Location:
76-km Southeast Of
Srinagar,
Kashmir Region, J&K
Coverage Area: 32-sq-kms
Main Attraction: Musk Deer, Brown Bear, Leopard
The Best Season to Visit : Prime viewing time for the upper areas is
from May to August In the lower areas, for bird viewing the best time is
March to May and for animal viewing from September to March. Accommodation
is available in two bedroom huts situated within the sanctuary.
Sanctuary Overview
The area is located at a distance of 76-kms from Srinagar to its southeast,
near Pahalgam, with an area of 32 sq km.. The altitudinal range varies from
3,000 to 5,425 metros above sea level.It is famous for retaining several
rare and endangered species such as the Hangul, Musk Deer, Brown Bear,
Leopard, Koklas, Monal and Snow Cock. Prime viewing time for the upper areas
is from May to August. In the lower areas, for bird viewing the best time is
March to May and for animal viewing from September to March.
Arriving At Overa-Aru Biosphere Reserve
By Flight : The park is close to Pahalgam. The nearest
airport from Pahalgam is in the Badgam Districts. This place is connected to
all the major places of India.
By Trackways : The nearest Rail Head is at Jammu and from
there National Highway NH1A connects the Kashmir valley with India. Every
sort of transport suiting every budget from Buses to Taxis ply on this
Highway.
By Roadways : Bus service is available from
Srinagar and
Anantnag which
leave at fixed time from the Bus stands.Taxis and other sort of transport
can be hired from Srinagar at pre-fixed rates. Assistance is available at
Tourist Reception Centre Srinagar.
The Park Ecosystem
The
Animal Being
Nature has gifted this Biosphere Reserve with multiple species of rare,
endangered and protected species. The main species are hangul, musk deer,
serow, brown bear, Leopard, rhesus macaque, grey langur, Himalayan mouse
hare, etc.
The Vegetation
The area holds a rich cover of vegetation, the dominant forest consisting
of conifers which account for over 90%. The principal species are Cedrus
deodara, Pinus griffithii, Abies pindrow, Aesculus indica etc. The major
shrubs are Indigofera heterantha, Viburnum spp., Sorbaria tomentosa etc. the
ground cover is very rich and dicotyledonus herbs dominate, comprising of
Rumex patientia, Primula spp., anemone spp., etc.
The Winged Beings
The area houses a good population of pheasants and upland birds apart from
other species, both resident and migratory. The common birds are griffon
vulture, monal, snow cock, koklas, blue rock pigeon, Kashmir roller,
European hoopoe, jungle crow etc.
