About Bir Shikargah Wildlife Sanctuary
Bir Shikargah Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected wildlife sanctuary located near Pinjore in Panchkula district, Haryana, in the Shivalik foothills of the Himalayas. Spread over about 767 hectares, it was once a hunting reserve of the former Patiala State and was notified as a sanctuary in 1975. The sanctuary features dry deciduous forest and supports sambar, chital, nilgai, wild boar and diverse birdlife, offering nature and wildlife viewing close to Chandigarh.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a forested Shivalik foothill landscape with dry deciduous scrub and mixed forest, traversed by unpaved forest trails. The sanctuary is known for sightings of sambar, spotted deer (chital), nilgai, wild boar, jackal, peafowl and various resident and migratory birds. Facilities are basic and the experience is focused on nature walks, birdwatching, photography and quiet wildlife observation. Entry requires prior permission from the Haryana Forest Department.
Key highlights
- 01
Protected Shivalik foothill forest spread over approximately 767.30 hectares
- 02
Former hunting reserve (Shikargah) of the Maharaja of Patiala
- 03
Habitat for sambar, chital, nilgai, wild boar, jackal and Indian peafowl
- 04
Good birdwatching with diverse resident and migratory species
- 05
Close proximity to Pinjore Gardens and Chandigarh, ideal for nature walks and photography
History of Bir Shikargah Wildlife Sanctuary
The area known as Bir Shikargah served as a hunting preserve (Shikargah) for the rulers of the former Patiala State. After reorganization, it was notified as Bir Shikargah Wildlife Sanctuary in 1975 under wildlife protection laws to conserve the Shivalik foothill ecosystem and its fauna.
Route
| By air | Nearest airport is Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport, Chandigarh (about 25-30 km). Taxi or cab onward to Pinjore. |
|---|---|
| By train |