The valley of Jammu and Kashmir is renowned for its snow-capped mountains, abundant vegetation, and flower-covered meadows. Although the valley is a popular tourist destination, few people are aware of its other attractions, in addition to the Dal Lake and Shikara rides. Numerous National Parks in the State are home to rare, exotic, and endangered plants and animals. With Chir Pine forests, coniferous woods, and broad-leaved forests at lower altitudes, the valley has a remarkably diversified environment.
National Parks in Jammu and Kashmir wildlife enthusiasts must visit
Jammu and Kashmir’s tourism industry is well established and provides a wide range of services to visitors. Here are Jammu and Kashmir’s top national parks.
1. Dachigam National Park
Dachigam National Park is situated around 22 km from Srinagar city. Named after the ten towns that had to be moved in order to build this park, it literally means “ten villages.” It was first designated as a protected area in 1910, and then in 1981, it was made a national park.
This area is home to many different animals, including the leopard, the musk deer, the Himalayan Black Bear, the jackal, and many other rare creatures like the hill fox. Additionally, the national park is home to hundreds of migratory birds and stunning birds like the black bulbul and cinnamon sparrow woodpecker. The National Park is particularly distinctive and is where the Hangul, the state animal, resides.
Location: Near Harwan Mughal Garden, Dachigam Road, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir 191202
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
Entry fee: For Indians – per Person Rs. 25/-. For Students and Teachers, Rs. 2
Best time to visit: September-December (lower Dachigam), May-August (upper Dachigam) and
March-May (bird viewing)
Attractions: Hangul or the Kashmiri stag
How to reach
Nearest railway station: Srinagar Railway Station (15 km away)
Nearest airport: Srinagar Airport (22 km)
Source: Pinterest
2. Hemis National Park
Hemis National Park is a high-altitude national park located in Ladakh. The park is particularly known for harbouring the largest population of snow leopards in the entire globe. The Indus River flows along its borders and has a portion of the Zanskar range. The park is also considered the largest national park in the country.
The park is home to many Tibetan Gompas, in addition to the snow leopard and the famous Hemis Monastery, which has been around for 400 years. The Tibetan wolf, red fox, and endangered Eurasian brown bear all reside in the park. Also, bird watching is highly popular in this area. Numerous trekking paths are available throughout the park from mid-June to mid-October. Snow leopards can only be spotted in the late winter. The best way to spend a summer in the high mountains is to take a trip here and stay in authentic guesthouses and monasteries.
Location: Leh, Ladakh 194101
Timings: Between 9 am and 5 pm, open on all days of the week
Entry fee: Rs 20 (Indian nationals) | Rs 100 (foreigners) | Rs 50 (Monastery)
Best time to visit: June to October
Attractions: Flora and fauna, snow leopards
How to reach
Nearest railway station: Jammu Tawi Railway Station (690 km)
The nearest airport: is Leh Airport (47 km)
Distance from Leh: 49 km
Source: Pinterest
3. Kazinag National Park
Kazinag National Park is part of the proposal for a trans-Karakoram peace park with Pakistan. The fact that Kazinag National Park is home to roughly 17 distinct species of butterflies, many of which are rare and endangered, makes it special. The park also harbours musk deer, brown bears, and snow leopards. The guest house at Limber Wildlife Sanctuary welcomes visitors. Additionally, some thrill-seekers opt to sleep in leased tents and sleeping bags. As the winters become too cold, May to September is the greatest time to visit.
Location: Baramulla district, Jammu & Kashmir
Timings: Open on all days
Entry fee: None
Best time to visit: May to September
Attractions: Different species of butterflies, Markhor
How to reach
Nearest railway station: Srinagar Railway Station (54 km)
Nearest airport: Srinagar Airport (62 km)
Distance from Srinagar: 70 km
4. Kishtwar National Park
Kishtwar is situated in the Kishtwar district, the Rinnay river flows north of this national park. It was declared a national park in 1981. Kishtwar National Park is well-known for being the area where the Hangul, a Kashmiri Stag, migrates from the Dachigam National Park in addition to being the home to more than 15 species.
Numerous birds that migrate through the park also stay in its majestic mountain ranges during that time. Numerous adventure sports and activities, including hiking and camping, are also held in the area.
Location: Forest Block, Kishtwar district, Jammu and Kashmir 182204
Timings: 24 hours on all days
Entry fee: No entry fees
Best time to visit: April to October
Attractions: Flora & fauna, Musk deer and Himalayan brown bear
How to reach
Nearest railway station: Jammu Railway Station (248 km), Udhampur (166 Km)
Nearest airport: Jammu Airport (250 km)
Distance from Srinagar: 216 km
Source: Pinterest
5. Salim Ali National Park
Salim Ali National Park is situated in Srinagar and covers a total area of 9 sq. km. The name is a tribute to Salim Ali, a well-known Indian ornithologist. This park was later transformed into a golf course. It was home to the Himalayan serow, Hangul and the Himalayan black bear. It also shelters more than 70 different bird species. Since it is located in a region of the state with good transportation, it is one of the top bird sanctuaries in India. For bird and animal lovers who want to encounter these exquisite species in their natural habitat, Jammu and Kashmir are heaven on earth.
Location: Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir
Timings: 7:00 am to 5:00 pm, Open on all days
Entry fee: Rs 10 (Indian nationals) | Rs 100 (Foreigners)
Best time to visit: April to November
Attractions: Hangul, Himalayan serow, varieties of birds
How to reach
Nearest railway station: Srinagar Railway Station (80 km)
The nearest airport: Sonamarg Airport (80 km)
FAQs
Is Hemis National Park the largest in India?
Indeed, Hemis National Park is India's largest. It was founded in 1981 and covers an area of 3,350 km².
Which month is best to visit national parks in Jammu and Kashmir?
The greatest time to visit national parks is during the summer months of April to October. The higher region of the National Parks will be completely buried in snow during the winter, leaving it inaccessible. Therefore, April to October would be ideal. One may discover fully grown, luscious green trees during these months, and this is also the best time of year to go bird-watching.
