Location:
22-km From
Srinagar,
Kashmir Region, J&K
Area : 141-sq-kms.
Attractions: Kashmir Stag, Himalayan Black Bear, Markhor, Ibex,
Exotic Birds
Best Time To Visit: Upper Dachigam - May-August; Lower Dachigam -
September- December
Sanctuary Overview
Dachigam National Park is located only 22 kilometers from Sriniagar, the
capital city of the northern state of
Jammu and Kashmir. It covers
an area of 141 square kilometers consisting of some of the most scenic
natural beauty present on Earth. The variation in altitude is vast, ranging
from 5500 ft to 14000 ft above mean sea level. Due to this vast variation,
the park is very clearly demarcated into an upper and lower region. The best
times to explore these two areas are summer and winter respectively. Due to
the upper region's extremely harsh winter, the best months for visiting here
is between the months of May and August. For the lower region, the ideal
time is between September and December but is also equally rewarding in the
summer months.
The park has been a protected area since 1910, first under the care and
watchful eye of the Maharaja of J & K and later under the observation of
the concerned government authorities. The name of the park literally stands
for "ten villages" which could be in memory of the ten villages
that were relocated for it's formation. It was finally upgraded and declared
a National Park in the year 1981. Although it is the last proper home of the
Hangul, or Kashmir Stag, and harbours many rare species within it's borders,
it was initially created to ensure clean drinking water supply for the city
of Srinagar.
Dachigam is one sanctuary that cannot be seen in all it's
glory with just one visit. This is due to the fact that the park changes
it's entire appearance with the onset of each season, every one of which is
as beautiful as the one before or the next to arrive.
A major portion of the park is under constant stress from over grazing and
encroachments by neighbouring communities. Although the problem is still
very much prevalent, it has been controlled to a large extent by the park
authorities. A permit from the chief Wildlife Warden is necessary for anyone
wanting to enter the park premises.
Arriving
At Dachigam National Park
By Flight : The nearest town and airport is
Srinagar 22-km away.
By Trackways : It is 310-km from
Jammu, the nearest railway
station.
By Roadways : A metalled road links Srinagar with Lower
Dachigam. Upper Dachigam can be reached on foot.
The Park Ecosystem
The Animal Beings
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.
The Winged Beings
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.
The Major Fascinations at Dachigam National Park
Amidst forests of silver birch and conifer roams the Hangul. Rare and on
the verge of extinction till a few years ago, the national park at Dachigam
contains the last viable Hangul population in the world. Related to the red
Deer of Europe, this breed is characterised by its white rump patch and
impressive spread of antlers.
