MANALI WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

Located only two kilometres from Manali, this wildlife sanctuary is a naturalistic paradise that spreads over 3,000 hectares. The terrain here is characterized by lush green forests and snow capped mountains. On a trip to this sanctuary, you are always inundated with the sights and sounds of colourful birds and exotic flora and fauna.

While deodar, fir, chestnut, walnut and robinia are the most commonly found vegetation in this sanctuary, you can also easily spot snow leopards, brown bears, musk deer and ibex herds in the picturesque vicinity of the sanctuary.

Addition to this, Manali Wildlife Sanctuary is a paradise for the birdwatchers and the shutterbugs. Amongst the many rare and exotic species, a plenitude of tree creepers, kokla and kingfisher are the most commonly found species.

Also check: Must to do things in Manali

Encapsulated with lush tropics and rich species of wildlife creatures, the Manali Sanctuary is one of the prominent tourist attractions in Manali. Built and proclaimed as a sanctuary for wildlife under the Punjab Birds and Wild Animals Protection Act of 1933 in the year 1954, the Manali Sanctuary holds a number of reptiles, mammals, birds, and various other animal culture. The sanctuary also homes a trekking route and various camps inside its premise making it an instant attraction for adventurers and thrill-seekers.

Spread in a massive 3180 hectares of area, the top tourist magnets in the area includes a series of endangered wildlife creatures like Kashmiri Flying Squirrel, Himalayan Black Bear, Himalayan Yellow-throated Marten, Barking Deer, Flying Fox, Himalayan Palm Civet and more. Surrounded by a dense tropics of a varied kind, the Manali Sanctuary is also embedded with picturesque natural magnificence adored by nature-lovers. Walking around the sanctuary tourists are able to relish these bewitching hills set in the backdrop.

Trees like willow, pine, poplar and Robinia, maple, deodar, fir are few of the many species of the tropics the sanctuary is decorated with. Additionally, visitors here enjoy a series of activities like bird watching, natural tails and walking amidst the true essence of nature, the hills, among other adventures like hiking and camping. All in all, the adorable beauty of the Manali Sanctuary packed with a host of wildlife species, dense towering trees and hills, the place is a must-visit among tourists who tour Manali for a holiday with family and friends. Experience the enchanting wonders of the Manali Sanctuary firsthand by booking our exclusive Manali holiday package. Immerse yourself in the pristine beauty of nature as you explore this sanctuary, where adventure and tranquility converge. 

How To Reach

The nearest airport from Manali Sanctuary is the Kullu - Manali Airport which is at an approximate distance of 51 kilometers. There are several options visitors can employ to travel. To start with, Private cab service can be hired from the airport that will drop the tourists directly at the Manali Sanctuary. Public transportation like bus service is also available at timely and frequent hours from the airport for the Sanctuary. 

The bus will drop the travelers at the main bus stop in the Manali city from where the sanctuary is about 2 kilometers and local transportation service is available to travel from here. Although traveling by bus is amongst the cheapest option to use, it is always preferred to go for a private cab, especially if you are with a large group of family or friends. However, if you are traveling solo, go for the bus service. Many air-conditioned buses also run between the airport and Manali city.

Best Time To Visit

Although the Manali Sanctuary is open all day throughout the year, the best time to enjoy a visit to this place is between the months of October and February. During this time the atmosphere is cold and cozy and the mountains are draped with snow, making the place a magnificent delight of nature. Many wildlife creatures and birds also come out more often and at much more visible around this time of the year.

However, if you are an adventurer looking to trek through the majestic lands of the Sanctuary, the best time to visit is during the summer season between the months of May and June. Camping can also be much enjoyed during these months in the Sanctuary. Additionally, if you are visiting Manali Sanctuary for sightseeing the best time to tour the place in the day is early in the morning between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM. The entire exploration can take up to 4 hours.

