Quick answer: The “reserve forest sanctuary” near Shimla is officially the Shimla Water Catchment Wildlife Sanctuary, a dense deodar (Himalayan cedar) forest near Mashobra and Chharabra; Mashobra is about 12 km from Shimla. It has protected the springs and streams that supply Shimla’s water since British times, and was declared a wildlife sanctuary on 23 October 1999. It shelters leopard, goral, musk deer and several pheasants. Entry is tightly controlled: private vehicles were banned in 2013. We could not find current visitor timings, fees or permit rules on an official source, so contact the Himachal Pradesh Forest Department’s wildlife wing in Shimla before you go.
Shimla Water Catchment Sanctuary at a glance
| Detail | What we verified (October 2026) |
|---|---|
| Official name | Shimla Water Catchment Wildlife Sanctuary |
| Location | Near Mashobra and Chharabra, Shimla district; Mashobra is about 12 km from Shimla (Himachal Pradesh Tourism) |
| Protected since | Water catchment in British times; protected forest from 1952; wildlife sanctuary from 23 October 1999, re-notified 7 June 2013 |
| Main forest | Deodar (cedar), with oak and chir pine lower down and fir, blue pine and spruce higher up |
| Wildlife | Leopard, goral, musk deer, rhesus macaque, koklass and cheer pheasants |
| Vehicles | Private vehicles banned since 15 October 2013 |
| Timings, fees and permits | Not published on an official source; check with the Forest Department |
An earlier version of this article gave an entry fee of ₹25 per person, a bike-rental charge of ₹100, and opening hours of 9 am to 5 pm (or 6 pm), with a lunch break. We could not confirm any of these figures, and the two sets of hours in the old article contradicted each other, so they have been removed.
Why the sanctuary exists: Shimla’s water
When Shimla was the summer capital of British India, the forest near Mashobra was protected as the catchment for its water supply, and settlements inside it were moved out in the early 20th century. After Independence the area came under the state, and it was notified as a protected forest in 1952.
The Himachal Pradesh government declared it a wildlife sanctuary on 23 October 1999 under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and re-notified it on 7 June 2013, The Tribune reported. Nine perennial streams flow out of the forest, which is why it still matters for Shimla’s drinking water.
The 2013 vehicle ban
From 15 October 2013, the Forest Department stopped all private vehicles from entering about 10 sq km of the sanctuary. The aim was to keep the area free of noise and air pollution, to protect wildlife and to safeguard the water catchment. Before the ban, a limited number of vehicles could enter for a fee of ₹250 each, only as far as the Forest Rest House and only during the day; night stays were not allowed. The department said it would allow only battery-operated or solar-powered golf carts to carry a limited number of visitors through the forest. Check with the Forest Department whether this service is running and how to book it.
Forests and wildlife
The sanctuary is almost entirely forested. According to its Key Biodiversity Area profile, deodar is dominant, with oaks and chir pine at lower levels and fir, blue pine and spruce higher up. The earlier version of this article also mentioned rhododendron, horse chestnut and maple.
Animals recorded here include:
- Mammals: leopard, goral (a wild goat-antelope), musk deer and rhesus macaque. The earlier version also listed barking deer (kakkar) and jackal.
- Birds: the koklass pheasant has a notably dense population here, and the area was identified as important for the globally threatened cheer pheasant.
To the south, the sanctuary is linked by forest to the Chail Wildlife Sanctuary.
How to visit
- Contact the Himachal Pradesh Forest Department’s wildlife wing in Shimla to ask whether visitors are currently allowed, what permission you need, and whether the golf-cart service is running.
- Plan to go in daylight only. Night stays were not allowed under the 2013 rules.
- Travel by road from Shimla towards Mashobra and Chharabra. Taxis are available in Shimla.
Tips for visiting
- Carry water and snacks; there are no shops inside the forest.
- Wear sturdy shoes and layers. The forest is cool and shaded even in summer.
- Binoculars help with birdwatching; early mornings are best.
- Do not leave the permitted trail, light fires, litter or disturb animals.
- In the monsoon (roughly July to September) trails can be slippery; carry rain gear.
Places to visit nearby
The sanctuary is on the Mashobra side of Shimla. On the same side of town, Kufri has the Himalayan Nature Park, Indira Tourist Park and the viewpoint over Green Valley. Himachal Pradesh Tourism also mentions Craignano Nature Park near Mashobra, which has a tulip garden that blooms around March and April. For another forest walk closer to town, see the Glen.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Shimla Reserve Forest Sanctuary called officially?
The Shimla Water Catchment Wildlife Sanctuary.
Can you drive into the Shimla Water Catchment Sanctuary?
No. Private vehicles have been banned since 15 October 2013.
Which animals live in the sanctuary?
Leopard, goral, musk deer and rhesus macaque, along with pheasants including the koklass pheasant.
Do I need permission to visit?
Access is controlled. Contact the Himachal Pradesh Forest Department’s wildlife wing in Shimla before you go.
This guide was checked in October 2026 against The Tribune’s report on the 2013 notification and vehicle ban, the sanctuary’s Key Biodiversity Area profile and Himachal Pradesh Tourism. Confirm entry rules with the Forest Department before visiting.
