About Dachigam National Park
Like
the entire state of Jammu and Kashmir, Dachigam National Park looks like a
beautiful painting on the canvas of imagination, filled with amazing colors
of uncertainty. Imagine a place in the lap of verdant mountains covered with
thick vegetation which includes Cherry, Pear, Plum, Peach, Apple, Apricot
and Chestnut trees.....seems like heaven. It is not surprising then that
people often refer to this place, one of the most scenic and beautiful
places in India, as the abode of gods.
Situated at a distance of just 22 km from Srinagar, the altitude variation
in the park ranges from 5500 to 14000 ft. which helps demarcate it into the
upper and lower regions, both with their own unique attractions. The best
time to explore the upper region is around the summer months as during
winters the harsh weather makes the place unapproachable. The lower region
can be visited during both summers and winters.
The place has been a protected area since 1910 when it was under the
protection and care of the maharajah of Jammu and Kashmir. Later taken under
the observation of the government, the place was accorded the status of a
national park in 1981.
Wildlife Attractions in Dachigam National Park
Owing to its unique geographical location, Dachigam is home to some of the
most rare and unique species of flora and fauna. The park is the only
habitat for the highly endangered Hangul or Kashmir Stag. Winter is the best
time to catch a glimpse of these rare animals, when they come in groups to
the lower region of the park. Other wild residents of the park include the
Himalayan Black Bear, few species of the goat including Markhor and Ibex,
Leapord and the rare snow Leapord (seen in the upper regions), musk deer and
the Himalayan Marmot.
The place is also home to a variety of exotic looking rare Himalayan bird
species. Over 150 species of birds can be commonly seen in the area which
include Crimson Tragopan, Monal Pheasent, Blood Pheasent, Koklass Pheasent,
Golden Eagle and the Bearded Vulture.
Safaris
The
lower area of the park has gentle terrain which is not too harsh even for
the 'not so fit' people. Trekking and walking are the best ways to explore
the park while it can sometimes be a bit uncomfortable walking in the midst
of machine guns peeking out from the BSF checkposts. Beware of the leopards
and bears and try not to go on a trek without the company of a local person,
preferably a guide with good knowledge of the area.
Other Attractions
Srinagar
The park is located just 22 km from the state capital Srinagar. The place
is filled with tourist attractions which include the Shankracharya Temple,
Srinagar Museum and the Dal Lake.
Trout Farm
There is a trout farm in Dachigam, located just near the entrance of the
park. The big natural reserve requires special permission from the warden's
office for a visit. Angling is not allowed here.
How to Get There
By Air : Srinagar is the nearest airport, connected by a
daily Indian Airlines flight from Delhi (11:40). The journey takes just
around 75 minutes. Jet Airways has the following connections to Srinagar :
Jammu-Srinagar (13:35, Daily) and Delhi-Srinagar (11:15, Daily).
By Rail : Jammu is the nearest railhead, connected by
daily trains from Delhi like the JP Jat Exp. (22:35), Jammu Mail (21:15),
Shalimar Exp. (16:05), Jhelum Exp. (20:49), Malwa Exp. (7:10) & the Tata
Jat Exp. (20:40). Trains between Mumbai-Jammu are Jammu Tawi Exp. (23:15,
Sat) & Swaraj Exp. (6:45, Mon, Thu, Fri, Sun) while Kolkata is connected
through the Jammu Tawi Exp. (11:45, daily) and Chennai through the Andaman
Exp. (5:15, Wed, Thu, Sun).
By Road : To reach the place by road from Srinagar,
travel via state road from Shalimar Bagh and Harwan to Dachigam National
Park, while to gain access from Jammu, take the NH1 to Srinagar and follow
the state road from there to Dachigam. Lower Dachigam is well connected to
Srinagar by metalled roads w
hile upper region of the park can only be accessed on foot.
Distances from Major Cities
Srinagar : 22 km (NE)
Jammu : 315 km (N)
Delhi : 646 km
Chandigarh : 419 km
Travel Tips/Important Information
- The upper region of the park has colder, more harsh weather and
needs protective woollen clothing.
- The entry to the park is free.
- Park timings are 5:30 AM to 6:30 PM.
- The visitors require a special permit from the chief wildlife warden
before visiting the park.
- Do not go on a trek alone and try to get a local person (preferably
a guide) along.
Jungle
Resorts in Dachigam
| Forest
Rest Houses |
Broadway
Hotel |
Accommodation
is provided at lower Dachigam in the form of two forest rest houses,
Laribal and Panzam.
|
Broadway
hotel is located in Srinagar and is one of the best staying options that
provide good access to Dachigam.
|
