Shimla: With an effort to provide more to the tourist itinerary here, Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) has planned to organize wildlife tour for tourists in the summer season.
For the wildlife tour, HPTDC will arrange drives for tourists inside the Shimla Reserve Forest Sanctuary and Catchment Area in Chharabra.
The tour, which will cost Rs 700 per head, will commence from the Tourist Information Center (near Victory Tunnel) at 10:30 a.m. HPTDC mini buses will be scheduled for pick and drop of tourists to and from the Forest Reserve.
HPTDC will also make arrangements for food within the Catchment Area. It is learned that lunch will be served to the tourists inside the Forest Reserve itself.
“All arrangements for the tour have been completed, only an approval from the Forest Department is awaited,” said Yogesh Behl, General Manager HPTDC.
If approved by the Forest Department, the wildlife tour will allow tourists to catch a glimpse of various species of birds and animals from up close in the Forest Reserve spread over an area of 14 kilometers.
Shimla Reserve Forest Sanctuary and Catchment Area is situated at an altitude of 2514m above sea level. The whole area is surrounded with dense forests, chiefly comprising of Oak and Pine trees, an added attraction for visitors touring the area.
Wildlife in the sanctuary comprises of Jackals, Leopards, Kakkar and Barking Deers, while bird species found here include the Pheasants, Partridges, Chikor and the Himalayan Eagle.
The sanctuary also has a wide range of flower species. Berries and wild strawberries are found in abundance in the area.
Another attraction within the catchment area is a 100 odd meter manmade water reservoir built in the British era, which has been supplying water to the Shimla city since decades.
Bharat Bhushan is a Post graduate in Journalism and Mass Communication. An enthusiastic young blogger and writer with over 6 years of experience in new media technologies.
He loves writing about gadgets and travel.
His learning attitude keeps him happy and contented. With all his experience he is always ready to learn whatever little every man has to offer.
