Kalatop Khajjia Sanctuary in Himachal Pradesh

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Kalatop Khajjia Sanctuary Himachal Pradesh

Kalatop Khajjia Sanctuary is a small sanctuary lies in the catchment of the Ravi River, and contains patches of good coniferous and Oak forests. A lovely bowl-shaped meadow at Khajjiar, with a lake and a ‘floating’ island, is a popular tourist spot. There is a ‘golden’ domed temple at the edge of this meadow, dedicated to the deity ‘Khajinag’, from whom the area derives its name.

Area and Zoning :

2026.89 ha ( 20.27 sq. km ). No zoning.

Location :

District Chamba in Himachal Pradesh :

Latitudinal range 32°02´ to 32°04´ N; Longitudinal range 76°01´ to 76°06´E; Nearest Town Dalhousie ( 06 km ); Nearest railhead Pathankot ( 86 km ).

Approaches :

From Chandigarh to Dalhousie ( 352 km ), on to Lakkadmandi inside the sanctuary ( 10 km ). Kalatop is a further 3 km, and Khajjiar another 12 km. Alternately, from Chamba to Khajjiar ( 36 km ).

Topography And Climate :

Altitude 1185 to 2768 m; Temperature –10°C to 35°C; Mean annual rainfall 672.3 mm.

Flora of Himachal Pradesh :

The vegetation consists of Mature mixed Blue Pine and Deodhar forest, with some Green Oak and Tree Rhododendron. Undergrowth in the forest is well developed, dense in places and with a good cover of grass in November.

Forest cover 1962.84 ha. Of the some area of the forest types being Ban Oak Forest 12/C1(a) over 120 ha., Moist Deodar Forest 12/C1 (c) over 1047.24 ha., and Western Mixed Coniferous Forest 12/C1(d) over 795.60 ha., Interspersed with these are some Alpine Pastures 15/C3.

Fauna of Himachal Pradesh :

Mammals, Bear, Himalayan Black Marten, Himalayan Yellowthroated Cat Leopard Deer, Barking Goral Squirrel, Common Giant Flying Serow Jackal Langur, Common Leopard.

Himachal Pradesh Birds :

Common Name : Blackbird
Scientific Name : Turdus merula

Information For Visitors :

The best period for visting the sanctuary are March-May, and from September to November, when the weather is favourable. Khajjiar meadow and lake, and the Khajinag temple, and places of tourist interest. There is one watchtower for wildlife viewing. There are five rest houses inside with a total of 21 beds.

Chamba Contact Address :

DFO ( WL ) Chamba Division, Chamba – 176 310 Himachal Pradesh Range Officer ( WL ), P.O. Khajjiar, Tehsil Brahmaur, District Chamba Himachal Pradesh.