Dhauladhar Nature Park (Zoo), Gopalpur — Attraction in Himachal Pradesh

Dhauladhar Nature Park (Gopalpur Zoo), located about 13 km from Palampur and ~20 km from Dharamshala, nestled in the foothills of the stunning Dhauladhar Range:

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🌄 Overview & Setting • Established in 1992 as the Dhauladhar Nature Awareness Center, later renamed Dhauladhar Nature Park, the zoo spans 12.5 hectares (0.12 sq km), surrounded by diverse Himalayan flora like oak, maple, deodar, bamboo, walnut, and fruit trees including apple and raspberry . • The park rises at 1,200–1,300 m elevation, offering panoramic views of the Dhauladhar mountains and lush Kangra valley ().

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🦁 Wildlife & Facilities • Home to Asiatic lions, leopards, Himalayan black bears, sambar & barking deer, gorals, wild boar, monal, cheer pheasant, and other birds such as vultures and eagles . • Features include: • A bird aviary with bird shows, • A reptile house displaying snakes and lizards, • A small botanical garden showcasing regional plants, • A children’s play area with swings and slides, making it kid-friendly . • Enclosures are noted to be spacious and well-maintained—a visitor noted that unlike urban zoos, here “animals looked happy and active and healthy” .

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⭐ Visitor Feedback • Overall rating around 4.0 out of 5 from Google and Tripadvisor reviews—described as “well-maintained”, “scenic”, and ideal for nature lovers and families . • Positive reviewer quotes: “Perfect destination for nature lovers… well‑maintained, clean and hygienic… tigers and lions in large enclosures…”  “Lion, panther, variety of deer… birds… scenic beauty. Thanks”  • Constructive notes: • Animals may be less visible during hot summers—they tend to hide in the shade; better to visit on cooler days . • Some visitors mentioned that double security nets around enclosures detracted from views of animals .

ℹ️ Practical Tips

Feature Details Entry Fee ₹50 for adults; children often free; camera fee ~₹50; entry closed on Mondays Timings 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM; closed Mondays () Recommended Visit Time 1–2 hours to explore the zoo, aviary, and gardens at a leisurely pace () Best Season April–June and November–February (peak summers too hot; monsoon prone to landslides) () Getting There Located on Palampur–Dharamshala road; good access by taxi or personal vehicle; smooth roads from Palampur and Dharamshala ()

🎯 Final Thoughts

Dhauladhar Nature Park (Gopalpur Zoo) offers a tranquil and scenic wildlife experience, blending well-kept enclosures with Himalayan views and natural gardens. While it’s modest compared to major zoos, it stands out for its setting, variety of Himalayan species, and family-friendly amenities. • Great for nature lovers, families with kids, and travellers seeking a peaceful excursion off the beaten path. • Best visited early or late in the day for more active animal sightings and comfortable weather. • Easy to combine with visits to Chamunda Devi Temple (8 km away), Palampur tea gardens, or Dharamshala spots like Norbulingka or McLeod Ganj.

In summary: It’s a lovely half-day stop, especially if you enjoy observing wildlife with mountain ambience and prefer a relaxed,...

Dhauladhar National Park is an incredible wildlife sanctuary that offers a captivating experience for nature enthusiasts and animal lovers alike. Located in a pristine and picturesque setting, the park boasts a diverse range of animal species and various birds, making it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a close encounter with the wilderness.

One of the key highlights of Dhauladhar National Park is its well-maintained zoo, where visitors can witness the majestic and awe-inspiring creatures that call this park their home. From the regal lions to the elusive leopards, graceful deers, imposing bears, and wild boars, the variety of animals here is truly impressive. The park's commitment to conserving these species is evident, as they take precautions to ensure the well-being of both the animals and the visitors.

A unique feature of this park is the mandatory foot cleaning with medicine before entering the premises. This precautionary measure helps prevent the transfer of harmful bacteria from visitors to the animals and vice versa. It displays the park's dedication to maintaining a safe and healthy environment for all inhabitants.

Moreover, Dhauladhar National Park is also a haven for birdwatchers, as it is home to a plethora of avian species. The park's rich biodiversity includes a colorful array of feathered friends, adding to the overall enchantment of the place.

The reasonable entrance ticket fee of just Rs. 50 makes this national park accessible to a wide range of visitors, promoting inclusivity and encouraging more people to experience the beauty of nature and wildlife conservation.

The park's compact layout is another advantage, allowing visitors to explore various sections without feeling overwhelmed. Well-marked trails and informative signboards provide valuable insights into the animals and their habitats, enhancing the educational aspect of the visit.

The efforts taken by the park authorities to ensure cleanliness, safety, and animal welfare are truly commendable. Visitors can explore the park with a sense of assurance that they are contributing to the conservation efforts and promoting responsible tourism.

In conclusion, Dhauladhar National Park is a gem of a wildlife sanctuary that offers an unforgettable experience for visitors. With its diverse range of animals and birds, commitment to conservation, and affordable entrance fee, it stands out as an exemplary destination for wildlife enthusiasts. Whether you are a seasoned wildlife lover or someone looking to connect with nature, this park is bound to leave you with cherished memories and a deeper appreciation for the wonders of the...

Dhauladhar Nature Park Zoo is a perfect destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. This zoo is situated in the scenic beauty of the Dhauladhar range of mountains and offers a unique opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the region. Spread across a vast area of over 30 acres, the zoo is home to a variety of animals, birds, and reptiles.

The zoo is well-maintained, and the animals are kept in clean and hygienic conditions. The enclosures are spacious and provide ample space for the animals to move around freely. Visitors can walk through the park and observe the animals in their natural habitat, without disturbing them.

The zoo has a diverse range of animal species, including tigers, lions, bears, deer, monkeys, and many more. The tigers and lions are the main attraction of the zoo. They are kept in large enclosures with ample space and natural vegetation, which makes the visitors feel like they are in a real jungle.

The bear enclosure is also quite impressive. The bears are kept in a large natural enclosure with plenty of trees and logs for them to climb on. They are quite active, and visitors can watch them play and interact with each other.

One of the unique features of the zoo is the aviary, which houses a variety of bird species. Visitors can walk through the aviary and observe the birds flying around freely. The zookeepers also conduct regular bird shows, where visitors can witness the birds perform tricks and showcase their natural abilities.

The reptile house is also worth a visit. It is home to a variety of snakes, lizards, and other reptiles. The enclosures are designed to mimic their natural habitats, and visitors can observe these fascinating creatures up close.

Apart from the animals, the zoo also has a small botanical garden. The garden has a variety of plants and trees, which are native to the region. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll through the garden and admire the natural beauty of the surroundings.

Overall, Dhauladhar Nature Park Zoo is a great place to visit for anyone who loves nature and wildlife. The zoo is well-maintained, and the animals are kept in clean and hygienic conditions. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and they provide visitors with interesting facts and information about the animals. The admission fee is also quite reasonable, making it an affordable and enjoyable experience for families and tourists alike. I highly recommend visiting Dhauladhar Nature Park Zoo if you are...