Top 5 National Parks in Himachal Pradesh for Nature Lovers
National Park in Himachal Pradesh is nothing less than a symphony of life, adventure, and serenity. Imagine strolling around a place with the melody of cascading streams with snow-capped peaks standing tall and guarding the secrets of the wild. The scenic beauty is a haven for a wide range of plants and animals that vary from a dense forest to alpine meadows. You can also hire a local guide to gather more information about these beautiful parks. These are well-protected areas with incredible beauty while offering a sanctuary for animals and an oasis for nature admirers. Each of the National parks in Himachal Pradesh offers a unique balance of flora and fauna with incredible landscapes.
Himachal Pradesh’s National Parks: Exploring Flora and Fauna
The densely forested valleys and snow-capped mountains are some of the most beautiful tourist destinations for travellers. National park in Himachal Pradesh offers a haven for a wide range of plants and animals, which vary from dense forests to alpine meadows. These national parks are designated areas for wildlife conservation, especially endangered species. Let’s dive into the list of wildlife scenes in Himachal Pradesh.
1. Pin Valley National Park
2. Great Himalayan National Park
3. Inderkilla National Park
4. Kheerganga National Park
5. Simbalbara National Park
1. Pin Valley National Park
Pin Valley National Park in Himachal Pradesh is also known as the Land of Snow Leopards. This park extends towards the South of Dhankar Gompa close to the Tibetan border, and was established on 9 January 1987 by India. This national park is home to 20 species of animals and birds, including the endangered Snow Leopard, Siberian ibex, bharal, weasel, red fox, marten, and more. You can also find birds like Pika, snow cock, bearded vulture, chukor, golden eagle, griffon and raven. Moreover, this area is a house to 22 rare and endangered plant species with considerable therapeutic potential. One of the famous national parks in Himachal Pradesh is Pin Valley National Park, which has the lush green head of Kullu Valley, an astounding panorama of barren, brown mountains, hanging glaciers, and snowfields that glitter in the sharp light. This park is a portion of a magnificent area that exhibits the most incredible floral and faunal species that these high Himalayan hills have to offer. Apart from the wildlife, Pin Valley is also a cultural trove with ancient monasteries and villages offering a glimpse into the traditional Buddhist lifestyle. Adventure seekers could traverse the challenging trails, while nature lovers could marvel at its untouched beauty.
Location: Kaza, Valley, Himachal Pradesh
Timings to visit: 6am to 6pm
Speciality: Medicinal plant species
How to Reach: You can reach Pin Valley National Park in two ways. The first route goes over Manali, Rohtang Pass, and Kunzum La. The route is available from July through October. The second route goes through Shimla, Tapri, and Kaza. From March to December, this is the ideal time to visit the park.
By Air: The nearest airport is in Kullu district of Bhuntar. Transport companies also offer flights to Delhi. It is better to confirm flight timetables and other details ahead of time.
By Railway: Shimla, located around 443 km away, is the nearest railhead.
2. Great Himalayan National Park
Great Himalayan National Park is considered the best National Park in Himachal Pradesh. Located in the Banjaar sub-division of Kullu district, this park in Himachal Pradesh is a natural heaven. Also, this park is an addition to the wildlife reserve grid in the Himalayan region. In 2014, the Great Himalayan Park received the prestigious honor of being a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its remarkable role in preserving biodiversity. This park houses 10,000 plant species, most of which are medicinal herbs. It also shelters a variety of wildlife, including 31 mammal species, 209 bird species, and numerous amphibians, reptiles, and insects. Some of the notable species found here comprise the Greater Blue Sheep, Indian Pika, Rhesus Monkey, Himalayan Black Bear, Himalayan Brown Bear, Red Fox, Mongoose, Rufous-gorged Flycatcher, Plum-headed Parakeet, Black-chinned Babbler and Grey-hooded Warbler. As one of the best national parks in Himachal, this place offers some of the finest trekking trails, perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Location: Forest Office Rd, Shamshi, Himachal Pradesh
Timing to Visit: 10 am to pm
Speciality : Eco-Conservation
How to Reach: You can find three ways to get to the Great Himalayan National Park
By Air: This Park is around 60 kilometres away from the nearest airport, which is located in Bhuntar, Kullu. You can book a flight from Delhi to Bhuntar.
By Train: Joginder Nagar is 143km away and the nearest railhead. Trains from Delhi and Chandigarh run frequently to this place.
By Road: Many buses run frequently from Kullu through Aut on NH21. After reaching Goshaini or Neuli, take Kullu-Manali highway’s eastern divergence from Aut and follow the road link from Beas River to Banjar Valley. Many buses depart from Aut and arrive at Banjar. You can take the next cab or train to Tirthan Valley.
