Situated in the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh, the Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the most incredible tourist attractions in the state. Full of lush greenery and dense pine trees, the sanctuary is home to several animal species, such as the Himalayan bear, leopard, and jackal, and some bird species, such as the Himalayan Monal and Eurasian Jay. This stunning and picturesque location is a must-visit due to its breathtaking views, and it is a paradise for nature and wildlife lovers.
Things To Do In The Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary
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On the tour of the stunning Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary in Himachal Pradesh, you can participate in various activities, from enjoying the view of the treetops to exploring wildlife.
- This is one of the best places for wildlife lovers to visit. There are a variety of animal species and bird species found in the sanctuary that visitors can try to spot and take pictures of. With the help of a guide, they can even gain insights and detailed information on the various kinds of animals found in the sanctuary.
- Nature enthusiasts can admire the beautiful, lush greenery all around, and trekkers can use various scenic trails. Some popular trails go up to Lakkar Mandi from Kalatop and Kalatop to Khajjar. These trails offer the most panoramic views and are among the best spots for trekkers and nature lovers.
- Families can choose to have a picnic amidst the natural beauty. The tall oak and pine trees create a peaceful ambience, perfect for fun picnics with family and friends.
- This spot is a true paradise for photography enthusiasts. The diverse and numerous varieties of flora and fauna provide great photo opportunities that photographers must not miss out on.
- Many forest rest houses allow visitors to reside amidst the tranquillity and serene ambience of the forest, giving them more significant opportunities to spot all the animals in the sanctuary.
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Entry Fee And Timings Of The Sanctuary
There are specific opening hours and entry fees for the Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary. The entry fee for Indian tourists is around Rs. 250 and a little higher for foreign tourists at around Rs. 350. If visitors opt to bring their private vehicle into the sanctuary, there is an additional fee of around Rs—100 for the car. Visitors should look up the entry fee and charges before planning a visit since the rates may change due to various circumstances.
The sanctuary’s opening hours are usually 7 a.m.- 6 p.m. Visiting the refuge in the daytime is recommended to enjoy the peaceful and serene ambience to the fullest. The probability of spotting wildlife is higher in the daytime as well. Once again, visitors should check the opening hours of the sanctuary before visiting in case they differ from the usual opening hours to ensure a comfortable and pleasant experience with no hassles.
How To Reach The Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary
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- By Air- The nearest airport to the Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary is Gaggal Airport in Kangra, about 130 kms away. From there, visitors can either hire a cab or taxi to reach the sanctuary
- By Train- The closest railway station to the sanctuary is the Pathankot Railway station in Pathankot, about 80 kms away. Some buses head towards the sanctuary, and visitors can hire a taxi or a cab.
- By Bus- There are Himachal Road Transport Corporation buses and public buses from major cities such as Delhi, Chandigarh, or Pathankot to Dalhousie, from which visitors can hire a taxi to the sanctuary.
- By Road- Dalhousie is about 12 kms away from the Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary. The journey takes about 45 minutes, and visitors can hire a taxi or drive their private vehicles. Another place from where visitors can drive to the sanctuary is Khajjiar which is about 15 kms away from the sanctuary, and it takes about 50 mins to reach the refuge.
- Trekking—Visitors can even opt to trek along a scenic trail from Dalhousie and Khajjiar to Kalatop. This gives them an opportunity to see the panoramic vistas the trek offers.
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Places to visit near Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary
Many tourist attractions near the Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary will help make your trip to Himachal Pradesh memorable.
1. Khajjiar Lake
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Located about 4 kms from the Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary, Khajjiar Lake is one of the most beautiful places in Himachal Pradesh. The beautiful deodar and oak trees surrounding the lake elevate the place’s natural beauty and create a peaceful, tranquil ambience. For adventure enthusiasts, there are plenty of adventure activities near Khajjiar Lake, such as paragliding, boating, zorbing and many more. Hence, this ‘mini Switzerland of India’ is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and thrill seekers.
Best Time To Visit: April to June
Entry Fee: Starting from 300 Rs.
2. Chamera Lake
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Situated roughly 7 kms away from the sanctuary, the Chamera Lake is a picturesque tourist attraction renowned for its stunning views and the beautiful hills surrounding it. There are plenty of adventure activities for tourists to enjoy near the lake or to admire the marvellous scenery. This is one of the most beautiful destinations near the Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary.
Best Time To Visit: March to June
Entry Fee: Starting from 200 Rs.
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3. Dainkund Peak
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The Dainkund Peak, one of the most stunning locations in Himachal Pradesh, renowned for its panoramic vistas, is situated about 4 kms away from the sanctuary. The peak offers breathtaking views of the surrounding hills, such as the Pir Panjal mountain range and various valleys and rivers. This is a popular trekking destination due to the relatively easier trails and paths leading to the summit. Visitors travelling to Dalhousie should visit this place to experience the harmonious blend of nature and adventure.
Best Time To Visit: April to June
Entry Fee: NA
Further Read: Best Places To Visit In Shimla
Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary is undoubtedly one of the beautiful sanctuaries in the Chamaba district of Himachal Pradesh. Now that you have a comprehensive guide to Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary, it’s time to pack your bags and plan a trip to Himachal Pradesh to experience the wilderness and natural beauty of this famous tourist destination.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary
What is the location of Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary?
The exact location of Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary is Kalatope R.F., Himachal Pradesh 176304. It is situated in the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh.
When is the best time to visit the Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary?
The best time to visit the sanctuary is between September and May. This is the ideal time to ensure a pleasant and comfortable experience.
What are some of the animals found in the Kalatop sanctuary?
Some of the animals found in the sanctuary are Himalayan Black Bears, Barking deer, Leopards, Himalayan Gray Langurs, and many more.
How far is the Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary from Dalhousie?
Dalhousie is about 12 kms away from the Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary. Visitors can hire a taxi or a cab or bring their private vehicles to reach the sanctuary from Dalhousie within 45 minutes.
How many wildlife sanctuaries are there in the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh?
There are 5 wildlife sanctuaries located in different parts of the Chamba district in Himachal Pradesh, where visitors can immerse themselves in the natural beauty and explore the diverse wilderness.
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