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Explore the Wilderness at Van Vihar Potter's Hill
A new site to enjoy Nature and Adventure
Located
at an altitude of 2050 metres and about 7 KM West of Shimla, adjacent to HP
University, Summer Hill, Shimla, popularly known as Potter’s Hill, covers 100
hectares of prime Western Himalayan temperature forest with all its floral
diversity. The hill once used by potters to obtain clay has now been developed
into a
While
providing an opportunity to have a glimpse of genetic biodiversity of several
species at a single space, Van Vihar Shimla, offers many other recreational
choices like a tenting site, children’s park, horse riding and walking trails (Chadwick
Falls-2 KM, Glen-3 KM) through magnificent Cedar and Oak forests.
Biological Diversity
A
visit to Van Vihar will bring the visitor closer to understanding the need
for conserving natural resources and acquaint him/her
with some of the magnificent plants and animals that make up the biological
diversity of the Western Himalayan ecosystem. You can see and enjoy identifying
the important Flora and Fauna here. The main species include plants like Cedrus
deodara, Pinus wallichiana, Quercus leucotrichophora, Rhododendron arboretum,
Berberis aristata, Prensepia utilis, Pinus roxbrughii, Pistacia integerrima,
Punica granatum, Pieris ovalitolia, Aesculus indica, Carissa opaca, Rubus, Pyrus
pashia, Rosa-moschata, Rhuscotins etc are found here.
The
wild life recorded from this area includes the Leopard, Barking Deer, Ghoral,
Common Fox, Hare, Flying Fox, Martin, Porcupine, Rhesus Monkey, Langoor, Red
Jungle Fowl, Chakor, Kalij Pheasant, Black and Brown Partridge, Thrushes,
Himalayan Magpie, Bulbul, Wood Peckers, Parrots and many more.
Viewing
You
can see from the tower a view of snow clad mountain peaks and valleys and some
wild-life too if you are lucky.
The
hill tops in the Van Vihar provide a breathtaking view of the Himalayan ranges.
A green house at Van Vihar stocks a variety of aromatic/ aesthetic plants which
are available for sale on subsidized rates. Other places worth visiting are
Prospects Hill (2 KMs), State Archives HP State Museum (2 KMs), Aviary having
rare Western Himalayan bird species (2 KMs), Viceregal Lodge now Indian
Best Time for Excursions & Walks
March to June and September to November
Camping, Tenting Huts
We
have provided 16 tent sites with attached bath-room facility along with a common
Cafeteria in the centre with parking facility.
Communication
Road-
4 hours journey from
Train- Narrow gauge ‘toy-train’ from Kalka to Shimla
Air- Vayoodut daily flight from
Location and Approach
7
KMs from Shimla Bus Stand on
For further information please contact:
Divisional
Potter Hill Nature Park-Eco Tourism Society, Shimla-171002
Phone: 91-177- 2623412
Potter Hill, Totu, Shimla-171011
Phone: 91-177-2837514
The Environmental Park
It
is a large natural area, where different aspects of environment viz. Biological,
physical, social and cultural are preserved to promote a better understanding of
nature and possible impacts of human activities.
Altitude: 2050 Mtrs. From Sea Level
Temperature: Varies from 0° C (Winter) to 28° C
(Summer)