10 Best Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks in Jammu and Kashmir

The natural beauty of Jammu and Kashmir is famous all around the world. You can’t describe flora and fauna of these states with words. Besides, both these states are rich in natural resources. In the lush forests of Jammu and Kashmir, you can see the rarest wildlife species. Therefore there are a lot of wildlife sanctuaries and national parks in Jammu and Kashmir. These wildlife sanctuaries and national parks are created to preserve the wildlife of this region.

However, it is a bit difficult to maintain the national parks and wildlife sanctuaries at this high altitude. We all know that Jammu and Kashmir are primarily famous for their snow-covered mountains, flower-covered meadow, and lush greenery. But apart from these, the national parks and wildlife sanctuaries are also worth visiting. Therefore, in this post, we will discuss the famous wildlife sanctuaries and national parks in Jammu and Kashmir.

Here is the list of Top 10 Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks in Jammu and Kashmir:

1. Kishtwar High Altitude National Park

This national park is situated in the Kishtwar district of Jammu. The altitude of this region ranges from 1,700 to 4,800 meters. The excellent flora and fauna of this national park will surely captivate you. You can see the Himalayan Thar, Indian Muntjac, snow leopard, and Hangul in this park.

Also, you can see various species of birds like white-cheeked bulbul, bearded vulture, griffon vulture, paradise flycatcher etc. You can visit the Kishtwar High Altitude National Park in September.

2. Hemis National Park

It is also another high altitude national park of Jammu and Kashmir located in Ladakh. Hemis National Park is famous for the maximum number of snow leopards worldwide. Also, it is the largest national park in the country. Here, you can see the Indus river at the boundaries of this national park. You can witness snow leopards, several Tibetan Gompas, etc. Here you can see the red fox, Tibetan wolf, and the Eurasian brown bear. More details on Popular Wildlife Sanctuary Ladakh – Changthang and Hemis National Park

Also, make sure to visit the world-famous four hundred years old Hemis Monastery. Hemis National Park is renowned for bird watching purposes as well. From the middle of June to the middle of October, you can see several trekking routes. If you want to witness the snow leopards, you must come here in late winter.

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3. Kazinag National Park

This national park is located on the north bank of the Jhelum river. Kazinag National Park is situated within a distance of 70 kilometers from Srinagar. This rich topography is home to almost 120 species of mammals and 20 species of birds.

Here you can see endangered and threatened animals like markhor, musk deer, Himalayan Marmot, common leopard, Himalayan Black Bear and the Kashmir flying squirrel. You can visit this national park from October to April.

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4. Achabal Wildlife Sanctuary

This wildlife sanctuary is a mandatory visit in Jammu and Kashmir. It is located 60 kilometers from Srinagar, and previously it was a game reserve for the Maharaja of Kashmir. Here you can visit several animals like bears, snow leopard, rhesus macaque, barking deer, jackal, Small Indian Mongoose, Himalayan Marmot, and the Kashmiri Flying Squirrel.

Also, you can witness endangered species like Hangul, Kashmiri Stag, etc. You can visit the Achabal Wildlife Sanctuary from March to June to get the best experience.

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5. Overa Aru Wildlife Sanctuary

This wildlife sanctuary is located close to Pahalgam. Like the previous one, it was also a game reserve of the Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir. Through the sanctuary, you can see the river Lidder. The vegetation is rich in this wildlife sanctuary. Here you can see various trees that cover most of the landscape. Also, you can see some of the rare and endangered mammalian species like musk deer, Kashmiri Stag, Himalayan Mouse, rhesus macaque etc.

Besides, you can witness several bird species like rock pigeon, Himalayan Whistling, Indian Myna, and Kashmir Roller. For the excellent flora and fauna, you can experience trekking here. From March to May, you can visit this wildlife sanctuary.

6. Hirpora Wildlife Sanctuary

If you want to explore the famous wildlife sanctuaries and national parks in Jammu and Kashmir, you must visit the Hirpora Wildlife Sanctuary. Here, you can explore more than 130 species of birds. The rich fauna of this wildlife sanctuary will captivate you surely. Besides, the vegetation inside this wildlife sanctuary is pretty rich.

It includes sub-alpine pastures, sub-alpine scrub forests, and mixed coniferous forests. Here, you can see the Himalayan Black Bear, Himalayan Brown Bear, Himalayan Palm Civet, Tibetan wolf, Himalayan Griffon, etc. From October to March, you can visit this wildlife sanctuary.

7. Dachigam National Park

This national park is located within a distance of 22 kilometers from Srinagar. You can visit the Dachigam National Park in the Zabarwan Range of the Western Himalayas. The landscape of this national park is dotted with alpine pastures, meadows, waterfalls, and scrub vegetation.

In the Dachigam National Park, you can see extraordinary fauna like brown bears, Himalayan Black bears, Hangul, musk deer, Kashmiri stag, and Hangul. Also, you can see various birds here like black bulbuls, pygmy owlet, Kashmiri flycatcher, cinnamon sparrows, colorful pheasants etc. You can visit this national park between April and August.

8. Salim Ali National Park

This national park is spread over 9 square kilometers and is one of the best national parks in Jammu and Kashmir. This famous national park got its name from the famous Indian Ornithologist Salim Ali. Later this national park was transformed into a golf course. You can see the Himalayan black bear, Himalayan serow, and Hangul in this national park. Salim Ali National Park houses more than 70 species of birds. It is even one of the best bird sanctuaries in India.

Therefore it is also a significant place to visit in Jammu and Kashmir. If you are an animal lover, you must visit the Salim Ali National Park. Here, you can explore the majestic creatures in their natural habitat. Besides, the state tourism department promotes and maintains the sector. Thus the tourists can visit this high altitude national park comfortably. Also, the scenic beauty of this place will surely captivate you.

9. Ramnagar Wildlife Sanctuary

This wildlife sanctuary is one of the effortless wildlife destinations in Jammu and Kashmir. From Jammu City, the Ramnagar Wildlife Sanctuary is situated within a distance of 6 kilometers. Therefore, the Ramnagar Wildlife Sanctuary is easily accessible for visitors. This wildlife sanctuary is spread over an area of 32 square kilometers.

Here you can see several rhesus monkeys, barking deer, nilgai, wild boar, etc. Ramnagar wildlife sanctuary is situated at an altitude ranging from 430 meters to 611 meters from sea level. Due to the gentle geographical conditions, visitors can easily access this wildlife sanctuary. You can visit the Ramnagar Wildlife Sanctuary from March to May.

10. Gulmarg Wildlife Sanctuary

It is one of the most attractive sites in Jammu and Kashmir. This biosphere is located on the south-western side of Srinagar. The entire area of this wildlife sanctuary is covered with the rich vegetation of green plants.

Abies Pindrow, Aesculus Indica, Cedrus Deodara, Pinus Grifithii, etc., are some flourishing greenery of the Gulmarg Wildlife Sanctuary. Here you can see the black bear, musk deer, hangul, brown bear, red fox etc.

Conclusion

So, these are the most famous wildlife sanctuaries and national parks in Jammu and Kashmir. When you visit Jammu and Kashmir, you must explore these wildlife sanctuaries and national parks. If you are a nature lover, these destinations will surely captivate you.