3. What is a National park???
•A national park is park in use for natural
purposes. It is a reserve for natural, semi-
natural or developed land.
•An area of countryside or occasionally sea or
fresh water, protected by the state for the
enjoyment of the general public or the
preservation of wildlife.
4. History
•The area currently under Dachigam National Park was delineated
by Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir in 1910 as a game preserve. Ten
villages located inside the forest limits, were shifted out.
•Besides the desire to have a game preserve to hunt along with his
guests, the Maharaja also wanted to develop the forest into a
catchment zone for Harwan reservoir which supplied water to
Srinagar.
•Under orders of the Maharaja, several tree species, especially
those preferred by wildlife were planted and efforts were made to
increase the winter fodder available to wild animals.
•After Jammu and Kashmir acceded to India, Dachigam was
managed by State Forest Department. Jammu and Kashmir
government notified the area as a sanctuary in 1951 and as national
park in 1981.
5. More about DNP
Location: 22-km From Srinagar, Kashmir Region, J&K.
Area: : 141-sq-kms.
Attractions: Kashmir Stag, Himalayan Black Bear,
Markhor, Ibex, Exotic Birds.
Dachigam was declared as a sanctuary by state order no.
276/C in 1951 (Holloway, 1970; Holloway and Wani,
1970).
Dachigam Wildlife sanctuary was upgraded to National
Park on 4 February 1981 (state order no. FST/20) by the
Government of jammu and kashmir.
Bird Viewing - March To May.
6. Topography
Dachigam National park is located in the Zabarwan
Range of the western Himalayas. The variation in
altitude is vast, ranging from 5500 ft to 14000 ft above
mean sea level. Due to this vast variation, the park is
very clearly demarcated into an uneven region. The
terrain ranges from gently sloping grasslands to sharp
rocky outcrops and cliffs. Part of the park lies above
the tree line and this area displays its own kind of
natural beauty with bare rock mountains and crevices.
7. Two Sectors
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.
8. Accessibility
Air : Srinagar Airport is located at a distance of 22km and
hence is a good access point.
Rail :The nearest rail junction is Jammu at a distance of
200 kms away from Dachigam National Park.
Road :The Lower Dachigam region is accessible via a
metaled road, but Higher Dachigam areas are accessible
only on foot.
9. Climate
It experiences moderate temperature all through the year.
Summer is never scroching and snowfall continues for
entire winter season. Summer in DACHIGAM is guest of
limited days. Temperature starts getting warmer from
April onwards and extends upto June. July and August
experience light showers.
10. Best time to visit
•In winter, minimum temperature plunges to 10 degree Celsius, in
summer maximum temperature hovers around 32 degree Celsius.
Each season leaves its distinct mark on Dachigam. October is the
best time to visit to see the trees in their autumnal best.
•May and August is the best time to visit the upper regions which
remains snow-bound in winter. May-August and September-
December is the best time to visit the lower region.
11. Where To Eat
Eating options are non-existent in the forest or in
its vicinity.
Carrying a lunch hamper would be a good idea.
Srinagar has better eating options.( KASHMIRI
WAZWAN.)
12. Fauna
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. Himalayan Serow ,Himalayan Grey Langur,
Himalayan Brown Bear,Jackal Hill Fox ,Himalayan Weasel, Yellow-
throated Marten, Jungle Cat,, Otter are other animals found here.
14. Avi fauna
With onset of every new season, the bird life of the
park also changes. Among the major birds here,
some of these are : Cinnamon Sparrows, Black
Bulbuls, Himalayan Flycatcher, Lammergeier, Black
and Yellow Grosbeaks and Himalayan Rubythroats
16. Flora
The mountainsides below the tree line are heavily wooded.
Most of this coniferous forest consists of broad leaf species.
Interspersed between these are alpine pastures, meadows,
waterfalls and scrub vegetation with deep gullies, locally
known as Nars, running down the mountain face. Most of
the grasslands and meadows, except in the harsh winters,
are covered with brightly coloured flowers. Located high
among its interiors is the Marsar lake from which flows the
Dagwan river. This river flows all the way down to, and past,
the lower region where it runs along the only proper road in
the park and is also famous for its fish population.
