To beat the heat, or to enjoy the pleasant weather in spring or autumn, the nearest that we know is of people heading to Kasauli. You can’t afford more than a day away to the hills for trekking but you still urge a whiff of fresh air from your mundane life, just try a trip to the Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary near our very own Sukhna Lake.
![Kansal Forests - Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary](https://www.citywoofer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/kansal-forest1-599x400.jpg)
Kansal Forests
Nepli and Kansal are a lot nearer, just behind the Sukhna lake. Its refreshing to watch the varied flaura and fauna on the outskirts of the Tricity.
![Kansal Forests](https://www.citywoofer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/lake-view-711x400.jpg)
The Department of forests and wildlife, Chandigarh Administration, has opened up two 9-km treks for avid trekkers to Nepli and kansal forests for which permits were issued earlier, but now it is completely through online mode on https://www.chandigarhforest.gov.in.
![Bade pathranwala dam in Nepli](https://www.citywoofer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/bada-lake-711x400.jpg)
Bade Pathranwala Dam in Nepli
All you need to do is register online for these treks. The dates of the treks are mentioned here:
Month | Date/Day for trekking | Timing |
---|---|---|
November, 2022 | 12th November (Saturday) |
6:00 AM for reporting at Nepli Entry Gate. Trekking to commence at 6:30 |
December, 2022 | 11th December (Sunday) |
7:00 AM for reporting at Nepli Entry Gate. Trekking to commence at 7:30 |
January, 2023 | 14th January (Saturday) |
|
February, 2023 | 12th February (Sunday) |
|
March, 2023 | 11th March (Saturday) |
6:00 AM for reporting at Nepli Entry Gate. Trekking to commence at 6:30 AM |
Registration for 9-km Trek
Maximum 500 persons will be allowed on ‘First Come First Serve’ basis to participate in the trekking on one particular day. One guide for a group of 50 persons is provided. The final list of participants is emailed.
![Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary](https://www.citywoofer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/sambar1-600x400.jpg)
People are participating in huge numbers. Abdul Qayum, IFS, Chief conservator of forests says, “1000 people have already registered since October 2 when the registrations started for this year”.
Chief conservator of forests, Debendra Dalai, IFS, has a word of caution for the tekkers, ‘Please do not treat the trek as a fun exercise, it is a proper trek where any kind of hooliganism or fiddling with Nature or animals can result in the person being arrested”.
![Log hut at Kansal](https://www.citywoofer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/loghut-711x400.jpg)
Log Hut at Kansal
3-km Trek in Lake Reserve Forest (behind Sukhna lake)
This trek is open from morning to dusk for the general public, one can go any time free of cost.
![Sukhna Sanctuary Map](https://www.citywoofer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/map-nature-trail-570x400.jpg)
Timings For Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary
Oct 1– Nov 30: 10 am-5 pm (last entry)
Dec1– feb 28: 10am to 4;30 pm
March 1– Sept 30: 10 am to 6 pm
Bird Park Timings: closed on Monday and Tuesday
(Similar timing for bird park as well)
The sanctuary remains closed for three months from July to September in the rainy season.
![Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary](https://www.citywoofer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/birds1-741x400.jpg)
Charges for Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary
Entry fee Rs 30 (children 5-12)
Rs 50 –Over 12 yr old(Indian)
Rs 100- over 12 yrs (foreigners)
Free – Children Below 5 yrs/ school children educational tour
Parking Fee
Rs 20 two-wheeler
Rs 50 four wheeler
Rs 100 bus