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The protected nature reserve in Kashmir, Overa-Aru Wildlife Sanctuary, is indeed spectacular. This nature reserve is famous for its flora and fauna and also has a number of extinct animals and plant species. This fact comprises the reason why it is so popular among people. The place also has specific trails that you can easily see. The habitat is also home to various birds, such as Western Tragopan, Monal Pheasant, Cockles Pheasant, and Golden Eagle. With numerous hiking trails and designated birding areas, this sanctuary offers a wonderful opportunity to explore the terrain and observe its diverse biodiversity.
Quick Details
Location: Near Aru Valley in Pahalgam of Anantnag district, Jammu and Kashmir
Opening Year: 1981
Dimensions: 511 km2 (197 sq mi)
Elevation: 5,425 metres (17,799 ft)
Overa-Aru Wildlife Sanctuary Timings: 24×7
Nearest Airport: Located 95 km away is the nearest airport, Srinagar International Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Located 300 km is the nearest railway station, Jammu Tawi
Best Time To Visit: Animal viewing (September to March), Bird viewing (March to May)
Ideal Trip Duration: 2- 4 hours
How To Reach
Photo: Suhayl091 / Wikimedia Commons
Overa-Aru Wildlife Sanctuary is a popular sightseeing destination, and you need to cover around 3 kilometres from Pahalgam to get here. You can hire a taxi or a private car, and can get to the sanctuary within fifteen minutes. Nonetheless, people who like hiking can proceed by walking through this beautiful trail to this sanctuary. The total time required for this trek will be around 30 minutes.
By Air
The nearest airport is at Srinagar (87 km)
By Rail
Here the closest railhead is at Jammu (280 km)
By Road
Frequent and smooth bus services from Pahalgam (11 km), Anantnag (40 km), and Srinagar (76 km)
Suggested Read: National Parks In Jammu And Kashmir
Things To Do At Overa-Aru Wildlife Sanctuary
From bird watching to view endangered species to hiking around the trails, there are various things to do at this sanctuary.
1. Bird Watching
Photo: Suhayl091 / Wikimedia Commons
The Overa-Aru Wildlife Sanctuary is a beautiful paradise for bird-viewing enthusiasts. It has several endangered species, and watching them in the wild is fascinating, especially when you focus only on the birds. You can find various species of birds here, including the endangered ones. This sanctuary also has numerous walking trails for bird-watching where you can click various Overa-Aru Wildlife Sanctuary photos.
2. Hiking Trails
Photo: KennyOMG / Wikimedia Commons
There are several distinguished trails in the course of the sanctuary. These offer aesthetic scenery of the valley of Kashmir surrounded by forests and rivers or water streams, respectively. With this, you can watch the flora and fauna and enjoy the wonderful hiking trails as part of the Overa-Aru Wildlife Sanctuary, Pahalgam activities.
Suggested Read: Trekking In Kashmir
Things To Do Around Overa-Aru Wildlife Sanctuary
Go river rafting in Lidder or trek to Kolahoi Glacier as part of the things to do around this sanctuary.
1. Rafting In Lidder River
Photo: Akshey25 / Wikimedia Commons
The 2.5-kilometer stretch offers a more effortless, strenuous experience for those who enjoy white water rafting. Experts may enjoy a 5-kilometre and an 8-kilometre length of white river rafting. The difficulty level is reflected in the grades, where II is the easiest and IV is the hardest. At least one expert rafter will help your group navigate these rafts, led by a team of experienced rafters. Although it’s not very dangerous, it’s best to do white water rafting on the Lidder River between April and August when the water level is not that high.
Location: Anantnag
Timings: 24×7
2. Trek To Kolahoi Glacier
Photo: Irfanaru / Wikimedia Commons
The water remains almost freezing during this period, so it is comfortable when the sun is out. Kolahoi Glacier is a deity revered by the locals under the title of Goddess of Light. This glacier has been heavily impacted by climate change in the last few years and it remains the source of the Lidder River. The trek gets you to this glacier in the Himalayan region. It is a beautiful bending road among high-growing coniferous trees. The route needs to be commercialised, but there is potential for trekking and camping.
Location: Anantnag
Starting Point: Aru Valley
Ending Point: Kolahoi Glacier
Suggested Read: Offbeat Places In Kashmir
Places To Visit Around Overa-Aru Wildlife Sanctuary
From plenty of fish species at Sheshnag Lake to the scenic surroundings of mini-Switzerland Baisaran Valley, there are many places to visit around this sanctuary.
1. Sheshnag Lake
Photo: Sauood07 / Wikimedia Commons
The Sheshnag Lake is an oligotrophic lake with plenty of fish species and brown trout. Besides the scientific perspective, the lake also has religious significance for Hindu devotees. According to mythological tales, there are many stories related to this lake. One of them was that the lake belonged to the Lord of Snakes, Sheshnag, who created it.
Location: Anantnag, Jammu and Kashmir
Timings: 24×7
2. Baisaran Valley
Photo: Hellohappy / Wikimedia Commons
Baisaran Valley is also only a few kilometres from Pahalgam in the Anantnag district of Kashmir and is considered a major sightseeing attraction. It is also called mini-Switzerland due to its beautiful scenery. It embraces a green meadow at the hilltop laden with pine trees and surrounded by snowy mountains. This splendid tourist attraction in Jammu and Kashmir is perfect for those who wish to have a still and peaceful time amidst the wonders of nature. Also, trekkers use it as a camping site during their trail to Tulian Lake.
Location: Baisaran Rd, Forest Block, Jammu and Kashmir
Timings: 24×7
Entry Fee: ₹50
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Pahalgam
3. Aru Valley
Photo: Nandanupadhyay / Wikimedia Commons
The starting point for many hikes is Aru Valley. It has lovely, beautiful snow-capped Himalayan peaks. How can you miss those zigzag mountain streams? Get the much-needed calm break from the liveliness of Anantnag here. Aru Valley is laden with green meadows, serene lakes and lofty mountains that make it a spectacular sight to behold. Some of the top activities you can enjoy here include horseback riding, skiing, fishing, heli skiing, and more.
Location: Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir
Where To Stay
Photo: suhel vba / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
You will find several top-rated hotels near Overa-Aru Wildlife Sanctuary, such as Forest inn Pahalgam, Hotel Pine Spring, Pine Brooke, Pahalgam Pines, and The Hermitage. You can even book a few places in Pahalgam to find cosy and cheaper accommodation options.
Suggested Read: Hill Stations Near Vaishno Devi
Best Time To Visit
Photo: Vinayaraj / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Overa-Aru Sanctuary looks good during summer, from May to August. Besides, in lower regions here, the best time for birding is March to May, while the best time to spot wildlife here is March to September and December to February. There are few huts for lodging in the park, where you can stay and enjoy a good holiday. Also, outdoor activities get limited because of the snow during winter, so it is best to avoid visiting this sanctuary during this time.
Tourists can look forward to escaping into the serene and eliciting environment of the Overa Aru Wildlife Sanctuary in Anantnag. So, whether you are a wildlife lover or searching for a calm place, this destination city is home to flora, fauna, and historic heritage. Don’t wait any longer; plan your visit with TripXL today, and get ready to be captivated by the serene beauty of Anantnag.
Cover Photo: Hums4r / Wikimedia Common
