Simbalbara National Park
Simbalbara National Park is a national park in India, located in the Paonta Valley of Sirmour District, Himachal Pradesh, along its border with Haryana. It is also known as Col. Sher Jung National Park. The vegetation consists of dense Sal forests with grassy glades. The protected area was created in 1958 as the Simbalbara Wildlife Sanctuary with 19.03 km2. In 2010, 8.88 km2 were added to it and it was made into a National Park,[1][2] covering an area of about 27.88 square kilometres (10.76 sq mi).[3] There is a perennial stream in the valley. The Travel and Tourism department of Himachal Pradesh has preserved the park in its natural form.[4]
Simbalbara Forest Rest House is connected from Puruwala and provides views of the valley.[citation needed] Tiger Goral, Sambhar and Chittal are the common animals found here. There are walking trails also in the adjoining forests.[5] October and November are the best times to visit the park.[citation needed]
Flora and Fauna
[edit]The principal species forming the top canopy are Sal (Shorea robusta) and Terminalia tomentosa. On the riverine side, Eucalyptus, Jamun (Syzygium cumini), and Cassia siamea are present. Mammalian herbivores include Nilgai, Sambar deer, spotted deer, wild boar, porcupine, goral, barking deer, and Rhesus macaque. Avifauna in this national park includes the Indian roller, dollar bird, kingfishers, and three hornbill species. Predators include crested serpent eagles, Brahminy kites, and long-billed vultures.[6]
Access
[edit]- Nearest airport: Chandigarh (87-km from Nahan)
- Railway: The nearest railhead is at Ambala cantt. (63-km from Nahan)
- By road: Nahan is accessible connected by road, linked to many cities and tourist spots.
- Nearest village: Palhori opposite Simbalbara
See also
[edit]- Kalesar National Park, Haryana
- Rajaji National Park, Uttarakhand
Notes and references
[edit]- ^ Department of Forest, Government of Himachal Pradesh (28 July 2010). "Department Notification Number FFE-B-F(6)11/2005, Simbalbara National Park" (PDF). ENVIS Centre on Wildlife & Protected Areas. Archived (PDF) from the original on 11 November 2017.
- ^ Sharma, Ashwani (9 December 2011). "Sanctuaries: Himachal gets a month to finalise draft". Indian Express. Archived from the original on 9 April 2014.
- ^ "List of National Parks in Himachal Pradesh - updated". 19 March 2020.
- ^ Simbalbara sanctuary @surfindia.com
- ^ Himachal Tourism Dep.
- ^ "Simbalbara National Park » Naparks". 19 May 2024. Retrieved 15 August 2024.