Other Essential Information

- Location: Manali Sanctuary, Circuit House Marg, Manali, Himachal Pradesh 175131

- Distance from Nearest Airport: The nearest airport from Manali Sanctuary is the Kullu-Manali Airport which is close to 51 kilometers away. It takes around 1 hr 30 minutes to reach the sanctuary from the airport through the NH3 route. 

History of Manali Sanctuary

The magnificent Manali Sanctuary that is spread across in an area of more than 31 square kilometers of territory was declared as a land to preserve the endangered flora and fauna on 26 February in the year 1954. The same was fashioned under the Punjab Birds and Wild Animals Protection Act of 1933. Since its creation, many wildlife creatures have found themselves a home at the Manali Sanctuary. Throughout the years a number of changes have been made in the sanctuary and rare, endangered wildlife creatures have been bought in for conservation from time to time.

Flora at Manali Sanctuary

The Manali sanctuary holds an array of exotic and lush tropics. These include a spread of oak trees that the sanctuary is surrounded by. Visitors can also enjoy trees like fir, deodar, walnut, horse chestnut, Robinia, poplar, maple and willow at the lower three lines of the sanctuary. As tourists ascent towards the hilly region of the sanctuary, they can find various other rare species of tropics including rhododendrons and junipers. In short, the Manali Sanctuary is home to a wide variety of trees making the place an absolute delight of nature. 

Fauna at Manali Sanctuary 

The Manali Sanctuary is also home to a number of extraordinary and fascinating animals. The species of fauna here range from exotic birds to animals and even mammals. Birds like Koklass Pheasant, Snow pigeon, Chakor, Western Tragopan, and Tree Creepers are commonly spotted by tourists here. 

Talking about animals, the sanctuary holds both common as well as rare species of animals including Kashmiri Flying Squirrel, Himalayan Black Bear, Himalayan Yellow-throated Marten, Barking Deer, Flying Fox, Himalayan Palm Civet. Other attractions including snakes and a varied of reptiles are also spotted throughout the Manali Sanctuary making it a complete shed for all kinds of species. 

Places to Stay near Manali Sanctuary

1. Hotel Manali Mahal by DLS Hotels: Pocket-friendly and comfortable, this hotel comes with amenities that include free wifi, free parking, room service and more. 

2. Johnson Lodge & Spa: With a distinct architecture that depicts the local culture, the Johnson Lodge is fitted with various luxurious including a spa, room service, free wifi, and parking among others. The place can also accommodate up to 6 guests and comes with a terrace and a warm fireplace. 

3. Hotel Kanishka Manali: With the backdrop of the glorious mountains of Manali, the Kanishka Hotel offers an alluring view of the valleys from each room. Amenities like a pool, free wifi, restaurant, and free parking are provided by the hotel. 

Places to Eat near Manali Sanctuary 

1. The Johnson's Cafe and Hotel: Enjoy a delicious meal sitting amidst the valleys of Manali at Johnson's Cafes open-air terrace. Favored among many tourists, the place offers a variety of Indian, Italian and Continental dishes. 

2. The Corner House Restaurant: Acknowledged for top customer service and flavorful food, the Corner House Restaurant is a family fiddly place that offers various Indian, Italian and American cuisines. 

3. Chopsticks Restaurant: One of the best places to enjoy a wholesome meal, Chopsticks Restaurant provides a cozy, family-friendly atmosphere, much enjoyed by the visitors. The place is preferred by tourists for its wide variety of Indian and Chinese food options. 

Tips for Visiting Manali Sanctuary 

1. Carry your camera because the Manali Sanctuary has a bewitching beauty and rich collection of flora and fauna and you would not want to miss out on capturing any aspect of the place. 

2. Carry water: It can take up to 4 hours to completely explore the Manali Sanctuary and you'll need to stay hydrated. 

3. Wear shoes: These are a lot of walking to do and hence, shoes rather than any other type of footwear should be preferred. 

4. Take proper precautions of your skin, wear clothes according to the weather and put all kinds of skin protection to prevent yourself from the cold atmosphere especially during the winter season.