Renuka Wildlife Sanctuary is a popular wildlife reserve located in the Sirmaur district of Himachal Pradesh, India. It is named after the Renuka Lake, which is the largest natural lake in Himachal Pradesh and is believed to be the embodiment of the goddess Renuka. The sanctuary spans over an area of 402.8 hectares and is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna.
The Renuka Wildlife Sanctuary is situated around 38 kilometers from Nahan, the district headquarters of Sirmaur, and is easily accessible by road. The sanctuary is nestled amidst the lush greenery of the Shivalik range and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
The Renuka Wildlife Sanctuary is open to visitors from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on all days of the week.
The entry fee for the Renuka Wildlife Sanctuary is Rs. 50 per person for Indian nationals and Rs. 200 per person for foreign nationals.
The sanctuary is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including species like Himalayan black bears, leopards, Sambhar deer, barking deer, jackals, langurs, and a variety of bird species. The sanctuary is also known for its rich vegetation consisting of oak, chir pine, and rhododendron forests.
Visitors to the Renuka Wildlife Sanctuary can enjoy activities like nature walks, bird watching, and wildlife photography. The sanctuary also offers opportunities for trekking and camping in designated areas.
The sanctuary provides jeep safari services for visitors to explore the wildlife and natural beauty of the area. The charges for a jeep safari vary depending on the duration and route chosen.
For male visitors, the minimum age for entry is 12 years, for female visitors, it is 10 years, and for children, it is 5 years. The entry fee for children below 5 years is free of cost.
The sanctuary provides special facilities for senior citizens, including designated seating areas, easy access pathways, and assistance from the staff if required.
The best time to visit the Renuka Wildlife Sanctuary is during the winter months from October to February when the weather is pleasant and the wildlife is more active. However, the sanctuary remains open throughout the year, and each season offers a unique experience to visitors.
Some of the nearby attractions to the Renuka Wildlife Sanctuary include the Renuka Lake, Renuka Temple, Suketi Fossil Park, and the ancient temples of Nahan. Visitors can also explore the local markets and taste traditional Himachali cuisine in the nearby towns and villages.
The sanctuary provides ample parking space for cars and two-wheelers near the entrance. Visitors can park their vehicles securely and proceed to explore the sanctuary on foot or by availing of the jeep safari services.
Visitors to the Renuka Wildlife Sanctuary are required to follow certain rules and regulations to ensure the safety of the wildlife and maintain the ecological balance of the area. Some of the rules include not feeding the animals, not littering the premises, and not disturbing the natural habitat in any way.
The Renuka Wildlife Sanctuary can be reached by road from major cities like Chandigarh, Delhi, and Shimla. The nearest railway station is in Ambala, which is around 125 kilometers away, and the nearest airport is in Chandigarh, which is around 110 kilometers away. Visitors can hire taxis or use public transport to reach the sanctuary from these locations.