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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.
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. 
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.
Air: The nearest town and airport is
Srinagar 22-km
away.
Rail: It is 310-km from Jammu, the nearest railway station.
Road: A metalled road links Srinagar with Lower Dachigam. Upper
Dachigam can be reached on foot.
Two lodges and rest houses in the sanctuary are available
for accommodation. For those staying in Srinagar, hotels and houseboats
are available in plenty.
For More Information Contact: The Chief Wildlife Warden,
Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir.
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