Indian Leopard, Panthera pardus fusca, Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve, Rajasthan

Jammu and Kashmir

Dachigam National Park

Indian Leopard, Panthera pardus fusca, Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve, Rajasthan
map

January

-5.9 - 11.9 °C

February

-3.6 - 15.8 °C

March

0.0 - 22.5 °C

April

3.5 - 27.1 °C

May

6.9 - 30.5 °C

June

10.7 - 33.6 °C

July

14.4 - 34.2 °C

August

13.8 - 33.5 °C

September

8.5 - 31.6 °C

October

1.9 - 28.2 °C

November

-2.6 - 21.6 °C

December

-5.5 - 14.3 °C


Major Airports :

Jammu Civil Enclave (IXJ), Jammu

Nearest Railway Station :

Srinagar Railway Station, Nowgam (SINA)

Major Airports :

Jammu Civil Enclave (IXJ), Jammu

Where the wild roam free and joyous

Imagine this – the majestic Himalayas - gorgeous and beckoning holding a dreamy National Park in its embrace. That is the Dachigam National Park, 20 km away from Srinagar. The history of the origin of the park is saddening. It was when ‘ten villages’ were relocated to form a hunting reserve by the then Maharaja of Kashmir in 1910. That’s why it’s called Dachigam which is ‘ten villages’ in Kashmiri. Today, Dachigam is far removed from its origins as a hunting ground, having transformed into a critical sanctuary for wildlife conservation. The Dachigam reserve includes beautiful yet common trees like Deodar and Pine, with intervals of vibrant alpine flowers such as Himalayan Blue Poppies and Edelweiss. You can even spot a few exotic animals amongst the cover of its rich fauna like the endangered Hangul deer, Himalayan black bears, leopards, and elusive snow leopards. Many have also spotted rare bird species like the Kashmir flycatcher, Monal pheasant, and Lammergeier soaring in the skies above. With its rich tapestry of flora and fauna, Dachigam National Park offers a mesmerizing wilderness experience in the heart of Kashmir.

Nature’s master strokes perfected by man

The National Reserve is spread over 140 square kilometers in the Zabarwan mountain range and shelters some of the most unique animal species, flora, and fauna. This includes the last population of the hangul, or Kashmir stag, a vulnerable species endemic to the region. The green and verdant thick cover shelters the Asiatic black bear, Himalayan brown bear, Indian leopard, and a host of other species, making it a crucial biodiversity hotspot. The place also has the most eclectic collection of bird species. It has raptors like the Eurasian eagle owl and Lammergeier to colorful species such as the Himalayan monal and western tragopan. It is undoubtedly a birdwatcher’s paradise. But this place is not just about conserving the flora and the fauna. It is invaluable as it offers ecological services to nearly half the catchment area of the famous Dal Lake.

Preserving nature’s treasures

The National Park is a place of pride and beauty to the people of Kashmir. The efforts to conserve the sanctity of this serene green environment are honest and full of fervor. That’s why the Wildlife SOS acts as an important narrative of Dachigam National Park. It not only carries out biennial population censuses of the hangul in collaboration with the Jammu and Kashmir Wildlife Protection Department and local students but also addresses human-wildlife conflicts, particularly those involving Asiatic black bears and reptiles. Their Dachigam Bear Rescue Centre is a testament to these efforts, providing a haven for bears rescued from adverse conditions.

The perseverance of the organization is reflected in their rescue operations where they extend their help to even reptiles like the Himalayan trinket snake. These initiatives also blur away fear and ignorance that exist about wildlife among the local population, promoting coexistence and respect for the natural world.


River in Dachigam National Park, Kashmir, India
Timings

(Monday to Sunday)

09:00 AM to 05:00 PM

The beauty around the breathtaking

After soaking in the splendor of nature and wildlife of Dachigam National Park, you can head over to the magical Mughal Garden of Shalimar Bagh. Its terraced lawns, vibrant flowerbeds, and tranquil water channels are a picture of serenity and beauty.  You can also peep into Kashmir's rich cultural heritage, with the historic Pari Mahal, a seven-terraced Mughal Garden with panoramic views of Srinagar and Dal Lake. Don’t miss the divine Shankaracharya Temple that gives spiritual solace and stunning vistas of the valley below. Whether it's indulging in nature's beauty or delving into Kashmir's vibrant history and culture, the surroundings of Dachigam National Park promises an enriching and memorable experience for all. So, if you are a lover of nature and wildlife it will be difficult for you to not fall in complete love with Dachigam National Park. It is an experience that will remind you of the natural beauty and ecological importance of the Himalayas.