Introduction:
The deodar and fir trees that crowd the slopes of the Himalayas in Himachal Pradesh are home to a wide plethora of wildlife that draws thousands of wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, and tourists to its depths. The wildlife sanctuaries in Himachal Pradesh, with their dense foliage, the view of the snowcapped peaks popping up before your eyes every now and then, and the variety of flora and fauna, offer a truly exciting experience. At present Himachal boasts of 32 Sanctuaries, 2 National Parks and 3 Games Reserves. The forests in Himachal harbors 64 species of mammals, 463 species of birds, 43 species of reptiles and 516 of aquatic fauna teeming among over 3240 species of plants. The Manali Sanctuary in Himachal Pradesh is a gem of a sanctuary and attracts tourists from all over the country.

Manali Sanctuary:
The sanctuary is located at a distance of about 2 km from Manali main town. It is the catchment area of the Manalsu khad. A path from Manali log huts and Dhungri temple passes through dense Deodar, Kail, Horse chestnut, Walnut and Maple forests to the sanctuary. Musk deer, Monal and Brown bear, Leopard and Snow leopard are some of the sport seen here. Herds of Ibex are also seen roaming in the glacier zone in summers. The sanctuary spreads over about 3,180 hectares. The following area was declared a sanctuary on 26th February 1954, under the Punjab Birds and Wild Animals Protection Act, 1933.

Best Time to Visit:
The best time to visit the Manali Sanctuary is between October and February.