Dedicated to brave soldier Saurabh Kalia who was a martyr in the Kargil War, Saurabh Van Vihar is a nature park spread across 13 km. The park is situated on the bank of the snow-fed river Neugel Khad in Kwat Village. A perfect place for recreation, Saurabh Van Vihar is very close to Rakkh, our resort in Palampur. Surrounded by the mighty Dhauladhar Range, the beauty of this nature park is enhanced with the different kinds of flora. The park also gives shelter to a good number of birds, which further adds to its charm. All in all a great place to holiday with your family the park features lush gardens for taking a leisurely stroll in the pollution free environment.
Saurabh Van Vihar was established in order to create awareness regarding the gradually depleting environment and ensure that people can enjoy the company of nature and become aware of its crucial role in our lives. Now it has turned into a popular picnic ground for people. The major attractions are boating, birdwatching, and bouldering apart from walking on the pebbly bank of the Neugal Khad.
History:
Capt. Saurabh Kalia of the Indian Army, fought selflessly for the country in the Kargil War in 1999, without caring for his own life. He lost his life in the War, but before that, he had to face torture for 20 days at the hands of the Pakistani soldiers. Saurabh Van Vihar was built in the honor of the late captain and serves as a memoir of all those who sacrificed their lives for the country, conserving its resources and wildlife, and showing their respect and protecting the nation in all forms.
Things To Do At Saurabh Van Vihar Palampur:
You get to see one hundred fifty-one species of medicinal plants along with restorative plants in the complex., shrubs, and trees.
A picnic shed is set up so that you can have a picnic with your family and friends with a mesmerizing view of the Dhauladhar mountain and a lake by the side.
The park has water bodies, an open-air theatre, a Bambusetum, and a Tiger Hill Bridge. Enjoy walking around while sipping tea. It is a perfect spot to spend a relaxed evening amongst greenery and picturesque views. Enjoy Bird Watching. You can find mountain hawks, pigeons, cuckoo, raven, peacock, etc. The chirping of birds can be heard all around. Even if the crowd is less in winters, the sound of birds doesn’t let you feel alone. You can walk on the pebbly bank of the Neogal Khad to have some fun, or enjoy snacks at nearby Cafés in the park.
Visitors can enjoy boating in the lake. The lake gets its water from the glacier in the Dhauladhar ranges of the Himalayas. The boating here is not very challenging and can be enjoyed with kids.
You can find boulders of different sizes all around the park and can select one depending on your fitness level for climbing and scrambling, and enjoying the adrenaline rush.
Once you are done exploring the park, and you still have time, you can also walk to the Kandi Villages, which are located nearby. This group of villages includes the villages of Sukandi, Drugun Kandi and Thala Kandi. The Kandi Villages and the Saurabh Van Vihar are connected to Palampur via two Neogal Khad bridges, one of which is used for vehicles, while the other one is for walkers.
Walk along Neugal Khad. Also known as Bundla Chasm, Neugal Khad is also a popular picnic destination. The panoramic view of the Dhauladhar Range from Neugal Khad is mesmerizing; the mountains in the distance can be seen clad with snow; which makes the view even more pleasing.
Enjoy the local food in nearby cafes, that serve tastiest local food.
Just a half an hour drive from Rakkh, our resort in Palampur, Saurabh Van Vihar is the best place for a family outing. A perfect day outing among the majestic Dhauladhar mountains is not to be missed if you are visiting Palampur.