Chail Sanctuary: Solan
Chail is a hill station visited by many tourists. The Deodar and Oak forests with grasslands around the township are the abode of wildlife.Glance on Chail Sanctuary.
Spread in an area of more than 110 sq. kms, at the foothills of mighty Himalayas, Chail Sanctuary encompasses a vast forest cover. In 1976, Chail wildlife sanctuary was identified and was declared as a protected area. Apart from its animals and birds, the main attraction of the sanctuary is the Chir Pheasant breeding farm. The forests are mainly dense covers of Oak and Pine, apart from the other major grassland covers.
Attractions
Floral Attractions
The forests in Chail sanctuary mainly comprises of Pine and Oak trees. The northern slopes are forested while southern slopes support grasslands, usually with patches of forest or scrub in the depressions. Grasslands are maintained by regular burning and cutting of plants. Rhododendron forms pure stands in places and Cedar and Blue Pine have been sown in some areas. There is little mature forest and much secondary growth in these areas. The forest is largely confined to the northern half of the sanctuary. The grassland of Sanctuary also has some small stretches of Pine, Oak, Cedar and Robinia.
Wildlife Attractions
Chail Sanctuary has mainly mammals in its
area. The large mammals include rhesus macaque, leopard,
Indian muntjac and goral crested porcupine. Other species
include Himalayan black bear, wild boar, common langur,
sambar, black-naped hare. European red deer was introduced
half a century ago by the former Maharaja of Patiala but
none was sighted during a census in 1988. The avian
population comprises majorly of Chir pheasant and Kalij
pheasant. The Chir breeding and rehabilitation centre has
helped increase in number of Chir birds in the forests.
The Park Safari:
The Chail sanctuary can be best viewed by the means of trekking, as the uneven land does not allow to take a jeep safari in the park. The forest officers also encourage trekking, so the animals and birds feel safe and secure.
How to Reach
Chail sanctuary can be reached from Shimla (40 kms), and Chail (3 kms) by road. Shimla can be reached by the means of train or flights. Chail city to Chail sanctuary trip (3 Km) is one of the most favored small treks in the region.
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