Simbalbara National Park UPSC

Simbalbara National Park is a protected area located in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. It is also known as Col. Sher Jung National Park.

Table of Contents

Location
History
Area
Hills
River
Flora
Fauna
UPSC Questions

Simbalbara National Park Location

Simbalbara National Park is located in the Paonta Valley of Sirmour district, Himachal Pradesh, India. It is situated near the Simbalbara village, which is approximately 25 kilometers from the town of Paonta Sahib.

The Simbalbara National Park is nestled in the foothills of the Shivalik range.

Nearest Airport:

Chandigarh is the nearest airport. It is 100 km from the park.

Nearest Railway Station:

Nearest railway station is Ambala railway station, about 63 Km from the Simbalbara National park.

Simbalbara National Park History

Simbalbara National Park has a relatively brief history. Here are the key points:

1. Hunting Reserve: Previously, this area served as a hunting place for subsequent Maharajas of Sirmour.

2. Wildlife Reserve: In 1958, it was first created as a wildlife reserve,

3. Wildlife Sanctuary: In 1974, it was designated as a wildlife sanctuary .

4. National Park: In 2010, Simbalbara Wildlife Sanctuary was established as a National Park. It was primarily created to protect the habitat of the goral, a goat-like animal found in the region.

Simbalbara National Park Area

Simbalbara National Park covers an area of approximately 27.88 square kilometers (10.76 sq mi).

In 1958, The protected area was created as the Simbalbara Wildlife Sanctuary with 19.03 km².

In 2010, 8.88 km² were added to it and it was made into a National Park, covering an area of about 27.88 square kilometres.

Simbalbara National Park Hills

Simbalbara National Park is situated in the foothills of the Shivalik range in the Sirmour district of Himachal Pradesh, India. The park is known for its hilly terrain, which adds to its scenic beauty and provides a natural habitat for a diverse range of flora and fauna.

The Shivalik range is a sub-Himalayan mountain range, and the park's location in these hills contributes to its picturesque landscapes, including rolling hills, slopes, and valleys.

Shivalik Range:

The Shivalik Hills is also known as Churia Hills.
It is a mountain range of the outer Himalayas.
The Shivalik range is characterized by its relatively lower altitude compared to the higher Himalayas.
It consists of a series of hills and foothills with gentle slopes, dissected by numerous rivers and streams.
It stretches over about 2,400 km (1,500 mi) from the Indus River eastwards close to the Brahmaputra River, spanning the northern parts of the Indian subcontinent.
It is 10–50 km wide.
Its average elevation is 1,500–2,000 m (4,900–6,600 ft).
Between the Teesta and Raidāk Rivers in Assam is a gap of about 90 km.
The Shivalik range acts as a transitional zone between the Himalayas and the plains of northern India.

Simbalbara National Park River

Simbalbara National Park does not have a major river flowing through its boundaries. While it doesn't have a prominent river within the park itself, it benefits from the surrounding water sources and the overall water network in the region.

The Simbalbara National Park area is located in the foothills of the Shivalik range, which is influenced by the Yamuna River. The Yamuna River, one of the major rivers of northern India, flows in close proximity to the park, although it does not directly pass through it.

Additionally, the park is surrounded by smaller streams and rivulets that originate from the Shivalik hills and contribute to the overall ecosystem of the area. These streams enhance the natural beauty of the park, providing water for the flora and fauna that inhabit the region.

Simbalbara National Park Flora

Simbalbara National Park is indeed characterized by dense Sal (Shorea robusta) forests with grassy glades. Sal forests are a dominant feature of the park's vegetation. Sal trees are known for their tall stature, broad leaves, and dense canopy. They provide valuable timber and are an important component of tropical forest ecosystems.

The grassy glades within the Sal forests offer open spaces amidst the dense vegetation. These glades provide grazing areas for herbivores and serve as habitats for various ground-dwelling species. The presence of grassy patches adds to the biodiversity of the park and provides opportunities for wildlife viewing.

The combination of Sal forests and grassy glades creates a diverse and dynamic ecosystem within Simbalbara National Park. It supports a variety of flora and fauna, contributing to the overall biodiversity and natural beauty of the park.

Simbalbara National Park Fauna (Simbalbara National Park Animals)

Simbalbara National Park is famous for which animal?

Simbalbara National Park in the Sirmour district of Himachal Pradesh, India, is home to a diverse range of fauna. The park's varied habitats, including forests, grasslands, and streams, support a rich wildlife population.

Here are some of the notable animal species found in Simbalbara National Park:

Mammals:

Tiger
Leopard
Goral
Sambhar
Chittal (Spotted Deer)
Himalayan Black Bear
Indian Muntjacs
Crested Porcupine
Wild Boar
Common Langur

Birds:

Himalayan Monal
Koklass Pheasant
Hill Partridge
Himalayan Woodpecker
Common Kestrel
White-throated Kingfisher
Grey-headed Canary-Flycatcher

Reptiles:

Indian Rock Python
Common Cobra
Indian Monitor Lizard
Fan-throated Lizard
Common Skink