Kanwar Sanctuary, Wildlife refuge in Kullu district, Himachal Pradesh, India
Kanwar Sanctuary is a protected refuge in the Kullu region with a mix of rocky ridges, dense deodar forests, and temperate woodlands that shift across different elevations. The landscape creates distinct natural zones where different plants and animals thrive based on altitude.
The sanctuary was established in 1954 to protect the local forest ecosystems of the Himalayan region. This step was part of broader efforts to safeguard the natural wealth of Himachal Pradesh during the early decades after independence.
Religious sites are scattered throughout the sanctuary and woven into the daily spiritual practices of local communities. Visitors walking through often encounter these sacred places among the water sources and forest clearings.
Access is easiest through Kullu by air or rail, with local transport needed for the final leg to reach the sanctuary. Visitors should be prepared for changing weather at altitude and wear sturdy footwear when exploring the terrain.
The area is home to rare mountain birds and large predators that inhabit the higher zones of the refuge. These animals are fully adapted to living in extreme altitude conditions found nowhere else in the region.
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