Himachal Pradesh has a different type of topography, climate and forest cover due to which it has been gifted with a vast variety of flora and fauna. Himachal Pradesh is known for its wilderness, landscapes, beautiful forests and wildlife. The tropical vegetation here consists of trees of cedar, pine, oak, fir, alder, birch, spruce, ferns, grasses, wild flowers and flowering rhododendron. Some of the birds and animals that are found in Himachal are pheasants, partridges, patient kites, ibex, antelopes, deer, bears, the rare bharal and thar and the snow leopard.  There are about 32 wildlife sanctuaries, 2 national parks and 3 game reserves in Himachal Pradesh.

Simbalbara sanctuary is located in the Paonta valley of Sirmour district in the Himachal Pradesh. The Paonta valley is the most picturesque and beautiful area in the Shiwalik hills and has beautiful dense Sal forests with grassy glades. A perennial stream also runs in the area. There is a forest rest house in this sanctuary which is connected by a fair weather road from Puruwala and provides a beautiful view of the valley. Goral, Sambhar and Cheetal are the various animals which can be easily seen in this sanctuary. Winter is the best season to visit this sanctuary.

Renuka sanctuary is a small sanctuary in the Himachal Pradesh connected by motorable road. The major attraction of this area is the Renuka lake, the forests and the temples which attract a large number of people from hills and plains. The major attraction of this sanctuary is the Safari and open Nature Parks. Cheetal, Sambhar, Kakkar and various other animals freely move in this sanctuary and thus can be seen very easily. The tourists can visit this sanctuary throughout the year.

Churdhar peak, is the highest peak in the outer Himalayas. Churdhar peak is like a oasis of Alpine area in a ocean of temperate forests. This is an excellent area for trekking during summers and early winters. The view from Churdhar peak is so beautiful which can't be expressed in words. On the way to Churdahr you will come across a large number of multicolored and agile Monals in the adjoining forests. There are small rest houses at Nohra, Choras and Sarain. There is also a sarai and a Shiv Temple at Churdhar.

Chail Sanctuary is located in the Chail region of the Himachal Pradesh. The Deodar and Oak forests and the grasslands are mainly found in this region which provides a home to the wildlife animals. Sambar, Goral, Cheer Pheasants, Barking Deer and Kalijin are the various wildlife animals and birds which are found at Blossom and Jhaja in Chail. There is also a Cheer pheasant breeding centre at both these places. The Range Officer of Wildlife and his staff assists the wildlife lovers and tourists to view the wildlife in the sanctuary area.

The Majathal sanctuary is located about 10 kms. from Kararaghat (Shimla-Bilaspur Highway) to Kashlog. From Kashlog one has to walk on foot. The Majathal sanctuary has a very steep and rugged terrain away from habitation. This sanctuary has the highest population of Goral and endangered Cheer pheasant which can be seen in their natural habitat. There are no hotels near this sanctuary and so one has to stay in tents in the forest. Winters is the best season to visit this sanctuary.

The Maharana Pratap Sagar sanctuary is a famous lake sanctuary. The major attraction of this sanctuary are the ducks which migrate from Siberia during winter. Here one can visit thousands of ducks in the swamp area between Shahnahar barrage and Pong dam and the surrounding shallow waters of the lake. Clean blue water all around with the panoramic view of Dhauladhar Ranges and Kangra Valley make the visit to Ransar Island an unforgettable experience. Black buck, Cheetal, Surkhab, Cranes, Pintails and variety of water birds can also seen on this island.