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Kazinag National Park, nestled in the picturesque Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir, is a pristine haven for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers. Spanning over an area of approximately 160 sq. km, this national park is renowned for its rich biodiversity, scenic landscapes, and conservation significance. It was established in 1992 and is a part of the larger Kazinag range. It also includes the popular Hirpora Wildlife Sanctuary in its close vicinity. From dense forests to the endangered markhor (Capra falconeri), the National Park holds a lot of adventure and thrill that every nature enthusiast seeks to indulge in.
Quick Details About Kazinag National Park
Photo: Jiroe (Matia Rengel) / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Location: The national park is in the Baramulla district in Kashmir. The exact Kazinag National Park address is 58XX+JX8, Kanli Bagh, Baramulla, Jammu and Kashmir 193101.
Kazinag National Park Timing: The national park is open from sunrise to sunset. However, there are specific times for wildlife safari and other activities inside the park.
How To Reach: Srinagar International Airport is the nearest airport (150 km). Taxis and cabs are readily available for onward travel to Baramulla (70 km), the gateway to the park.
Kazinag National Park Ticket Price: There is a nominal entry fee to enter the park.
Best Time To Visit: May to September offers pleasant weather for exploration. Summers can be mild, while winters witness heavy snowfall, making accessibility a challenge.
Things To Do In Kazinag National Park
With the diverse biodiversity in the national park and the natural beauty of the surroundings, there’s a lot to explore for you.
1. Wildlife Safari
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Safaris are the most popular things to try for visitors at the national park. If you want to view the animals up close and in their natural habitat, book a wildlife safari experience right when you enter the park. There are specific timings for safaris, so get the confirmed details to be on time at the designated meeting spot. Be on the lookout for the elusive Markhor, a wild goat known for its majestic spiralling horns. Additionally, the beautiful Himalayan Monal pheasant is a pretty alluring attraction in the national park.
2. Bird Watching
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More than the wildlife species in the national park, Kazinag stands out for its avian population. The park hosts 120+ species of birds, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. For better and clearer views, pack a pair of binoculars with you. Some of the popular bird species you should look out for are the Golden Eagle, Impeyan or Monal Pheasant, Koklass Pheasant, Sparrow Hawk, The Cuckoo, Himalayan Pied Kingfisher and Long-tailed Minvet, etc. Not just birds, there are a few different types of butterflies as well, which you may have never spotted in life.
Suggested Read: Gulmarg Wildlife Sanctuary
3. Nature Photography
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Capturing this stunning national park’s photos needs to be on your list of things to do. The natural beauty and diverse wildlife make for a great backdrop for tourists to capture photographs of. Whether you are interested in landscape or wildlife photography, there are numerous photography opportunities around.
4. Eco-Tours And Guided Walks
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Perfect for a laid-back exploration of the national park, eco-tours are a perfect way to enhance your knowledge about the park’s ecology and conservation efforts. You do have to pay for the guides and in most cases these tours are done in groups, so you don’t have to spend an extensive amount of money. These tours are educational and offer a deeper appreciation of the natural world.
Suggested Read: Dachigam National Park
5. Trekking And Hiking
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Albeit a few, trekking and hiking expeditions around the national park are another adventure experience you must add to your itinerary. The majority of the nature trails are beginner-friendly, so you can go about exploring the depths of the forests, and relax on the foothills of the Himalayas. Remember that trekking and hiking trails are often unexplored, so prioritise your safety when embarking on such foreign routes.
Places To Visit Around Kazinag National Park
Once you finish all the activities, step out of the national park and explore the outside world. There are a few nearby cities, towns and villages filled with a treasure trove of experience awaiting your presence.
Following are a few places to explore around:
1. Gulmarg
Photo: Poet Shankar Gurjar / Wikimedia Commons
Gulmarg welcomes you with stunning landscapes and adventure sports. Like any other tourist, your exploration must start with the Gulmarg Gondola ride. There are two phases, one that takes you to Kongdori and the second phase takes you to the breathtaking Apharwat peak. If you have time, you may explore both. You can also embark on a short trek to the Alpather Lake in Gulmarg for serene views and pristine surroundings.
Distance From The National Park: 35.5 km
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Gulmarg
2. Baramulla
Given that the Kazinag National Park is located in the Baramulla district, you can’t forget to add that to your itinerary as well. This major town’s key attractions include the Baramulla Fort, Sugandhesa Temple, Pandu Mandir, Pattan Kashmir, etc. If nothing, take the time to interact with the locals to unveil hidden gems around the town and the national park that not many tourists may be aware of.
3. Pahalgam
Photo: KennyOMG / Wikimedia Commons
Besides the beauty of the Aru and Betaab Valley, exploring Pahalgam lets you halt and soak in the serenity that surrounds the place. Pahalgam is also an ideal base for trekkers looking to conquer higher peaks like Kolahoi Glacier and Aru Wildlife Sanctuary. Besides extensive trekking and hiking expeditions, one can opt for a camping trip under the star-studded sky.
Distance From The National Park: 142.5 km
Suggested Read: Places to Visit in Pahalgam
4. Kupwara
Photo: Umar Bin Ilyass / Wikimedia Commons
Kupwara is another popular destination to visit from the national park. Key attractions include the Lolab Valley, Kalaroos caves, and the ancient shrine of Sheikh Baba Behram. If you visit during the harvesting season (Aug-Oct), there are apple orchards in the landscape as well.
Distance From The National Park: 47 km
5. Shopian
Photo: Auli Raha / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
One of the most offbeat and unexplored towns in Kashmir, Shopian is known for its rich culture and heritage. The place is renowned for its saffron production and apple orchards. So, if you have been meaning to witness their harvest in real-time, this is the place you need to be in.
Distance from the national park: 102 km
Suggested Read: Kishtwar National Park
Where To Stay In Kazinag National Park
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Within the vicinity of the national park, there are forest rest houses managed by the Forest Department. These provide basic accommodation facilities for visitors. However, due to limited availability, one needs to pre-book the stay to confirm availability. There aren’t any extensive hotels or luxury stays in the national park. But, you can find a handful of hotels in the main town of Baramulla.
Several local homestays in nearby villages enable you to witness the way of life and sample the delicacies as well. Staying in a homestay allows visitors to interact with the local community and enjoy traditional Kashmiri cuisine.
Other Factors To Consider
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Average Cost
From accommodation to food and wildlife safari and guided tours, there are quite a few different expenses to incur on your visit to the national park. On average, you will likely be between ₹10,000 to ₹30,000 per person on this trip.
Tips For Travellers
- Depending on the season you are travelling in, ensure that you pack the right kind of clothes and amenities for your trip.
- For viewing wildlife at a distance or even the birds, it is advisable to carry binoculars with you.
- Always stock up on essentials like insect repellents, sunscreen, snacks, water, first aid kit, etc.
- Be mindful of the local culture and dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites.
- For a more enriching experience in the national park, consider hiring local guides. They can give you an in-depth rundown of each wildlife species, plants, birds and insects that inhabit the national park.
Kazinag National Park is a treasure trove of natural beauty and diverse wildlife. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer, a passionate birdwatcher, or simply seeking a peaceful escape, the park offers something for everyone. With its breathtaking landscapes, rich biodiversity, and cultural heritage, Kazinag promises an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts. Without any delay, sort out all your booking plans with TripXL for the best deals for a hassle-free holiday.
Cover Photo: Krivec Ales / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