18. Safaris in Dachigam National
Park (jeep and elephant
safaris)
Since this park is located in scenic surroundings of Kashmir,
it comes as a privilege to enjoy a mix of flora, fauna and
natural beauty through jeep and elephant safaris at
Dachigam. Jeep safaris are undertaken during the early
morning hours till evening. A forest department guide is
always their with the visitors on these jeep trips taken inside
the park. Elephant safari trips are organized for tiger
tracking early in the morning.
19. Threats
Black Bear are threatened due to poaching for gall
bladder (medicine), skin (ornamental), retaliatory
killings to reduce bear-human conflicts, and due to
large scale habitat degradation or loss.
Since DNP is the only home left for hanguls and they
are threatened due to their antlers and meat.
20. Caveat
Tourist planning to visit DNP have to take
permission either from its wildlife warden’s office
or it should be collected from the check post at
parks entrance.
21. Tourist Activities
Masrar lake: It's a beautiful lake located at the source of the
Dachigam river in higher Dachigam region of the Dachigam
National Park. The river is main source of water for the animals
and plants of this area.
Bird watching: It is one of the popular activities that tourists
enjoy in Dachigam National Park. There are over 150 species of
birds that can be commonly seen in the area. Some of the birds
popularly seen in the park include the Monal Pheasant,
Crimson Tragopan, Golden Eagle and the Bearded Vulture.
22. Contd…
Trout farms: Just at the entrance of the park is the
Trout Farm. It is the place for Ichthyologists. You can
see a variety of different fish ranging from Trouts,
Pomfrets to Cortes Swordtail to even the Lion fish.
The farm has separate spots where one can even
feed fishes.
Jungle safaris: visitors can now enjoy a 3.5 km ride
with a cost of rs. 125 per person viewing the trout
fish streams and beautiful flora and fauna.
23. Accomodation
Two lodges and rest houses in the sanctuary are
available for accommodation. For those staying in
Srinagar, hotels and houseboats are available in plenty.
There are 578 Hotels near Dachigam National Park,
Srinagar with 204 reviews and Average Guest Rating ,
3.55/5 .
I have handpicked the Best 8 hotels near Dachigam
National Park, Srinagar and they are
24. Vivanta By Taj - Dal View (A Taj
Hotel)Brein, Srinagar
4.3 /5 Excellent (Based on 3 Reviews)
7.8 km from Dachigam National Park
Rent -Rs. 16,000 Per Room Per Night
The Lalit Grand Palace Gupkar Road,
Srinagar
4.8 /5 Excellent (Based on 4 Reviews)
10.7 km from Dachigam National Park
Rs. 15,500 Rs. 13,950 Per Room Per Night
25. Royal Khazir Boutique
NOAREA, Srinagar
5.4 km from Dachigam National Park
Rs. 4,500
Per Room Per Night
Ronak Resort
Nishat, Srinagar
5.4 km from Dachigam National Park
Rs. 2,500
Per Room Per Night
26. Hotel Grand Mahal
Shalimar Road, Srinagar
5.7 km from Dachigam National
Park
Rs. 3,882
Per Room Per Night
Hotel Aman Palace
Nishat, Srinagar
5.4 km from Dachigam National
Park
Rs. 1,550
Per Room Per Night
27. Eagle Resort Nishat, Srinagar
5.4 km from Dachigam National
Park
Rs. 1,600 Per Room Per Night
Paradise Gateway Hotel
Nishat, Srinagar
5.4 km from Dachigam National Park
Rs. 5,333
Per Room Per Night
28. Tourist places
A visit to Dachigam National Park can also be combined with other tourist
attractions across the city. With its delectable cuisines, and opportunities
to explore the surrounding areas, Srinagar is perfectly poised to offer an
experience that is both, authentic as well as unique! There are many ideal
locations to visit in and around this wonderful city, with prominent local
landmarks and favourable restaurants being just a few examples.
Areas of interest near Dachigam include the picturesque city of Srinagar
(22 km) Jammu city (200 km), the alighting point for Vaishno Devi (an
important place of pilgrimage for Hindus), and Patnitop, a scenic hill
resort.
