NATIONAL PARKS OF INDIA
Dachigam National Park - Jammu & Kashmir
Nestled in the valleys of Jammu and Kashmir,
Dachigam National Park is the last reserve park
of the endangered Kashmir stag or Hangul. The
park is located in the Jammu and Kashmir state,
approximately 22 km away from Srinagar.
History
The park was first set-up in 1910 by the
Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir state as his
private game reserve. Dachigam in the local
language means "ten villages". The name,
Dachigam National Park, was conferred to the
park in memory of ten villages that were
displaced out of the forest under the orders of
the then Maharaja for creating the forest and a
catchment area. The park was actually created to
ensure proper supply of clean drinking water to
the people of Srinagar. It was finally declared
a national park in 1981.
Avian fauna
The bird species of the forest include Himalayan
Monal, Kashmir Flycatcher, Golden Oriole,
Streaked Laughing Thrush, Himalayan Rubythroat,
etc.
Fauna
The rare Kashmir stag is the prime attraction
here. Leopard, Musk Deer, Himalayan Black Bear,
Yellow-Throated Marten, Himalayan Grey Langur,
etc. are the other mammal species of the forest.
Flora
Most parts of the park are covered with
coniferous forest. The important floras of the
forest are willow, oak, poplar, plum, cherry and
plum.
How to reach
The closest aerodrome is at Srinagar. Jammu
railway station is the nearest railhead. The
park is also well connected by roads with
different parts of the state.
General information
Two forest rest houses located in the lower
Dachigam offer proper lodging facilities to the
tourists. Numerous hotels, guest houses and
resorts can be found in Srinagar. The climate in
this region is extremely cold, so the visitors
are advised to carry heavy woolen clothes for
their trip. Entry permit from the chief wildlife
warden is required for entering the park.
Tourist information
Address: Dachigam National Park, Dachigam Rd,
Mulanar, Jammu and Kashmir - 191202
Phone: 0194-75411
Ideal time to visit: May to August and September
to December.
Entry Fees: not applicable currently
Timings: 5:30 am to 6:30 pm
Closed on Sundays
