One of the major tourist destinations of Dalhousie, the Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary is the gateway to Khajjiar’s beauty. Lying in the depth of River Ravi, the 30.69 km animal sanctuary is made up of thick deodar forests, a plethora of wildlife species, snow-capped mountains, lush grasslands, and stunning water streams.

The sanctuary boasts of a variety of fauna like Pheasants, the Himalayan Black Bear, and the Himalayan Black Marten. Other popular species here include Leopard, Bear, Langur, and Jackal. The sanctuary is home to more than 117 species of birds, the most popular being Black Headed Jay, the Black Bird, and Eurasian Jay. The musical chirpings of these birds add to the charm of the sanctuary.

With the exotic flora and fauna of Himachal Pradesh and options for trekking, jungle safari, and simply a leisurely picnic, the sanctuary would be your best acquaintance with nature. Whether it’s for a solo journey, fun vacation with buddies, or a wholesome family vacation, the sanctuary is a perfect place for all kinds of travelers.

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History of Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary 

Under the British regime, the place was a popular hunting ground for the Chamba rulers. While the area under the sanctuary was a natural reserve since the early 1960s, active restoration and protection began only in the 1970s when it was declared a wildlife sanctuary. The name Kalatop means black cap in Hindi and refers to the thick, black forest cover on the hilltop in the sanctuary.

When to Visit Kalatop

Best Time To Visit: The Sanctuary is in its vibrant state during summers. However, the best time to visit is from September to March when the weather is pleasant for safaris and sightseeing expeditions. Travelers should usually avoid the monsoons as it gets uncomfortable to travel and explore the sanctuary. 

Timings: The Sanctuary is open all through the week from 7 AM to 6 PM in all seasons.

For the best experience, it’s better to visit during the day, so that you can spot the wildlife.

Duration: Approximately 2.5-3 hours. Might take longer if you opt for a trek.

How To Reach Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary

The closest town to the sanctuary is Dalhousie, located at a distance of 8 kilometers. Dalhousie is also famous for its tourist destinations and natural beauty and, therefore, a trip to Dalhousie almost always includes a trip to Khajjiar. From Dalhousie, you can take a taxi towards the Karelnu road or onto the Chamba/Khajjiar road to enter the place.

Things to do in Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary

Picnic

• Nestled amidst lush greenery and stunning grasslands, Kalatop makes up a great picnic destination. The lands are studded with small streams that add to the charm of the place. You’ll be awe-struck witnessing the magical sunsets at the sanctuary. For the kids, there is also an adventure park inside the place that would keep them occupied and happy. If you are visiting it in the evening, you can also indulge in some stargazing, an experience that isn’t available in the cities.

Bird Watching

• Given the exotic bird species, bird watching is another popular activity in the sanctuary. There are numerous migratory and residential birds, so it’s both a beautiful and an educative experience to witness them.

Safari/Expedition

• One of the best ways to experience the destination is through a trek or taking your car. The charges to take your vehicle are nominal and are usually around 250 INR.
• The Safari is available from the morning at 7 am to the evening at 6 pm

Trekking

• If you are looking to add that extra edge of adventure to your trip, you can choose to trek from the Kalatop wildlife sanctuary to the Mini Switzerland of India, Khajjiar.
• This is a rather short trek compared to other treks in Himachal Pradesh and a perfect option if it’s a short trip. The trek takes around 4-6 hours to complete and allows trekkers to bask in the experience of a deep jungle walk. It is one of the best treks to experience nature and wildlife in their most untouched forms. The trek isn’t that arduous so it is fit to be done by everyone.
• These treks happen anytime between 10 am-5 pm and cost around 1000Rs per person.

Paragliding

• For the adventure enthusiasts, there are also options for Paragliding in and around Kalatop to enjoy the adrenaline rush of the scenic surroundings. Paragliding is usually open in summers but checks with the authorities in advance. The natural beauty of the area and the thrill of the adventure sport makes paragliding at Kalatop a great activity.
• People get to paraglide anytime between 10 am and 4 pm.
• The charges would be anywhere between 1000-1500rs for a one-hour session.

Nearby Attractions

Nearby attractions include Satdhara falls, Khajjiar lake, Bakrota hills, Chamera lake, and Dainkund Peak. One of the closest is Panchpula, a great picnic spot accessible through a simple trek.

Restaurants to explore at Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary

The vicinity of the sanctuary is dotted with small Dhabas and restaurants serving delicious local food. Some of the most popular restaurants nearby are – Alps Restaurant, Punjabi Rasoi, Lovely Restaurant, and Bon Appetite Bakes N Fries. After a tiring expedition or trek, delicious fresh food would just complete your day.

Where to Stay while visiting Kalatop

If you are looking for accommodations options close to the sanctuary, then you can opt for a guesthouse that is in proximity and offers great views of the place. This is the Kalatop Forest Resthouse. You’ll be surprised to know that this is the place where some of the scenes of the movie Lootera have been shot. Given the popularity of the guesthouse, you should ideally book around 10 days in advance. Alternatively, you can stay in Dalhousie which has some of the best homestays in Himachal Pradesh and is located only 8 km away.

Read More: 7 Adventure Activities In Dalhousie for an Amazing Holiday

Bottom-Line

With this guide, you can explore Kalatop Sanctuary to its best. In this beautiful sanctuary, you can enjoy nature’s bounties, witness magnificent flora and fauna, and spend quality time with your loved ones. It is an entire experience in itself! So plan the itinerary and pack your bags today to bask in the natural splendor of Kalatop.

Happy & Safe Travelling!