What images come to mind when you think of Kashmir? Most people think about Chinar trees, snow sprinkled peaks, rolling valleys, Mughal gardens, and serene lakes like Dal and Nigeen. All the aforementioned aspects make Kashmir valley what it is. However, this gorgeous region is also home to several species of flora and fauna, protected in its wildlife sanctuaries. A Kashmir trip along with a wildlife safari will not only elevate your travel experience, but also enlighten you about the region’s thriving biodiversity.
Does the idea of going on wildlife safari fascinate you? Or do you have curiosity about the flora and fauna of the Himalayan region in Kashmir? Then you should definitely book yourself a wildlife tour in Jammu and Kashmir vacation. A wildlife tour is not only great for wildlife lovers. Photographers and nature enthusiasts can also have a gala time in Kashmir, soaking up all its resplendent beauty. Read below about the top six wildlife sanctuaries you should visit in Kashmir.
Explore the Wilderness in Jammu & Kashmir’s Wildlife Sanctuaries
Table of Contents:
1. Gulmarg Wildlife Sanctuary
2. Overa Aru Wildlife Sanctuary
3. Ramnagar Rakha Wildlife Sanctuary
4. Hirapora Wildlife Sanctuary
5. Hokersar/ Hokera Wildlife Sanctuary
6. Lachipora Wildlife Sanctuary
1. Gulmarg Wildlife Sanctuary
Gulmarg is a beloved tourist destination and frequently features on a Kashmir itinerary. But did you know it also has a beautiful wildlife sanctuary? Spread across an area of 180 sq km, Gulmarg wildlife sanctuary is a haven for a variety of plants, birds, animals, and reptiles. This sanctuary was established in 1987. This sanctuary provides a much needed escape in the arms of Mother Nature. It is replete with Blue Pine forests and Silver fir forests Go here for clicking amazing photo shots of yourself and the breathtaking nature. The rare fauna found in the sanctuary are Himalayan Black Bear, IndianWolf, Snow Cock, Chakoor, Red Fox, Jungle Cat etc.
- Location: District Baramulla, Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir 193403
- Best time to visit: March to June
2. Overa Aru Wildlife Sanctuary
Overa Aru Wildlife Sanctuary, opened in 1981, is a protected area in Pahalgam valley. Speaking of the mountains surrounding the sanctuary, these are at a height of 5,400 m. Sprawled in an expansive area of 551 sq km., you will find glaciers, lakes and mountain peaks around this wildlife sanctuary. The entire area is heavily forested with deciduous and coniferous trees. The beautiful land fauna and avifauna to see here are Egyptian vulture, Kashmiri stag, European roller, musk deer and Snow Leopard. Along with flora and fauna, various butterfly species are also spotted here.
- Location: Forest Block, Jammu and Kashmir 192126
- Best time to visit: March to June
3. Ramnagar Rakha Wildlife Sanctuary
It is a wildlife sanctuary and an ecological park where you can watch them thriving in their natural habitat. This wildlife sanctuary is in Jammu near Mata Vaishno Devi Temple. You can enjoy light trekking sessions amidst the beautiful trees and plants in the sanctuary. It is a good place to go for a morning jog and watch a nice sunrise or sunset. Ramnagar Rakha Wildlife Sanctuary was also opened in 1981 for protection of native flora and fauna. You can spot animals like Nilgai, Jackal, Jungle Cat, Rhesus Macaque, etc in this sanctuary.
- Location: Jammu, near Hotel Jammu Ashok
- Best time to visit: February to June
4. Hirapora Wildlife Sanctuary
Opened in 1987, Hirapora Wildlife Sanctuary has an area of 341 sq km. To its north, you will find the beautiful Lake Gumsar and the west is bordered by Pir Panjal Pass. It is one of the most breathtaking sanctuaries to visit on a Kashmir trip. The greenery of this sanctuary comes from a mix of coniferous forests, deciduous scrub forests and sub-alpine forests. Keep your eyes open and if you are lucky you may spot Himalayan brown bear, Himalayan black bear, musk deer, leopard, Tibetan wolf, Himalayan palm civet. Etc. You can also take a guided tour to this sanctuary.
- Location: Location: Hirpora, Shopian district, Jammu and Kashmir
- Best time to visit: March to June (Spring/Summer)
5. Hokersar/ Hokera Wildlife Sanctuary
Hokersar is called the 'Queen Wetland of Kashmir' and is a Ramsar site. It spreads over an area of 1,375 hectares (13.75 km2), and is a designated bird sanctuary. Since it's a wetland, different species of exotic migratory birds also come here. Most migratory birds here come from countries like Siberia, China, central Asia, etc. This place is a true delight for a birdwatcher. Birds like Great Crested Grebe, Little Cormorant, Common Shelduck, Tufted Duck and endangered White-eyed Pochard, etc. are some of the birds to spot here.
- Location: Ummer Abad, Gund Hassi Bhat, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir 190012
- Best time to visit: October to January
6. Lachipora Wildlife Sanctuary
Lachipora Wildlife Sanctuary lies 90 km west of Srinagar and sits around the banks of Jhelum river. In the north, it is bound by Kakau Forest and in its south lies Maidan Forest. The elevation of this sanctuary varies from 1,600 m to 3,300 m. It is heavily blanketed by coniferous forests to alpine and sub alpine forest. Himalayan or Impeyan Monal, Koklass Pheasant and Chukar Partridge are some of the beautiful avifauna to spot here. Likewise, keep an eye out for Markhor, Goral, Himalayan Musk Deer, Brown Bear, Asiatic Black Bear and Leopard.
- Location: Lachipora Wildlife Sanctuary, Baramulla, Jammu and Kashmir
- Best time to visit: September to March
The above-mentioned wildlife sanctuaries are not just home to flora and fauna, but are also filled with natural attractions. Add a visit to at least one of the wildlife sanctuaries in your Kashmir tour package and make memories of a lifetime exploring flora and fauna.
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