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Jammu and Kashmir is a land of captivating beauty, nestled in the lap of the majestic Himalayas. Besides the diverse landscape, the place is also home to a rich biodiversity of flora and fauna. There are five national parks, each with its distinct character and ecological significance, scattered across this breathtaking landscape. Exploring these national parks in Jammu and Kashmir lets you discover the unparalleled beauty and the vast biodiversity these regions have, offering an unforgettable exploration into the wild.
Top 5 National Parks In Jammu And Kashmir
The following Jammu and Kashmir national parks not only serve as pure havens for diverse flora and fauna but also offer captivating experiences for nature enthusiasts.
1. Hemis National Park
Hemis National Park, nestled in the eastern reaches of Ladakh, stands as the largest national park in India. Frigid deserts and high-altitude pastures characterise this park, creating a habitat for elusive creatures like the most revered – endangered snow leopard, Bharal sheep, Tibetan argali, red foxes, curious marmots, etc. You also get to witness unique and migratory bird species like brown accentor, Tickell’s leaf warbler, chukar, red-billed chough, fire-fronted serin and Himalayan snowcock, to name a few. The high-altitude location of the national park also alludes to the unique flora and vegetation including edelweiss and alpine poppies.
Location: P99Q+F7Q Jammu and Kashmir
Best Time To Visit: June to September
Suggested Read: Famous Festivals In Jammu And Kashmir
2. Dachigam National Park
Photo: Jyoti Chaurasia / Wikimedia Commons
Situated just 22 kilometres from Srinagar, Dachigam National Park is a haven for nature enthusiasts. Its verdant forests, crisscrossed by gushing streams, provide a picturesque setting for wildlife encounters. The national park is spread across 141 sq. km and requires a permit to enter. The park’s crown jewel is the Hangul, a majestic red deer endemic to Kashmir. Discover the native wildlife including Indian leopards, barking deer, Kashmir stags, etc. and birds like orange bullfinch, and Himalayan rubythroat, to name a few. The beauty of the national park is accentuated by the dense forests, alpine pastures and meadows surrounding it.
Location: 42PQ+V4C, Dachigam Road, near Harwan Mughal Garden, Jammu and Kashmir 191202
Best Time To Visit: March to May & September to November
3. Salim Ali National Park
Photo: Shyamal / Wikimedia Commons
This national park in Srinagar spreads across 9.07 sq. km and is a haven for bird watchers. It was initially named City Forest National Park but the name was changed to Salim Ali National Park in 1986 as a tribute to the renowned ornithologist. Besides being home to 70 bird species including the Himalayan monal, paradise flycatcher and Himalayan snowcock, the national park also houses a wide variety of wildlife. This includes the endangered Hangul stag, the Himalayan black bear, the Himalayan serow, etc. The park’s vegetation is a harmonious blend of willow trees, poplars, and various aquatic plants.
Location: 3RJ3+9JR, Shaheed Gunj, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir 190001
Best Time To Visit: Throughout the year
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Jammu
4. Kishtwar National Park
Photo: Nathan Steele / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Located 40 km away from the main Kishtwar town, the Kishtwar National Park is surrounded by the stunning Rinnay River and the Great Himalayas. On the west lies the Marwah River, encompassing the perimeter of the national park. It is quite famous for its scenic landscape, meadows and alpine vegetation. Like the Hemis National Park, even this one is home to the endangered snow leopard. You can discover a wide range of native and migratory bird species including Himalayan snowcock, Koklass, and Himalayan monal, besides the wildlife. Kishtwar’s diverse flora encompasses alpine meadows bursting with wildflowers, deodar forests, and rhododendrons.
Location: JX9V+F8J, Forest Block, Jammu and Kashmir 182204
Best Time To Visit: May to September
5. Kazinag National Park
Photo: Suresh Karia / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Located in the Baramulla district in Jammu and Kashmir, the Kazinag National Park is one of the most significant national parks in the area. The national park is spread across 140 sq. km and was constructed in 1992. It is home to 120+ bird species including the golden eagle, monal pheasant, cheer pheasant, sparrow hawk, snow pigeon, cuckoo and wildlife like Himalayan brown bears, red foxes, etc. It also features 17 different species of butterflies. The park’s pristine waters of the Gurez Valley, surrounded by rolling hills and lush forests, create a picturesque setting.
Location: 58XX+JX8, Kanli Bagh, Baramulla, Jammu and Kashmir 193101
Best Time To Visit: April to June & September to October
Suggested Read: Places To Visit Near Jammu
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Tirachard Kumtanom / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
When planning your trip to visit and explore the national parks in Jammu and Kashmir, you must consider certain factors, such as:
- Obtaining permits is mandatory for entry into all the national parks of Jammu and Kashmir. Permits can be acquired from the Wildlife Department offices located near the parks.
- It’s crucial to follow park regulations as a part of responsible tourism such as littering, off-road driving, and disturbing wildlife.
The national parks in Jammu and Kashmir offer a glimpse into India’s breathtaking natural heritage. From the high-altitude havens of Hemis to the verdant valleys of Dachigam, each park presents a unique experience for its visitors. So, gear up, pack your bags and sort out all your bookings with TripXL to snag the best deals and discounts for your next vacation.
Cover Photo: Billyakhtar / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
