With an area of 1020.32 ha, Shimla Water Catchment area is situated about 8 kms, East of Shimla town. It has been conserved for more than 136 years. In the British time in India, around 25 water tanks were made in the reservoir, and water supplies was started in 1878 to Shimla town through gravity system for a population of 16,000 residents. Augmentation was done from time to time with the increase in population, but with the passage of time some of the natural sources have become seasonal and 14 sources are perennial. This was from here that the water supplies for the Vice Regal Lodge (residence of the Governal General in India in British time in Simla) were made through a direct water pipe line to the lodge.

It is a serene and relaxed level walk offering an experience of nature and wildlife on grand scale. The landscape beckons the nature lovers all over the world to get a lifetime experience in pristine and silent forests with cedar, Fir, spruce and oaks intertwining with each other. The area sports more than 300 species of plants including various species of conifers, cobra lily, impatience, Rosa, Viburnum etc.. More than 8 species of mammals including leopard, Goral barking deer, Languors (Grey monkeys), Porcupine and yellow Throated marten are found in the Sanctuary. Over 100 species of birds are reported from the sanctuary, including various species of Tits, Flycatchers, Thrushes, barbets and Woodpeckers etc. The sanctuary supports Koklass and Kaliji pheasants in good numbers. The sanctuary is rich in butterflies. The walk through the Sanctuary is a very pleasant experience to enjoy the forest trails with animals and birds sighting and solitary contemplation of nature's majesty. So if you are solitude and nature lover than this walk is for you.

Please Note: For this walk you need a special permit issued by Dy. Conservator of forest (Wild life) Shimla. We would arrange this for you, and can be arranged at The Sanctuary Gate.

Sanctuary Entrance time: 09:00 AM to 05:00 PM. Night stay is not allowed inside the sanctuary area. It is closed on Mondays.

How to reach: Our Guide will pick you up from your hotel by 08:30 AM and a drive with a private Toyota Innova Jeep / similar car from Shimla will take 30 minutes to reach Shimla water Catchment Wildlife Sanctuary from where you will start your walk. If interested a complimentary visit to the Jakhoo Temple (The Monkey temple of Shimla) could also be provided with this walk. The Jakhoo temple of Shimla is dedicated to the Hindu God Lord Hanuman.