Have you ever dreamt of spotting a snow leopard? If yes, consider yourself lucky if you see this carnivorous beast at Manali Wildlife Sanctuary. Sprawling over 3,000 hectares, this place is an ideal visit for any wildlife lover. Visiting this place will give you a new experience. It may let you witness your dream coming true with the sight of snow leopards. So join us as we bring you an overview of this tourist attraction in Himachal’s evergreen hill station.
Manali Wildlife Sanctuary: A must place to spot endangered snow leopards and other species
Manali Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the best places to visit in Manali. It welcomes tourists to explore wildlife, with rare sights of endangered snow leopards. Other animals to spot include brown bears, Himalayan yellow-throated martens, musk deer, flying fox, barking deer, flying squirrel, Himalayan palm civets, and ibex herds. Among the rare and exotic species here are kingfishers, snow pigeons, chakra, western tragopan, cuckoos, and tree creepers.
The terrain encircles lush greenery, snow-capped mountains, and exotic flora and fauna. When you visit this wildlife zone, you will hear the melodic chorus of colourful birds, making it an ideal retreat for birdwatchers and photographers. Walnuts, Robinia, chestnuts, deodar, and fir are the common vegetation found in this region.
Motive behind the establishment of wildlife sanctuary
Prepared under the Punjab Birds and Wild Animals Protection Act of 1933, the main reason behind the establishment of Manali Wildlife Sanctuary was to preserve flora and fauna from extinction. On 26 February 1954, it was declared a land for the purpose it was meant to be. After its successful foundation, many animals and birds now call it home. There have been positive changes in the sanctuary regarding wildlife conservation.
Tips to follow when reaching the sanctuary
Below are some tips to follow when coming to Manali Sanctuary. These are
- You should bring your camera to capture the enchanting natural beauty and witness this place’s variety of flora and fauna.
- Stay hydrated by keeping a water bottle.
- Since wildlife touring requires a lot of walking, you should wear shoes that are comfortable to wear
- Wear clothes according to the weather and to protect your skin
Brief about snow leopard, the state animal of Himachal Pradesh
The snow leopard is the state animal of Himachal Pradesh. Conserving these big felines is essential in preserving wildlife and keeping the food chain intact. If you don’t know much about it, then let us tell you that these snowy beasts are found at altitude levels in the Himalayas and are rarely visible to humans. They have a white fur coat with black dots and pink nostrils.
Unlike lions, tigers, leopards, and jaguars, they don’t roar but make a piercing yowl that can be heard over the river. Their paws are like natural snowshoes for walking and running in the snowy areas. Snow leopards’ preferred diet includes blue sheep, marmot, ibex, hares, small rodents, Himalayan tahr, pika, and birds.
They have incredible energy to cover longer distances in a single night. They have the potential to leap 9 metres. There might be around 4000 snow leopards in the wild, but the figure is still unsure. Their numbers have dwindled because of the loss of habitat, poaching for illegal trade, and human conflict. WWF (World Wide Federation) has been showing concern for their safety.
Best season to explore
If you want to visit Manali Wildlife Sanctuary, the best time to visit is from May and June in summer or winter from October to February. This is when mountains are draped in snow raising the possibility of wildlife viewing who venture out more often. We suggest you visit this wildlife sanctuary from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM. It will take around 4 hours to complete your exploration.
How to reach
The nearest airport to Manali Wildlife Sanctuary is Kullu-Manali Airport, approximately 51 km away. Public transportation facilities are available near the airport so you can visit the site in less time. The bus will drop you off in Manali city, from where you can reach the wildlife sanctuary 2 km away.
Best resort in Manali to reach the wildlife sanctuary
If you are searching for a promising accommodation, Bookmark Resorts is a luxury resort in Manali to consider for its different categories of rooms and suites with private balconies and views of mountains and forests, a glass-made sit-out solarium with 180-degree views of Hampta Pass and Pir Panjal Range, and its near proximity to places including Hadimba Temple, Mall Road, Jogini Waterfalls, Solang Valley, and Vashisht Temple. For a refreshing session there is a heated swimming pool.
Even for special events, Bookmark Resorts is one of the top resorts in Manali for weddings. It offers beautiful views of the Himalayas, a perfect backdrop for taking vows with your love. Whether you wish for a wedding at sunrise or an intimate ceremony under the stars, your event will end up with unforgettable memories. Perched at 7000 ft., this resort lets you weave picture-perfect moments amidst the snowy mountains. So bookmark this promising resort to fulfil your dream of a destination wedding in Manali.
Cedrus at Bookmark Resorts is the best place to eat in Manali where the food is prepared with the freshest indigenous ingredients poured with love and affection. Here, you can savour Himachali cuisines to Asian and Italian delicacies. The well-appointed bar here is stocked with the finest worldwide liqueurs. Apart from enjoying the taste of Himachali cuisines and other options, what is worth noticing at this restaurant is its decor, which is warm and comforting, syncing well with wooden flooring and a soothing colour palette. The element resting on the centre of the table with gushing water flow is captivating.
Conclusion
This concludes our brief travel guide on Manali Wildlife Sanctuary, a must-visit for wildlife enthusiasts. This sanctuary houses many different species of flora and fauna. If you are eager to see an endangered snow leopard, then this is the place you should visit. May you be lucky in spotting this snowy beast, also a state animal of Himachal Pradesh.
Also read – https://www.bookmarkresorts.com/blogs/top-20-places-to-visit-in-manali-for-an-unforgettable-vacation/
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Location: Near Log Huts Area Road, Manali, Himachal Pradesh 175131
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