Dachigam national park

dachigam national park in Srinagar....

1. Tourism geography and resources of India Submitted by: Chetna Handa Akanksha Raina Submitted to: Miss Nikita Dogra

2. DACHIGAM NATIONAL PARK

3. What is a National park??? A national park is park in use for natural purposes. It is a reserve for natural, semi- natural or developed land. An area of countryside or occasionally sea or fresh water, protected by the state for the enjoyment of the general public or the preservation of wildlife.

4. History The area currently under Dachigam National Park was delineated by Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir in 1910 as a game preserve. Ten villages located inside the forest limits, were shifted out. Besides the desire to have a game preserve to hunt along with his guests, the Maharaja also wanted to develop the forest into a catchment zone for Harwan reservoir which supplied water to Srinagar. Under orders of the Maharaja, several tree species, especially those preferred by wildlife were planted and efforts were made to increase the winter fodder available to wild animals . After Jammu and Kashmir acceded to India, Dachigam was managed by State Forest Department. Jammu and Kashmir government notified the area as a sanctuary in 1951 and as national park in 1981.

5. More about DNP Location: 22-km From Srinagar, Kashmir Region, J&K. Area: : 141-sq-kms. Attractions : Kashmir Stag, Himalayan Black Bear, Markhor , Ibex, Exotic Birds. Dachigam was declared as a sanctuary by state order no. 276/C in 1951 (Holloway, 1970; Holloway and Wani , 1970). Dachigam Wildlife sanctuary was upgraded to National Park on 4 February 1981 (state order no. FST/20) by the Government of jammu and kashmir . Bird Viewing - March To May.  

6. Topography Dachigam National park is located in the Zabarwan Range of the western Himalayas . The variation in altitude is vast, ranging from 5500 ft to 14000 ft above mean sea level. Due to this vast variation, the park is very clearly demarcated into an uneven region. The terrain ranges from gently sloping grasslands to sharp rocky outcrops and cliffs. Part of the park lies above the tree line and this area displays its own kind of natural beauty with bare rock mountains and crevices.

7. Two Sectors The two sectors of the Park - Upper and Lower Dachigam are spread over an area of 141-sq-km. and altitudes vary between 1,700 and 4,300 metres. Two steep ridges enclose the Park with its great topographical variety - deep ravines, rocky outcrops, steep wooded slopes and rolling alpine pastures. Tumbling down from the Masrar Lake (4,300m), up in the high ranges, the Dachigam River winds through Lower Dachigam .

8. Accessibility Air : Srinagar Airport is located at a distance of 22km and hence is a good access point. Rail : The nearest rail junction is Jammu at a distance of 200 kms away from Dachigam National Park. Road : The Lower Dachigam region is accessible via a metaled road, but Higher Dachigam areas are accessible only on foot.

9. Climate It experiences moderate temperature all through the year. Summer is never scroching and snowfall continues for entire winter season. Summer in DACHIGAM is guest of limited days. Temperature starts getting warmer from A pril onwards and extends upto J une. July and August experience light showers.

10. Best time to visit In winter, minimum temperature plunges to 10 degree Celsius, in summer maximum temperature hovers around 32 degree Celsius. Each season leaves its distinct mark on Dachigam . October is the best time to visit to see the trees in their autumnal best. May and August is the best time to visit the upper regions which remains snow-bound in winter. May-August and September-December is the best time to visit the lower region .

11. Where To Eat Eating options are non-existent in the forest or in its vicinity. Carrying a lunch hamper would be a good idea. Srinagar has better eating options.( KASHMIRI WAZWAN.)

12. Fauna The Park is the habitat of the endangered Hangul or the Kashmir stag - the only species of red Deer to be found in India. Winter is the best time to view the Hangul, when they congregate in the shelter of the lower valleys. Other inhabitants include the Himalayan Black Bear, species of wild Goat like the Markhor and Ibex and varieties of exotic Himalayan birds. The leopard, which is the only predator in this paradise, is rarely seen as also the elusive snow leopard, which is found in the higher altitudes. Other animals include the rare musk deer and the Himalayan marmot. Himalayan Serow ,Himalayan Grey Langur , Himalayan Brown Bear , Jackal Hill Fox ,Himalayan Weasel, Yellow-throated Marten, Jungle Cat,, Otter are other animals found here.

