Dachigam National Par

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 characterized by its white rump patch and impressive spread of antlers.

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.

Dachigam, spread over an area of 141 sq km, is the home of 20 mammal species including the leopard and over 150 species of avifauna. Open throughout the year, there is no prime viewing season, as the visitor will find something of interest all through the year.

Overa Wildlife Sanctuary

located 76 km from Srinagar, near Pahalgam, it has an area of 32 sq km, and is famed for its many species of pheasants. It sustains 13 species of mammals and over 80 species of birds. The best time to visit the sanctuary for mammal viewing is September to April and for bird viewing from March to August.

Overa-Aru Biosphere Reserve

located 76 km from Srinagar, near Pahalgam, it has an area of 32 sq km. Several species of birds as wed as fauna are found here - musk deer, brown bear, leopard to name a few. The altitudinal range varies from 3,000 to 5,425 metros above sea level. 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.

Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve

48 km from Srinagar, the reserve has an area of lS0 so km. and an altitudinal range of 2,400 - 4,300 metres above sea level. Fauna includes Himalayan musk deer, red fox, brown and blackbear. Among avifauna are upland birds, both resident and migratory. The best time for animal viewing is September to March and for bird viewing March to May.