalayas. With 64 species of mammals, 463 of birds, 43 of reptiles and 516 of aquatic fauna teeming among over 3240 species of plants than define a range of eco-system and habitants, there is, for the wildlife enthusiast, the indefatigable trekker and the romantic tourist, an endless quest. There are two national parks in Himachal pradesh. Both are natural wonders.

The Great Himalayan National Park ( Kullu ) :

The great Himalayan National Park (GHNP) is an investment in the physical, mental and spiritual well being of Indians as individuals, and of Himachalis in particular. It is a gainful investment in something as simple and fundamental as good citizenship, love of country and an appreciation of the natural and historic fabric of the natural and historic fabric of the Western Himalaya. Bounded on three sides by the perpetual snow of the Himalayas, the westerly entrance to the park through the Tirthan Valley leading up to the Pin Parvati Pass (5800 m+) in the GHNP is traditionally considered one of the most sacred places in the Western Himalaya. The GHNP proper, the Sainj and the Tirthan wildlife sanctuaries together enrich Himachal by their unparalleled splendour. Each of these highlight a unique niche in the rich mosaic of our natural heritage. You may visit any one to experience the natural mystique of the place. The features that initially attracted and led to the preservation of this area as GHNP were its enormous bio-diversity representativeness of the Western Himalaya. From the critically endangered Western Tragopan to the rare and elusive serow and the most beautiful of the big cats, the snow leopard ; they are all here, amidst the entire range of vegetation and ecological complexes of the Western Himalaya. The GHNP is a true wilderness, one of the few large natural areas remaining intact in this part of the world. Here you meet Nature on its terms, not yours.

HIDDEN TOURISM TREASURES OF HIMACHAL

The main Tourism circuits in Himachal Pradesh are fairly well known and even remote districts like Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur are now coming into the tourist mainstream. Himachal has however many undiscovered spots with unspoilt charm that are worth a visit for a quiet rewarding holiday - spent amidst the splendor of nature, away from the crowds.

District Chamba

BHARMAUR (2195 m): Linked by road to Chamba is 65 km away. Surrounded by alpine pastures, this is the summer home of the nomadic Gaddis. At a distance of 69 km from Chamba town, Bharmaur, once known as Brahampur, was between the 6th and 10th centuries, the capital of princely state of Chamba. It is renowned for its cluster of temples - collectively known as the 'Chaurasi'. Though of varying architectural designs, these temples are noted for their fine workmanship. From Bharmaur, the Kugti and Chobia passes and trek routs they offer can be approached. Other interesting places at hand are the temples of Bani Mata and picturesque Khundel. There are Forest and PWD rest houses in Bharmaur.

Beautiful Mountain stream, River Malana.

This is a swift, yet beautiful mountain stream, River Malana. Located in the lost paradise of Malana village in Himachal Pradesh, this river flows in the Himachal mountains and into the Parvati Valley. It represents the beauty that Mother Nature has blessed this lost paradise with. Malana is a tribal village with rules and laws of its own. The people there speak a different dialect and do not adhere to laws of the Indian Government. Outsiders are usually not treated well. 

Adventure and Sports in Himachal

The skiing packages are organised at Narkanda during winters. 

How to Reach: Narkanda is situated at a distance of 65 km from Shimla on NH - 22 towards Rampur and Kinnaur after crossing Kufri, Fagu Theog and Matiana. It is connected by regular Bus / Taxi services. In case traveling from Delhi, state transport buses traveling from Delhi to Rampur cross Narkanda. Buses from Delhi leave in the night. Distance from New Delhi to Narkanda is 434 km.

Other General Information

Fagu

FAGU


Fagu is a tiny village aside a saddle-like mountain along Hindustan Tibet Road. A rare range of views is visible from here, which include vivid dales and snow clad peaks. The picturesque countryside is dotted with clusters of villages, fruit gardens and nearby terraced fields. Fog characterizes the hillside landscape endowed with romantic ambience. Most of the area is covered with conifers of Himalayan cedar and spruce. Located at an altitude of 2,450 m, Fagu, perhaps have derived its name from the fog itself.

ACCESS : The closest airport is at Jubbar-Hatti, 45 km away. The nearest narrow gauge railhead is at Shimla, 22 km away. By road Chandigarh is 139 km and Delhi is at a distance of 392 km.

CLIMATE : In winter, the temperature can drop to below freezing point when heavy woolens are required and in summers light woolens / cottons are recommended.

PLACES OF INTEREST

KUFRI (4 km): (2510 m) Famous for its ski slopes also have enjoyable walks leading up to Mahasu Peak in proxomity. A Nature Park and Mini Zoo are other places worth visiting. Hill ponies and Yaks are available for a joy ride. HiPTDC here runs Cafe Lalit.

SHIMLA (22 km): (2205 m) Once a summer seat of Britesher, Shimla is now the state capital of Himachal Pradesh. It has the rarest of the rare heritage buildings and monuments of the bygone area. Worth seeing places are - The legendary Mall Road, The Ridge, The Christ Church, Kali Bari Temple, Jakhu Hanuman Temple, Sankat Mochan, State Museum, Institute of Advanced Studies.

CHAIL (27 km): (2226 m) provides many bounties of nature. Once the summer capital of Maharaja of Patiala, the Kingly Palace decorated with some historical objects as well, is now owned as a Heritage building by HPTDC. Also famous for the world's highest Cricket Ground, Wildlife Sactuary and Sidh Baba ka Mandir.



NARKANDA (42 km): (2708 m) On the Hindustan Tibet road, Narkanda offers a spectacular view of higher snow ranges. An uphill trek (8 km) through deodar woods leads beholder to Hatu Peak famous for ancient Hatu Mata Temple (3475 m) which is now connected with a motorable road. During winter, under the aegis of HPTDC, skiing is also conducted here. Kotgarh and Thanedhar, Himachal's Apple heartland famous for delicious apples are located in vicinity. HPTDC runs Hotel Hatu at Narkanda.

Shimla

Shimla


Height: Most of the town lies between 2,100 m and 2,300 m


Languages spoken: Hindi. Also English, Punjabi and Pahari.


Religion: Mostly Hindu. Also Sikh, Muslim and Christian


Medical Facilities: Good


Telecommunications: Worldwide links by the net, telephone and fax, code: 0177


With all its intricacies, history seems to have been the mortar for every brick and stone that has built Shimla. As the summer capital of British India for well over a century it was the seat of one of the most powerful governments in the world. From its cedar-shaded heights, one fifth of the human race was ruled and the decisions made those decades ago affect our lives to the present day.