Churdhar Wildlife Sanctuary:
The forest department of Himachal Pradesh recently put on hold its order imposing user charge on visitors to the Churdhar Wildlife Sanctuary in Sirmaur district.
- Churdhar Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Sirmour district of Himachal Pradesh.
- It is situated in the Shivalik range of the Himalayas.
- Established in 1985, this sanctuary spans 56 sq.km. and encircles the majestic Churdhar Peak, also known as Choordhar.
- Churdhar peak is the highest peak in the outer Himalayas.
- From the top of the peak, visitors can relish the view of wild Gangetic plains and the Satluj River on its south and Badrinath (a well-known Hindu pilgrimage) towards its north.
- A small temple dedicated to Lord Shiva sits atop the peak, adding spiritual significance to the sanctuary.
- It is quite renowned for being a habitat of herbal medicine trees and plants.
- Wild Himalayan Cherry, Aloe Vera (Dhrit Kumari), and Amaranthus spinosus (Chulai) are some of the best aromatic plants which can be found here, and these herbs possess amazing medicinal properties.
- The main trees in the sanctuary are oak and deodar.
- The sanctuary is home to various species, including musk deer, black bears, monals (Himalayan pheasants), and leopards.
