Kufri Nature Park

Major Attractions: Jackals, Bonnet Macaques, Jungle Cats, Sloth Bears, Foxes

Coverage Area: 0.9 sq. kms.

Established: 1992

Area: Kandaghat-Chail-Kufri Road, Kufri, Himachal Pradesh

Best Time to Visit: April to June and November to February. Avoid visiting Kufri Nature Park during monsoon as the area is prone to landslide.

Timings: 10:00 AM to 05:00 PM, Monday Closed

Ever seen a sloth bear moving here and there, right in front of you? Then head for a short trip to Kufri Nature Park. Often referred to as the 'Himalayan Nature Park,' here tourist can spot more than 180 varieties of birds. This emerald green park situated in the middle of snow-capped mountains simply looks fantastic. It's a verdant landscape and a must visit for all the wildlife lovers who are on a short trip to Himachal Pradesh.

Kufri Nature Park is located on snow-capped hills at an elevation of 2600 m above sea level. The nature park is spread over an area of 90 hectares. Parts of the nature park shelter small numbers of animals and the alpine meadows are carpeted with many species of flora. Special programs about flora and fauna found in the Himalaya are organized by Forest Department of Himachal Pradesh to create awareness.

Carnivorous animals which tourists can see here in Kufri Nature Park are snow leopard, Tibetan wolf, Common Leopard, Brown Bear and Asiatic black bear. There are many mammals as well including Musk Deer, Hangal, Bharal, Goral, Sambhar and Barking Deer. Talking about avifauna, there are Crested Kaleej, Cheer and Monal Pheasants which call the National Park their home. It is also a great place to enjoy the scenic view of the entire Himalayan range and its snow-clad peak.

Trekking is probably the best way to explore herbaceous plants and trees of the nature park and is conducted by the park rangers at Sai Ropa Tourist Center. Camping can also be done here but a prior permission is required from the division officer. Some common types of bushes and shrubs which can be found in the reserve are blue pine, deodar, holly, oak and spruce. Tourists will also see a plethora of flowers blooming on the green pastures of the Kufri Nature Park. Germanium, Orchids, Balsams and Primula are some of the prominent flowers which can be found here.

Kufri Nature Park is a glorious sight on a sunny day, rippling in the breeze, and framed by mighty 2600 m mountain that have glaciers and snow decorating their peaks all year.