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Kashmir Wildlife Sanctuaries
The state of Jammu and Kashmir is gloriously rich in its amazing variety of wildlife. Its wildlife sanctuaries offer an exciting array of wildlife. Here you can view some of India's best game parks.
The Himalayas are the largest, highest and youngest chain of mountains in the world and the area is one of the most mesmerizing and magnificent natural wonders on this planet. However another equally important aspect the Himalayas is that it is one of the richest storehouses of fauna and flora.
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It is very much to the point to underline the fact that the region is home to almost one third of the world's mammalian species that may be called mountain animals in the true sense of the term.
The rich variety found in the topography, climate and vegetation in the state of Jammu and Kashmir has plenty to offer both the wildlife enthusiast and traveler. The state boasts being home to the snow leopard which epitomizes the character and concerns of the mountain environment. The animal is a beautiful and elusive survivor from the frigid Pleistocene era. Hangul or Kashmir stag is another animal found extensively is Jammu and Kashmir. It is one of the most endangered species of red deer in the world. Bharal is an interesting mammal. Whether it is a sheep or a goat is still a matter of debate Several unique species of goat, antelope and sheep are found in the state.
Wildlife adventure opportunities in Kashmir are in plenty and unique. There is a growing awareness of the necessity of conservation and preservation of India's wildlife.
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Dachigam National Park
Located 22 kilometers from the Jammu and Kashmir state capital of Srinagar, Dachigam National Park forms almost half of the Dal Lake's catchment area. One of India's famous wildlife sanctuaries, the park boasts a wonderful variety of game and birdlife in its numerous habitats. The park is the natural habitat for hangul stag, the endangered species of red deer in the world. Added to this, the park is also home to other animals typical to the state such as musk deer, black or brown bear, leopards and migratory birds. You can find a trout fish farm in the sanctuary.
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One of the biggest natural reserves in India, Dachigam National Park is a favorite with the wildlife enthusiasts. In order to explore the park you will have to obtain permission from the wildlife authorities.
Be more in touch with nature at Dachigam National Park. The thick forests of Dachigam present a dazzling view together with a glacier fed rivulet flowing right through the middle. One of the most beautiful parks in the world, Dachigam can easily qualify as a place of utmost tourist attraction for its sheer scenic grandeur.
Dachigam National Park also offers a wide variety of accommodation. You can get a wide range of variety in accommodation in Srinagar.
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Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve
Located 48km. from Srinagar, Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve occupies an area of 180 sq km. The Reserve is the natural habitat for its Himalayan musk deer, red fox, black & brown bear. It is a bird watchers' paradise. The best season for bird viewing is the months of March-May and for animal sighting is from September-March.
The reserve has an altitudinal range of 2,400 - 4,300 meters above sea level. Apart from the fauna, the reserve is noted for its avifauna which includes upland birds, both resident and migratory. It is important to dress in camouflage colors (khaki, green etc) while exploring the
reserve.
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It is advisable not to make undue noise. Avoid littering the forest area with food leftovers, paper and tins. Take due caution while photographing so that the birds and animals don't get disturbed.
Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve is a most rewarding area to view wildlife with its wetlands, thick bush and extensive forests. The sanctuary is of particular interest to ornithologists.
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Jasrota National Park
The Jasrota Wildlife Sanctuary in the state of Jammu and Kashmir is situated right on the banks of river Ujh, northwards of village Jasrota. The park supports a mixed variety of birds as well as animal life. Cheetal or axis deer is the most remarkable among them and is common throughout the park and are found in large concentrations. The entire area mainly sustains bamboo plantations.
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The Jasrota Wildlife Sanctuary is rich in flora which is dominated by bamboo plantations. The main species found are Dalbergia Sissoo, Acacia Catechu A.Arabica, Lannea Grandis etc. Major shrub associates are Carisa spinarum, Lantana camara and Dodonea Visacosa.
The sanctuary is the natural habitat for a wide variety of mammals. Notable amongst them are cheetal, Barking deer, wild boar and rhesus monkey.
Among the avifauna found in the sanctuary include a rich variety of pheasants and other resident and migratory birds. The important species are peafowl, red jungle fowl, jungle bush quail, green pigeon and blue rock pigeon.
The best season for bird viewing is March to May and mammal viewing is September to March. While in the sanctuary, it is advisable to have trekking shoes, raincoat, and light clothing during spring and summer. In winter trekking shoes, heavy woolens, waterproof windcheaters should be kept.
The nearest airport from Jasrota Wildlife Sanctuary is in Jammu, which is 65 kms away. The nearest railhead is Jammu.
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Kishtwar High Altitude National Park
Located 248km. from Jammu, Kishtwar High Altitude National Park occupies an area of 400 sq km. The park is the natural habitat of 15 mammal species including the musk deer and Himalayan black and brown bear. There are 50 species of birds. The park is characterized by the marked variations in topography as well as vegetation that are abundantly found here. These variations in topography, climate and altitude are the main reasons which contribute to the occurrence of different types of forest vegetation. The principal tree species are Pinus gerardiana, Cedrus deodara, Quercus spp., Pinus wallichiana, Juglans regia, Ulmus spp., etc.
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The main shrubs associates are Viburnum spp., Parrotiopsis jacquemontiana, Rosa spp., and Desmodium tiliaefolium. The major herbs are Brachypodium spp., Primula spp., Dipsacus mitis, Brachypodium spp., Anemone spp., Artemisia vulgaris, etc.
The Park harbors over fifteen species of mammals. Notable amongst them hangul, musk deer, markhor, goral Himalayan brown bear, langur, leopard, etc.
