Manali Forests

Manali forests support and preserve a variety of flora and fauna. The region is primarily dominated by the deciduous and coniferous forest. The Manali sanctuary and Nature Park of Manali harbors hundreds of species of birds and animals. These forests of Manali are best visited in the months of April till June and September till October as the weather allows perfect visibility at this time of the year. However, the cedar forests make a lush green enigma, in the summer months and a pure white paradise in the snow clad winter months.

The landscape of Manali is lined with Pine (Pinus roxburghii), Oak (Quercus incana), Deodar (Cedrus deodara), Kail, Fir (Abies pindrow), Spruce (Pices smithiana), Aesculus (Aesculus indica), Maple (Acer pictum), Fig (Ficus spp), Bras (Rhododendron arborium), Walnut (Juglans regia), Poplar (Populus ciliata), and the list is unending. These trees can adapt themselves to the harsh coldness of Manali winter even when they are fully weighed down by loads of snow.

The faunal varieties found in the enchanting forests of Manali are leopard, barking deer, black bear, brown bear, musk deer, snow leopard, Himalayan ibex and porcupine. The Manali valley is also home to a wide range of avian varieties, especially in the Manalsu valley. They include Monal, Western Tragopan, Long-legged Buzzard, Koklas, Kingfisher, Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Chakor, Snow pigeon and numerous other varities. Some of the wildlife and birds available in the Manali forests belong to the highly endangered species and are found only in the woodlands of Manali.