Simbalbara National Park
Simbalbara National Park, also known as Col. Sher Jung National Park, is a stunning wildlife reserve located in the Paonta Valley of Sirmaur. It was upgraded from a wildlife sanctuary to a national park in 2010, covering an area of approximately 27.88 square kilometers. The park is famous for its u nique landscape, featuring dense Sal forests, grassy glades, and perennial streams that meander through the Shivalik hills. It serves as a crucial habitat for a variety of animals, including the Goral, Sambhar, Chital, and Wild Boar. It is also a known corridor for tigers and elephants migrating from the nearby Rajaji National Park in Uttarakhand. The park's untouched beauty makes it a hidden treasure for those who prefer off-beat travel experiences. The silence of the forest is only broken by the calls of the Red Jungle Fowl or the rustle of leaves as a leopard moves through the undergrowth. Unlike the more commercialized parks, Simbalbara offers a raw and authentic jungle experience. It is a paradise for birdwatchers, with over 100 species of birds recorded here, including migratory ducks and various raptors.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
5 to 8 HoursPlace Type:
National Park, WildlifeEntry Fees:
Entry Fee: Around 50 to 100 rupees for Indian nationals and 300 to 500 for foreigners.
Safari Charges: Hiring a private gypsy costs between 1500 and 2500 rupees per trip, depending on the duration. ...Entry Fee: Around 50 to 100 rupees for Indian nationals and 300 to 500 for foreigners.
Safari Charges: Hiring a private gypsy costs between 1500 and 2500 rupees per trip, depending on the duration.Timing:
Regular Hours: Generally open from Sunrise to Sunset (approx. 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM).
Ideal Visit: The best time to enter is at 6:45 AM for the highest chance of seeing leopards and large mammals. ...Regular Hours: Generally open from Sunrise to Sunset (approx. 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM).
Ideal Visit: The best time to enter is at 6:45 AM for the highest chance of seeing leopards and large mammals.Special Events:
Wildlife Conservation Day: Celebrated in December with bird counting events and nature photography workshops for tourists.
Founder's Day: Honoring Col. Sher Jung with local cultural programs and stories of his bravery in the forest. ...Wildlife Conservation Day: Celebrated in December with bird counting events and nature photography workshops for tourists.
Founder's Day: Honoring Col. Sher Jung with local cultural programs and stories of his bravery in the forest.Best Photo Spots:
The Sal Forest Tunnel: A stretch of road where the trees form a natural green arch, perfect for artistic photography.
Observation Tower: A high wooden tower that gives a sweeping view of the grasslands where herds of deer graze.The Sal Forest Tunnel: A stretch of road where the trees form a natural green arch, perfect for artistic photography.
Observation Tower: A high wooden tower that gives a sweeping view of the grasslands where herds of deer graze.
The Stream Crossing: A rustic spot where the safari path crosses the water, providing a dramatic backdrop for photos.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Jungle Safari: Exploring the dense forest tracks in an open-top gypsy to spot deer, leopards, and wild boars.
Birding Expeditions: Carrying binoculars to the grassy glades to see the Great Indian Hornbill and migratory water birds.
Nature Trekking: Walking the 5 KM nature trail with a forest guard to understand the local flora and track animal pugmarks.
Camping: Staying overnight in the forest department tents for a true wilderness experience under the stars.
Landscape Photography: Capturing the contrast between the golden grasslands and the deep green Sal forests.
Riverside Picnic: Relaxing by the streams that flow through the park, perfect for a peaceful afternoon with nature.Jungle Safari: Exploring the dense forest tracks in an open-top gypsy to spot deer, leopards, and wild boars.
Birding Expeditions: Carrying binoculars to the grassy glades to see the Great Indian Hornbill and migratory water birds.
Nature Trekking: Walking the 5 KM nature trail with a forest guard to understand the local flora and track animal pugmarks.
Camping: Staying overnight in the forest department tents for a true wilderness experience under the stars.
Landscape Photography: Capturing the contrast between the golden grasslands and the deep green Sal forests.
Riverside Picnic: Relaxing by the streams that flow through the park, perfect for a peaceful afternoon with nature.
Educational Workshops: Learning about the conservation efforts to protect the Shivalik biodiversity from local forest experts.
Information
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Why Famous:
Virgin Forest: Famous for being one of the most undisturbed and pristine Sal forest ecosystems in the lower Himalayas.
Strategic Corridor: It is renowned as a vital transit point for wild elephants and leopards moving between Himachal and Ut...Virgin Forest: Famous for being one of the most undisturbed and pristine Sal forest ecosystems in the lower Himalayas.
Strategic Corridor: It is renowned as a vital transit point for wild elephants and leopards moving between Himachal and Uttarakhand. -
Architecture:
Architecture and Dimensions:
Colonial Style Outposts: The park spans 2788 hectares. The architecture of the forest rest houses and check-posts dates back to the British era, featuring thick stone walls and wide verandas. The "Nature Trail" ...Architecture and Dimensions:
Colonial Style Outposts: The park spans 2788 hectares. The architecture of the forest rest houses and check-posts dates back to the British era, featuring thick stone walls and wide verandas. The "Nature Trail" is a well-designed path of 5 KMS that uses natural wooden logs for steps and markers, blending perfectly with the forest environment. -
How To Reach:
By Air: Dehradun Airport is the closest at 65 KMS, offering easy access via the Paonta Sahib road.
By Train: Dehradun and Paonta Sahib (nearest town) are well-connected; taxis take about an hour to reach the park.
Read MoreBy Air: Dehradun Airport is the closest at 65 KMS, offering easy access via the Paonta Sahib road.
By Train: Dehradun and Paonta Sahib (nearest town) are well-connected; taxis take about an hour to reach the park.
By Road: Located on the Nahan-Paonta Sahib highway; one can take a bus to Majra and then a local taxi to the park entrance.
By Local Transport: Autos are available from Paonta Sahib town, but hiring a private car from Nahan is more convenient.Weather and Best Time to Visit:
Winter Peak: November to February is the absolute best time as the weather is cool and wildlife visibility is high.
Early Summer: March to May is good for bird watching, though it can get warm during the afternoon.
Read MoreWinter Peak: November to February is the absolute best time as the weather is cool and wildlife visibility is high.
Early Summer: March to May is good for bird watching, though it can get warm during the afternoon.
Monsoon Avoidance: July to September is not recommended as the park often closes due to heavy rains and muddy tracks.Near Tourist Places:
1. Paonta Sahib Gurudwara (15 KM), 2. Nahan City (27 KM), 3. Suketi Fossil Park (20 KM), 4. Assan Barrage (35 KM), 5. Rajaji National Park (50 KM), 6. Renuka Lake (55 KM), 7. Rani Tal (27 KM), 8. Trilokpur Temple (45 KM), 9. Kalesar National Park (30 KM), 10. Yamuna River (12 KM)Tourism Tips
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Health and Safety: Carry a basic first aid kit and insect repellent; do not step out of the vehicle during the safari.
Packing Essentials: Wear sturdy boots and full-sleeved clothes to protect against thorns and insects; carry plenty of wa...Health and Safety: Carry a basic first aid kit and insect repellent; do not step out of the vehicle during the safari.
Packing Essentials: Wear sturdy boots and full-sleeved clothes to protect against thorns and insects; carry plenty of water.
Accommodation: The Simbalbara Forest Rest House is highly recommended for its heritage feel and proximity to the wild.
Traveler Tip: Book your safari in advance during the weekend as the number of vehicles allowed inside is strictly limited.
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