Van Vihar National Park is a popular wildlife sanctuary located in the picturesque state of Himachal Pradesh in northern India. The park is situated in Manali, at an altitude of 6,500 feet above sea level, and covers an area of 51 acres.
Established in 1984, Van Vihar National Park is home to diverse flora and fauna. The park is primarily known for its dense cedar and pine forests, which provide a natural habitat for various animals such as Himalayan black bears, leopards, and musk deer. The park also has a large population of birds, including pheasants, Himalayan monals, and koklass.
One of the major attractions of Van Vihar National Park is its beautiful natural scenery. The park is situated on the banks of the Beas River, and visitors can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. There are several walking trails in the park, which allow visitors to explore the natural beauty of the area.
Van Vihar National Park also offers several recreational activities for visitors. The park has a small lake where visitors can go boating, and there is also a children's park and a small zoo where visitors can see animals such as Himalayan black bears, leopards, and Tibetan wolves.
Located just 1.5 km from Van Vihar National Park, Hadimba Temple is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Hadimba. The temple is known for its unique architecture and peaceful surroundings.
Solang Valley is a popular tourist destination 13 km from Van Vihar National Park. The valley is known for its scenic beauty and adventure sports like skiing, paragliding, and zorbing.
Rohtang Pass is a high mountain pass 51 km from Van Vihar National Park. It is known for its stunning views of the Himalayan mountains and is a popular destination for snow sports.
Manikaran is a religious town located 80 km from Van Vihar National Park. It is known for its hot springs and is a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus and Sikhs.
Naggar Castle is a historic castle 21 km from Van Vihar National Park. It was built in the 15th century and is known for its unique architecture and scenic views of the Kullu Valley.
Great Himalayan National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site 57 km from Van Vihar National Park. It is known for its biodiversity and is home to several rare and endangered species of flora and fauna.
Things To Do In Van Vihar National Park:
Wildlife Safari:
Van Vihar National Park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including Himalayan black bears, leopards, musk deer, and various species of birds. Visitors can take a wildlife safari through the park to get a closer look at these animals in their natural habitat.
Boating:
The park has a small lake where visitors can go boating. This is a great way to relax and enjoy the area's natural beauty.
Nature Walks:
There are several walking trails in the park, which allow visitors to explore the natural beauty of the area. The tracks are well-marked, and visitors can choose from different difficulty levels depending on their fitness level.
Picnicking:
Van Vihar National Park is a great place to picnic with family and friends. Several picnic spots in the park offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Photography:
The park is a paradise for nature photographers, with its diverse range of flora and fauna and stunning natural scenery. Visitors can capture amazing shots of the wildlife, landscapes, and sunsets.
Visit the Children's Park and Zoo: The park has a small zoo where visitors can see Himalayan black bears, leopards, and Tibetan wolves. A children's park is also a great place for kids to play and have fun.