Dachigam National Park
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Dachigam is one of India's most scenically beautiful wildlife reserves.
It is located 22 kilometres from Srinagar and forms almost half
of the Dal lake's catchment area. Since 10 villages were relocated
outside the boundaries of the reserves between 1910 and 1934, it,
thus, got its name Dachi-gam which means 'Ten Villages'.
Dachigam is spread over 140 square kilometres, spanning heights
between 5,500 to 14,000 feet above sea level. The two sectors of
Dachigam, lower and upper Dachigam incorporate a variety of vegetation
like riverain forest, grass land, broad leaved woodland, coniferous
forest, barerock faces and alpine pastures.
Dachigam is considered home to some of the unique Himalayan range
of flora and fauna. Primary amongst them is the hangul or Kashmir
stag, the most endangered species of red deer in the world.
During winters, the upper reaches of Dachigam become inaccessible
to the visitors and the temperature in lower Dachigam dips as low
as -10 degree celsius. Some birds and animals found during this
time of the year include the cinnamon sparrows, black and yellow
grosbeak, black bulbuls, monal pheasant and the Himalayan grey langur.
The main predator in the park is the leopard, and other scavengers
which also feed on the prey of the leopard, are the jackal, hill
fox, yellow throated marten and the wild boar. Himalayan griffon,
lammergeier, leopard cat, long tailed blue magpie, jungle cat, and
Himalayan weasel can also be sighted during this period.
With the advent of spring and summer, the Himalayan black bear
makes its appearance after hibernating in the rocks for the winter
period. Birdlife also becomes active and the birds which appear
are the golden orioles, pygmy owlets, Himalayan pied woodpeckers,
warblers, babblers, buntings and laughing thrushes.
In the upper reaches, during the short summer, new varieties of
birds like red-browed finch, Himalayan ruby throat and wag tails
also make an appearance. The parks in higher altitudes still harbour
a few Himalyan brown bear.
How to Get There
The nearest town and airport is Srinagar 22 kilometres away. It
is 310 kms from Jammu, the nearest railway station. A metalled road
links Srinagar with Lower Dachigam. Upper Dachigam can be reached
on foot.
Where to Stay
Two lodges and rest houses in the sanctuary are available. For
those staying in Srinagar, hotels and house boats are available
in plenty.
When to Visit
May to August for upper Dachigam and September to December for
lower Dachigam
Contact
The Chief Wildlife Warden, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir.
Check out also:
National Parks in India
Bird Sanctuaries in India
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