Among the avifauna found in the park include fifty species of birds. The main species are the Himalayan jungle crow, bearded vulture, griffon vulture, paradise flycatcher, golden oriole, white cheeked bulbul and Indian Mynah.
The Park has an altitudinal range of 1,700 to 4,800 meters above sea level. The best season for bird viewing is March to May and mammal viewing is September to March. While in the sanctuary, it is advisable to have trekking shoes, raincoat, and light clothing during spring and summer. In winter trekking shoes, heavy woolens, waterproof windcheaters should be kept.
The nearest airport from Kishtwar High Altitude National Park is in Jammu, which is 58 kms away. The nearest railhead is Jammu which is 56 kms away.
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Nandini Wildlife Sanctuary
Located 28 kms from Jammu, Nandini Wildlife Sanctuary is characterized by stunning locale and varied topography. The sanctuary derives its name from Nandini village. The region play hosts to a large number of rare and endangered species of mammals and birds. It supports 8 species of mammals and a wide variety of bird species. Much acclaim has been accorded to the Nandini Wildlife Sanctuary, famous for its diversity of wildlife and best known for wonderful species of pheasants.
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Spread over an area of 34 sq. km, the sanctuary is rich in fauna and provides refuge to a wide variety of mammals. The main species are leopard, wild boar, rhesus monkey, bharal, grey langur etc.
Like the Overa wildlife sanctuary, the Nandini, too, is the natural habitat for a significant population of pheasants. Among the other avifauna Indian mynah, blue rock pigeon, peafowl, red jungle fowl, chir pheasants, chakor etc.
The nearest airport from Nandini Wildlife Sanctuary is in Jammu, which is 26 kms away. The nearest railhead is also Jammu which is 28 kms away.
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Ramnagar National Park
Occupying an area of 31 sq km, Ramnagar Wildlife Sanctuary is located only 6 km.away from the Jammu city. The sanctuary harbors 8 mammal species which includes nilgai, and barking deer, wild boar, rhesus monkey etc. The sanctuary supports Indian Mynah, blue rock pigeon, peafowl, red jungle fowl, jungle crow, golden oriole, white cheeked bulbul. In addition to these the reserve is host to 15 species of birds. The best season for bird viewing is March to May and mammal viewing is September to March. You will find a two bed-roomed hut within the reserve. The reserve has an altitudinal range of 430 to 611 meters above sea level.
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It is very easy to reach the sanctuary. Nearest airport is Jammu which is 8 kms from the sanctuary. Nearest railhead is Jammu.
Among the avifauna found in the Park are Indian Mynah, peafowl, blue rock pigeon, jungle crow, red jungle fowl, golden oriole, white cheeked bulbul. While in the Park it is advisable to have trekking shoes, raincoat, and light clothing during spring and summer. In winter trekking shoes, heavy woolens, waterproof windcheaters should be kept.
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Surinsar Mansar Wildlife Sanctuary
urinsar Mansar Wildlife Sanctuary derives its name from the two lakes, located on each corner of the sanctuary. Occupying an area of 98 sq km, the sanctuary is located 58 kms away from the Jammu city. The sanctuary harbors a mammal population of 8 species which includes Goral, wild boar, barking deer, leopard etc. The vegetation of the sanctuary includes the mixed scrub forest which comprises mainly of broad leaved species which are mixed with stands of Pinus gerardiana.
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The common broad leaved species are Mallotus phillipensis, Acacia spp., dalbergia sissii, bahunia variegate, ficus religiosa.
Among the avifauna found in the sanctuary include 15 species of birds. The main species are black partridge, red jungle fowl, peafowl, grey partridge, green pigeon, blue rock pigeon, rufus turtle dove.
The Surinsar Mansar Wildlife sanctuary has an altitudinal range of 430 to 611 meters above sea level. The best season for bird viewing is March to May and mammal viewing is September to March. While in the sanctuary, it is advisable to have trekking shoes, raincoat, and light clothing during spring and summer. In winter trekking shoes, heavy woolens, waterproof windcheaters should be kept.
The nearest airport from Surinsar Mansar Wildlife is in Jammu, which is 58 kms away. The nearest railhead is Jammu which is 56 kms away.
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Overa Wildlife Sanctuary
Located 76 kms from Srinagar in the south-east, Overa Wildlife Sanctuary is characterized by stunning mountain landscapes, grass-clad hills and deep valleys. Situated near Pahalgam, the region play hosts to a large number of rare and endangered species of mammals and birds. It harbors 13 species of mammals and over 80 species of birds. Much acclaim has been accorded to the Overa Wildlife Sanctuary, famous for its diversity of wildlife and best known for magnificent species of pheasants.
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The Overa Wildlife Sanctuary is rich in flora which includes mainly coniferous forests. The main species found are aesculus indica, pinus griffithii, abies pindrow, morus alba, juglans regia, etc. Major shrub associates are Desmodium tiliaefolium, Indigofera heterantha, Isdon spp., etc, while the main ground layer is characterized by dicotlydonous herbs comprising Artemisia vulgaris, Taraxacum officinale, Anemone spp, Primula spp., etc.
The sanctuary provides refuge to a wide variety of mammals most of which are on the verge of extinction. So efforts are being made in conserving these animals. Some of them are the musk deer, hangul, rhesus macaque, serow, langur, leopard, leopard cat, etc.
What makes the Overa different from the other wildlife sanctuaries of the Kashmir valley is that the area serves as the natural habitat for pheasants like the chukar, monal, koklas and Himalayan snow cock. Among the other avifauna are the red billed chough, jungle crow, bearded vulture, griffon vulture, Himalayan whistling thrush, rufous-backed shrike, Indian mynah, etc.
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