Kalatop Khajjiar Wildlife Sanctuary
The picturesque Kalatop Khajjiar Sanctuary is one of the most popular and easily accessible sanctuaries in Himachal Pradesh. Parks altitude varies from 1,185 m to 2,768 m, and its bounded by coniferous and oak forests.
The undulating sanctuary lies in the catchment of the Ravi River, and a stream of the magnificent river dances through the sanctuary. Beautiful landscape is covered with deodar, blue pine, fir forests.
The wilderness is bestowed with a variety of Indian Wildlife, including some of the rare and endangered species of flora and fauna. The sanctuary hosts the elusive Serow, a vulnerable goat-antelope. To be at this sanctuary is to experience nature and its gifts at its surreal best.
Flora: Mixed blue pine and Deodar forest, green oak, the phododendron, and more.
Fauna: Bear, Himalayan black marten, leopard, deer, barking goral, jackal, langur, serow, squirrel, and more.
Avian-Fauna: Blackbird
Location
Kalatop Khajjiar Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in Khajjiar in Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh.
Area: 20 sq. km
Route: Khajjiar is well connected by road and is 26 km from Dalhousie and 24 km from Chamba. One can take a bus or hire a taxi to reach the park from Dalhousie and Chamba.
The closest railhead is in Pathankot, which is 120 km away from the sanctuary. The nearest airport is at Gaggal in Kangra, which is at a distance of 18 km. There are taxis available from Pathankot and Kangra to reach the sanctuary.
Best Time to Visit: May - June & September - October
Major Attractions
Khajjiar Lake: This scenic tranquil lake is located around 1,900 m above sea level and is the main water source in the sanctuary area. Situated at the center of the large Khajjar glade, the perennial glistening lake is 1.5 km long and 1 km wide, and is surrounded by deodar forest. Migratory birds flock to this place, which is often called the Mini Switzerland.
Things to keep in mind
- To drive into the sanctuary, prior permission required from the Forestry Department in Chamba.