“Where hornbills call, deer tread softly, and the forest hums with life.”
📖 Overview
The Simbalbara Wildlife Sanctuary, upgraded to National Park status in 2010, spans 27.88 sq. km in the Paonta Valley of Sirmaur, bordering Kalesar National Park (Haryana). It’s one of Himachal’s few low-altitude biodiversity hotspots, offering gentle nature trails, birdwatching loops, and wildlife sightings in a tranquil setting. The park’s sal-dominated forests, rolling meadows, and seasonal streams create a rich mosaic of habitats.
🧭 Trail & Wildlife Profile
Attribute
Details
Trail Type
Circular forest trail (~3–5 km)
Elevation
~600–900 m
Duration
1–2 hours (extendable)
Grade
Easy
Best Season
October–March (for birds & clear skies)
Permit Required
Entry fee at gate; no special permit needed
🌄 Trail Highlights
Birdwatching Paradise: Spot hornbills, jungle fowl, peafowl, barbets, drongos, and migratory warblers—especially active at dawn and dusk.
Wildlife Sightings: Home to sambar deer, barking deer, goral, wild boar, langurs, and occasionally leopards.
Forest Rest House Loop: A scenic trail starting near the British-era Forest Rest House, winding through sal groves, stream crossings, and open glades.
Photography & Silence: The park’s low footfall makes it ideal for quiet nature immersion, macro photography, and meditative walks.
🛕 Cultural & Ecological Touchpoints
Shivalik Corridor: Simbalbara forms part of a critical ecological corridor linking the Shivalik forests of Himachal and Haryana.
Sacred Groves & Local Beliefs: Nearby villages often associate the forest with local deities and seasonal rituals.
Eco-Conservation Efforts: The park is a model for low-impact tourism, with minimal infrastructure and community-led conservation.
🧳 Essentials for Visitors
Item
Notes
Footwear
Comfortable walking shoes or trail sneakers
Clothing
Light layers; mornings cool, afternoons warm
Gear
Binoculars, camera, water bottle, sun hat
Stay
Forest Rest House (inside park); hotels in Paonta Sahib
Food
Carry your own; no shops inside park
Safety
Trail is safe; avoid loud noises and littering
🧭 How to Reach
By Road:
Paonta Sahib ➝ Simbalbara Gate: ~10 km
Nahan ➝ Simbalbara: ~50 km
Taxis and autos available from Paonta Sahib
By Train: Nearest railhead: Ambala Cantt (~90 km)
By Air: Chandigarh Airport: ~85 km
🏞️ Add-On Experiences
Paonta Sahib Gurudwara: A major Sikh pilgrimage site on the banks of the Yamuna
Kalesar National Park (Haryana): Combine with a visit to this adjacent forest reserve for a cross-border biodiversity loop
Suketi Fossil Park: India’s first fossil park, ~25 km away—showcasing prehistoric Shivalik fauna
