Situated about 18 km from Shimla, at over 2,600 metres altitude, the Himalayan Nature Park is located amidst 90 hectares of temperate vegetation that forms natural habitat for many a wild animals of the Western Himalaya.
The main vegetation of the Nature Park comprises Fir- Spruce and Oak formations with scattered presence of Deodar-Blue Pine-Holly clusters. The area remains under snow for about three months from late December to March. The spring heralds the sprouting of many herbaceous species including primulas, potentillas, geraniums, balsams, and ground orchids that continue to bloom in succession till September adding much colour to the verdant surroundings. Walkways in the Nature Park help the visitors to appreciate Nature in its most serene self. While inside the Nature Park, one can also enjoy, on a clear day, a breathtaking view of the entire range of Himalaya’s snow clad peaks.
The natural habitat of the Nature Park has been used to house selected Himalayan animal species primarily for the purpose of education of visitors. However, the animal enclosures here are big enough to provide opportunity to the wild animals to be in near natural habitat. The animals are given opportunity to relax after morning meal behind a shrub or a large boulder (leopard) or even to hibernate (brown bear) during winter. The visitors would, therefore, need to spend time, as they would have spent to sight these animals in the wild, in the Nature Park to better appreciate the Himalayan fauna here.
Other attractive animals in the Nature Park include Musk Deer, Bharal, Black Bear, Tibetan Wolf, Leopard Cat, Sambhar, Ghoral, Barking Deer, Monal, White Crested Kaleej and Cheer pheasant.
Limited camping facilities within the park and facilities for guided treks, especially for student groups, are available.
Post a Comment