Dachigam National Park at
a glance :
• Location : 22-km from Srinagar in Kashmir.
• Total Area : 141 sq. kms.
• Declared As : A National Park in 1951.
• Altitude : 1700-4300 metres.
• Climate : Winter minimum 10 degrees, Summer maximum
32 degrees.
• Best Time to Visit : Open throughout the year. For
visiting upper Dachigam the best time is from June to August. Each season has
its distinct attractions, but October, the main rutting month and when the trees
bear their autumnal colours, it the best.
About Dachigam National Park :
Located very close to Srinagar (22-km), Dachigam National Park with its splendid
forests and magnificent scenery is easily accessible. Of all the many sanctuaries
in the state, the one at Dachigam is the best known. At one time the exclusive
hunting preserve of the Maharaja of Kashmir, it was declared a national park
in 1951, and owing to a strictly enforced conservation programme, the Hangul
population, once 150, now stands at over 400 animals.
Tourist Attraction :
TheSectors : The two sectors of the Park - Upper and Lower
Dachigam are spread over an area of 141-sq-km. and altitudes vary between 1,700
and 4,300 metres. Two steep ridges enclose the Park with its great topographical
variety - deep ravines, rocky outcrops, steep wooded slopes and rolling alpine
pastures. Tumbling down from the Masrar Lake (4,300m), up in the high ranges,
the Dachigam River winds through Lower Dachigam.
Flora : The Park is the habitat of the endangered Hangul or
the Kashmir stag - the only species of red Deer to be found in India. Winter
is the best time to view the Hangul, when they congregate in the shelter of
the lower valleys. Other inhabitants include the Himalayan Black Bear, species
of wild Goat like the Markhor and Ibex and varieties of exotic Himalayan birds.The
leopard, which is the only predator in this paradise, is rarely seen as also
the elusive snow leopard, which is found in the higher altitudes. Other animals
include the rare musk deer and the Himalayan marmot. A metalled road takes visitors
from Srinagar into Lower Dachigam. Upper Dachigam can only be explored on foot.
Avifauna : There over 150 species of birds inhabiting park's
vicinity. Colourful pheasants include the Crimson Tragopan, the iridescent Monal
Pheasant with its glittering plumage, the Blood Pheasant and the Koklass Pheasant.
The golden Eagle and the bearded Vulture or Lammergeier are seen circling the
brilliant blue skies.
Places to Stay :
• Grand Palace Hotel, Palace Road,
• Broadway Hotel, M.A.Road
• Centaur Lake View, Chashmashahi
• Hotel New Aashiayana
• Ahdoo's Hotel, Residency Road
• Imperial Lake View, Nehru Park
• Jehangir Hotel, Jahangir Chowk
• Lake Isle Hotel, Nagin Lake
• Madhuban Hotel, Old Gagribal
• Parimahal Hotel, Boulevard
How to Get There:
By Air : Closest Airport to the park is located at Srinagar
(22km)
By Rail : Closest Railway Station to the park is located at
Jammu (315km)
By Road : Closest town to the park is Srinagar (22km)