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Located in Srinagar, Hokersar Wildlife Sanctuary is well known for its greenery and vegetation. Popular for bird watching, one can find many different bird species here. The most famous is the white-eyed pochard, which migrates from the Siberian region. This wetland is also a popular region for migratory bird species and various endangered species. This wildlife sanctuary is also famous for migratory bird breeding. One can find Jammu & Kashmir’s reed beds here, which are rare to trace. Home to 68 waterfowl species, this place is a must visit on your next trip to Srinagar.
Quick Details
Hokersar Wildlife Sanctuary Location: Gund Hassi Bhat, Kashmir, Jammu and Kashmir 190012
Opening Year: 2005
Dimensions: 1,375 hectares
Elevation: 1,584 metres
Hokersar Wildlife Sanctuary Timings: 24*7
How To Reach: Airways, Rail or Road
Nearest Airport: Srinagar Airport (18 kms)
Nearest Railway Station: Srinagar Railway Station (19km)
Best Time To Visit: October to January
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 4 hours
Ideal For: Couples and friends
How To Reach Hokersar Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: iqbal.sohag / Shutterstock / Image For Representation Only
You can reach this place from any part of the country easily. Air, rail, and bus facilities here are top-notch. Srinagar is the nearest airport to this wildlife sanctuary. From here, you can easily find cab services to reach your destination. You can also find a lot of buses that ply endlessly from the main city of Srinagar to this wildlife sanctuary.
By Air: The nearest airport is at Srinagar (18 km)
By Rail: The closest railhead is at Srinagar (19 km)
Places To Visit Around Hokersar Wildlife Sanctuary
There are several places to visit around Hokersar Wildlife Sanctuary like majestic lakes, royal temples, and hill stations as well.
1. Anchar Lake
Photo: SHEE HENG CHONG / Shutterstock
Anchar Lake is in Soura in the Srinagar district of Jammu and Kashmir. This exquisite lake is located near Ganderbal and is interlinked with Dal Lake by the channel Amir Khan Nallah, passing through Gilsar and Khushal Sar. The Shallabugh Wetland is further expanded to cover Anchar Lake, which acts as the water source of the integrated wetland system. It adds value to the overall health of the aquatic life and the environment in the region. This wetland acts as a corridor between Anchar Lake and the Sind River.
Location: Soura, J&K
2. Amarnath Temple
Photo: Gktambe / Wikimedia Commons
This temple is a famous Hindu pilgrim place in Pahalgam where the devotees come all the way to see the ice Shivling of Lord Shiva, which is naturally made. The cave is 3888 metres high from sea level. It is 168 km from Anantnag district headquarters and 141 km from Srinagar. It is covered by snow for almost eleven months and can only be visited during the summer by religious devotees. The story goes that this is the place where Lord Shiva shared the real truth behind life and eternity with his wife, Maa Parvati. You can also go on a challenging trek to this cave.
Location: Pahalgam
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Entry: Free
3. Char Chinar
Photo: Prateek / Wikimedia Commons
Char Chinar, also called Char Chinari, Ropa Lank, or Rupa Lank, is an island in Dal Lake, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir. On the Lakut Dal, there is an island called Roph Lank, which means Silver Island, and on this island, four Chinar trees are planted at the corner, called Char Chinari. You can explore it via a Shikara ride around Dal Lake for scenic views of the surroundings.
Location: Rainawari
Timings: 6 AM – 7 PM
Entry Fees: Adults: ₹50, Kids: ₹25
4. Doodhpathri
Photo: Ankur P / Wikimedia Commons
This hill station is a well-known tourist spot situated in the Budgam district of Jammu & Kashmir. The green pastures surrounded by the beautiful-looking wildflowers are sufficient to take your heart away. This hill station is situated in the beautiful Pir Panjal range of the Himalayas and it is encircled by snow-capped mountains. The meadows here are also covered with a web of pine and deodar trees. In the winter, this hill station is replete with snow, creating a winter wonderland.
Location: Beerwah, Forest Block
Timings: 7 AM – 5 PM
5. Kathi Darwaza
Photo: Indrajit Das / Wikimedia Commons
Kathi Darwaza is said to be the doorway to the Hari Parbat Fort, which is located near Dal Lake. The Sangin Darwaza also forms a part of the Fort’s gates, making it the second gate of the Fort. Kathi Darwaza, or the chamber on which the royal kitchen was built, comprises a central domed chamber with two bays on either side. A few Persian memorial writings are inscribed on the walls, and some are also on the ceiling of the Kathi Darwaza. They explain the Persian culture and traditions followed in the Mughal Empire.
Location: Haati Khan Rd, Saidakadal A, Botaraj Colony, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir
Timings: 24*7
6. Dastgeer Sahib
Photo: Varun Shiv Kapur / Wikimedia Commons
The shrine, Dastgeer Sahib, is in Khanyar Srinagar and belongs to the Sufi saint Sheikh Syed Abdul Qadir Jelani. The shrine is also notable for housing the hair strand of Abdul Qadir Gilani and the old Quran written by Ali Ibn Abi Talib AS. It is also an architectural marvel, and there are five tombs inside it. This shrine was constructed in wood and has an elaborate ceiling made via Khatamband.
Location: Khaniyar
Timings: 4:45 AM – 10 PM
7. Bangus Valley
Photo: FlintHills.photos/ Shutterstock / Image For Representation Only
Bangus Valley is undoubtedly an offbeat and least-explored place in Jammu and Kashmir. Located towards the Kupwara district of Kashmir, this beautiful & unspoiled valley is mainly characterised by grassy and undulating meadows predominantly on the bank of the famous river Mawri. Lately, this valley has become a trendy tourist destination that showcases the sheer beauty of Kashmir.
Location: Handwara
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Where To Stay When Visiting Hokersar Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: New Africa / Shutterstock / Image For Representation Only
You will find several top-rated hotels near this place like Hotel Valley Orchid, Hotel Jehangir, Hotel Grand Mumtaz Towers, Hotel Asian Park, and Hotel Aksa. There are also several cafes, restaurants and eateries near these hotels where you can enjoy a delicious meal.
Best Time To Visit Hokersar Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Sondipon / Shutterstock / Image For Representation Only
The best time to visit this sanctuary is between October to January. These are the best months to visit Srinagar and other areas around the sanctuary because of the favourable, cool, and pleasant weather.
Hokersar Wildlife Sanctuary is a haven for nature lovers and adventure aficionados with its variety of migratory birds and endangered species. You can also visit the numerous places nearby like historic forts, regal temples, and glistening lakes. Enjoy visiting this wildlife sanctuary in winter to enjoy the cool and pleasant climate. Plan a trip to this sanctuary with TripXL and enjoy an adventure-laden holiday.
Photo: Sourabh Bharti / Shutterstock / Image For Representation Only
