Exploring Kashmir’s best national parks

The gorgeous Kashmir valley is celebrated for its greenery, lakes and snow-covered mountains. A prominent tourist hotspot in India, Kashmir is much more than its shikaras and meadows. The place is home to several national parks where some exotic, rare and endangered species of flora and fauna are found.

Let’s have a look at some of the most prominent national parks in Kashmir.

Situated in Kishtwar district, Kashmir, the region was declared a national park in 1981. The place is home to 15 mammals and the River Rinnay passes from inside the park. Besides one can also spot hangul, a famous Kashmiri stag here. During the migratory season, the park gets crowded with some spectacular bird species.

This one is a commissioned future national park in the Baramulla district, Kashmir. The most unique thing about this park is that it is home to 17 different kinds of butterflies which are considered rare and endangered. Apart from butterflies, one can easily spot musk deer, brown bears and snow leopards in the region.

Located around 20 km from Srinagar, Dachigam National Park is a protected area. Dachigam, meaning ten villages, was named after the ten villages that were relocated to build this national park in 1981. Situated amid the mighty Himalayas, the park is home to leopards, musk deers, hill fox and Himalayan Black Bear, among others.

Covering a huge area of 9 sq km, this national park in Srinagar is named after the eminent Indian ornithologist, Salim Ali. The park has more than 70 varieties of birds. Besides, hangul, Himalayan serow and Himalayan black bear are also a resident of the park. The place is a heaven for birdwatchers!