3. Inderkilla National Park
Inderkilla National Park is one of the most visited national parks in Himachal Pradesh, located in the Kullu district. It spans 104 sq. km, relatively unexplored from Kullu Manali Airport, making it an accessible and serene retreat. This park boasts a diverse range of wilderness, including rare and exotic species of plants, animals, birds, and insects. The dense and rugged terrains create an ideal base for the species, offering travelers a unique opportunity to observe wildlife in its natural environment. Trekking in green lush unveils its rich biodiversity and introduces you to medicinal herbs that thrive in its roots. As one of the best national parks in Himachal Pradesh, Inderkilla promises serenity and a deep connection with nature for travel enthusiasts.
Location: Kullu, Himachal Pradesh
Best time: 10 am TO 5 pm
Specialty: More than 250 species of birds
How to Reach:
You can reach it two ways:
By Air: From KulluKullu Airport, Inderkilla National Park is 46km
By Train: The nearest railway station is Joginder Nagar Railway, which is 41 km away from Inderkilla National Park
4. Khirganga National Park
Witness the breathtaking expanse of natural beauty in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh. Khirganga National Park in Himachal Pradesh was established in 2010, spans an impressive 710 sq. km along the Parvati Watershed, and sits at an altitude of around 5,500 meters. Offering a refreshing treat in the Himalayas. Most of Himachal Pradesh’s National parks are filled with exotic flora and fauna. Still, Khirganga is a paradise for rich biodiversity, protecting a wide variety of flora and fauna, including species like wild bears. Originally planned to blend with the neighboring park to streamline management, it is a distinct entity and a top destination in Himachal Pradesh. Visiting a park could be beautifully paired with the famous Kheerganga trek, creating a perfect addition to your itinerary. The best time to explore the wilderness is from April to June or September to November, with October offering calming weather and fewer crowds. As one of the most visited National parks, Khirganga is a must-visit for adventure enthusiasts.
Location: Kullu, Himachal Pradesh
Timing: 6: 00 Am to 6: 00 Om
Specialty: Hot water Springs, wild bears, and Camping
How to Reach: Reaching Khirganga National Park is not of any fuss but can be reached in three ways
By Air
The nearest airport is Kullu Manali Airport, which is about 50.5km. You can hire a taxi or take a bus to Barshaini, the starting point of the Khirganga trek.
By Train
The nearest railway station is Pathankot Railway Station, which is 295km away. You could hire a taxi from Pathankot to Bhuntar and then proceed to Barshaini.
By Road
You can take a bus to Bhuntar, which is connected by state and private buses. If you’re driving by yourself, follow the route via NH3 to Bhuntar and then take the road to Barshaini.
5. Simbalbara National Park
Located in Paonta Valley, this National park in Himachal Pradesh is renowned for its natural beauty. Simbalbara National Park is a protected area established in 1958, spanning 19.03 sq km. In 2010, an additional area became a part of this park with a total of 27.88sq km. Simbalbara National Park is known for its dense Sal forest with lush grassy undergrowth, offering a habitat for wildlife. It is a base for Goral, Sambhar, Spotted Deer, CHittal, Himalayan Black Bear, Hanuman Langurs, and Indian Muntjacs. The best time to visit this park is in October or November. Visitors could enjoy scenic walking trails in nearby forested areas.
Location: State Highway 6A, Dhaula Kuan, Himachal Pradesh
Best Time: NA
Specialty: Trekking
How to Reach:
By Air: The nearest airport is Digarh, which is roughly 87km from Simbalbara National Park.
By Train: The nearest railway station is Ambala, 63km away, and conveniently connected to Simbalbara National Park by road.
By Road: The road network connects Simbalbara National Park to the main cities and areas. You can get vehicles at regular intervals to reach Simbalbara National Park.
FAQs of National Park in Himachal Pradesh
1. Which national park is in Himachal Pradesh?
National Parks in Himachal Pradesh include Great Himalayan National Park, Pin Valley National Park, Inderkilla National Park, Khirganga National Park, and Simbulbara National Park.
2. Which is the oldest national park in Himachal Pradesh?
Simbalbara National Park is the oldest park and was established in 1958.
3. What is the best time to visit a national park in Himachal Pradesh?
Himachal is a destination that can be visited throughout the year. You can rest assured that the experience will be different in each season. However, the best time to visit Himachal is Spring and Summer, which is February and June.
4. Which is the largest national park in Himachal?
Great Himalayan National Park is the largest park spanning over 1171 km sq. in Himachal Pradesh
5. Which is the highest peak in Himachal?
Shilla Peak is the highest peak which is 7025m tall gracing Kinnaur District with its presence.
6. Which species are mostly found in Great Himalayan National Park?
Great Himalayan National Park shelters a variety of wildlife, including 31 mammal species, 209 bird species, and numerous amphibians, reptiles, and insects.
