FORESTS

Kansal & Nepli

Chandigarh has 3245 hectares under forest and most of it is hilly. The forest areas are mostly around Sukhna Lake, Sukhna Choe and Patiala ki Rao. Near village Kansal on the outskirts of Chandigarh towards the hills is a reserve forest, entry to which is restricted. One has to obtain an entry pass to see it. A large area of natural forest is preserved intact and one can have a real feel of a forest. Inside this forest is located a rest house which is surrounded by beautiful grassy lawns and flower beds.

At a short distance from Kansal forest is located another reserve forest known as Nepli. Nepli is a bit more wild than Kansal. On two sides it is surrounded by small hills and the whole area is covered by thick forest which is full of wild life. There is a small rest house amidst green and flowery lawns.

A walk in these forest areas can be very rewarding as one may come across large variety of wild animals - antelopes, neelgais, hyena, jackals and hares. The Deputy Conservator of Forest Chandigarh issues permits for entry to these forests.

Forest Trek

A fireline which is laid down by the Forest Department to reduce fire hazard serves the dual purpose of a trek, has gained popularity among health conscious citizens and tourists. The trek is 8Km long and runs over three hillocks and has a steep gradient. It originates at Nepli Forest Lodge and terminates at Kansal Forest Lodge. It is an educative trek which introduces a different kind of flora and fauna.

Permission has to be sought from the Chief Wile Life Warden before commencing on the trek.

There are excellent places for trekking in the hills near Chandigarh. Most of these routes are in Himachal Pradesh and Haryana. Some of the prominent trekking routes are :

Kalka to Kasauli ( 15km)
Jabali to Kasauli (6 km)
Morni to Tikar Tal (7km)
Morni to Ghagar River (4km)
Kasauli to Sabathu (13km)