About Great Himalayan National Park
The
great Himalayas have always been a fascination for people around the world
and the Great Himalayan National Park is no different. Situated in the Kullu
district of Himachal Pradesh, the biodiversity of the park has made it a
perfect habitat for some of the most exotic species of flora and fauna found
anywhere in the world.
The park and the area around offers a plethora of options for the tourists
including bird watching, wildlife viewing, religious pilgrimage, cultural
tours etc. The park also has several tourist facilities in the shape of a
tourist centre at Sai Ropa and an information centre at Larjee.
While the park remains open throughout the year, the months of April &
May is the best time to visit as during that time the snow melts and the
conditions are ideal for walking and trekking. Winter is the only time when
you stand an excellent chance to spot rare animals like the Nilgiri Tahr and
the Snow Leopard in the lower reaches of the park.
Wildlife Attractions in Great Himalayan National Park
The Great Himalayan National Park is home to more than 350 species of fauna
including 31 mammals, 203 birds, 3 reptiles, 9 amphibians and 127 insects.
Besides the rarely seen Tahr and the highly endangered Snow Leopard, other
animals which can be spotted around in the park include Serow, Ghoral,
Bharal, Brown Bear, Musk Deer and Red Fox. If you hear a roar you might have
come across a leopard or the highly endangered and very rarely seen Snow
Leopard, even though these white creatures can not give a loud growl because
of their weak vocal tissues. A host of other smaller mammals can also be
seen which include the Great Indian Flying Squirrel and the Indian Pika.
Besides animals, the place is also home to some of the very rare bird
species including the Monal, Koklass and the Western Tragopan.
Safaris
Most
of the areas of the park have remained unexplored because of the sheer
difficulty of the train, which lend the place a unique thrill and rawness
that few other parks in the country can offer. Trekking in the park is no
easy task and requires a person to be in shape. It is better to do some
prior preparation in the form of things to carry, which include basic
trekking equipment such as tents, sleeping bags etc.
Other Attractions
Sai Ropa Tourist Centre
The tourist centre is located just five km from Banjar and a little
distance from the Gushaini entrance. Situated in an area of 3 hectares, the
park provides facilities such as a forest rest house, two dormitories, a
photo exhibition, a conference room etc.
Larji Information Centre
The centre provides important information related to the park. A conference
room has also been provided that is equipped with projection facilities to
help educate rural people and school children about nature and wildlife.
How to Get There
By Air : Bhuntar near Kullu is the nearest airport. Not
many flights are available so it is better to take the train to Chandigarh
and hire a taxi from there. Jagson Airlines operates a
Delhi-Kullu-Dharamsala-Kullu-Delhi service on Tuesday, Thursday and
Saturday, which takes off from Delhi at 7:15. Another service between
Delhi-Shimla-Kullu-Shimla-Delhi on Monday, Wednesday and Friday takes off
from Delhi at 7:15.
By Rail : Chandigarh is the nearest railhead, connected
by daily trains from Delhi, Paschim Exp. (9:40) & HWH DLI KLK mail
(22:20). Other trains are Mumbai-Chandigarh Paschim Exp. (11:35) &
Chennai-Chandigarh Dehradun Exp. (8:30, Thu)
By Road : To reach by road from Delhi, take the national
highway no.1 to Chandigarh via Karnal and Ambala. From there turn to NH21
towards Aut via Bilaspur and Mandi. A state road from here will take you to
Gushaini via Larji and Banjar.
Distances from Major Cities
Delhi : 500 km (N)
Chandigarh : 270 km (N)
Kullu : 50 km/ 1.5 hrs.
Gushaini : 34 km/1.5 hrs.
Travel Tips/Important Information
- All the visitors require a permit for entry into the park, which can
be obtained from the Tirthan Wildlife Range office at Sai Ropa and the
Jiwa Nal Wildlife Range Office at Larji.
- Permit charges are Indians : Rs. 10/Day & Foreigners : Rs.
200/day
- Other charges are Still Camera : Rs. 50 (Indians) & Rs. 150
(foreigners), Video : Rs. 2500 (Indians) & Rs. 5000 (foreigners),
Feature Film : Rs. 20000 (Indians) & (foreigners), Documentary Film
: Rs. 2500 (Indians) & Rs. 5000 (foreigners)
- There are four main entry points to the park, Gushaini (34 km from
Aut), Neuli (40 km), Siund Village (30 km) and Barshaini.
- It is advisable not to travel alone and take a local person along,
preferably a local guide with good knowledge of the area.
Jungle
Resorts in Great Himalayan National Park
| Huts |
The only
accommodation option inside the park are tents, which you will have to
carry and the patrolling huts built for the patrolling staff. Staying in
one of these hits can prove to be a thrilling experience.
|