13. HANGUL HIMALYAN BEAR MARKHOR IBEX MUSK DEER MARMOT FAUNA

14. Avi fauna With onset of every new season, the bird life of the park also changes. Among the major birds here, some of these are : Cinnamon Sparrows, Black Bulbuls, Himalayan Flycatcher, Lammergeier , Black and Yellow Grosbeaks and Himalayan Rubythroats

15. CINNAMON SPARROW BLACK BULBUL GOLDEN ORIOLE WOODPECKER WAGTAIL HIMALYAN RUBY THROAT KASHMIR FLYCATCHER BIRDS

16. Flora The mountainsides below the tree line are heavily wooded . Most of this coniferous forest consists of broad leaf species. Interspersed between these are alpine pastures, meadows, waterfalls and scrub vegetation with deep gullies, locally known as Nars , running down the mountain face . Most of the grasslands and meadows, except in the harsh winters, are covered with brightly coloured flowers . Located high among its interiors is the Marsar lake from which flows the Dagwan river. This river flows all the way down to, and past, the lower region where it runs along the only proper road in the park and is also famous for its fish population .

17. ALPINE PASTURES DEEP GULLIES MEDOWS NARS DACHIGAM NATIONAL PARK FLORA

18. Safaris in Dachigam National Park (jeep and elephant safaris) Since this park is located in scenic surroundings of Kashmir, it comes as a privilege to enjoy a mix of flora, fauna and natural beauty through jeep and elephant safaris at Dachigam . Jeep safaris are undertaken during the early morning hours till evening. A forest department guide is always their with the visitors on these jeep trips taken inside the park. Elephant safari trips are organized for tiger tracking early in the morning.

19. Threats Black Bear are threatened due to poaching for gall bladder (medicine), skin (ornamental), retaliatory killings to reduce bear-human conflicts, and due to large scale habitat degradation or loss. Since DNP is the only home left for hanguls and they are threatened due to their antlers and meat.

20. Caveat Tourist planning to visit DNP have to take permission either from its wildlife warden’s office or it should be collected from the check post at parks entrance.

21. Tourist Activities Masrar lake : It's a beautiful lake located at the source of the Dachigam river in higher Dachigam region of the Dachigam National Park. The river is main source of water for the animals and plants of this area. Bird watching: It is one of the popular activities that tourists enjoy in Dachigam National Park. There are over 150 species of birds that can be commonly seen in the area. Some of the birds popularly seen in the park include the Monal Pheasant, Crimson Tragopan , Golden Eagle and the Bearded Vulture.

22. Contd … Trout farms : Just at the entrance of the park is the Trout Farm. It is the place for Ichthyologists. You can see a variety of different fish ranging from Trouts , Pomfrets to Cortes Swordtail to even the Lion fish. The farm has separate spots where one can even feed fishes. Jungle safaris : visitors can now enjoy a 3.5 km ride with a cost of rs . 125 per person viewing the trout fish streams and beautiful flora and fauna.

23. Accomodation Two lodges and rest houses in the sanctuary are available for accommodation. For those staying in Srinagar, hotels and houseboats are available in plenty . There are 578 Hotels near Dachigam National Park, Srinagar with 204 reviews and Average Guest Rating , 3.55 / 5 . I have handpicked the Best 8 hotels near Dachigam National Park, Srinagar and they are

24. Vivanta By Taj - Dal View (A Taj Hotel) Brein ,  Srinagar 4.3 /5 Excellent (Based on 3 Reviews) 7.8 km from Dachigam National Park Rent -Rs . 16,000 Per Room Per Night The Lalit Grand Palace Gupkar Road,  Srinagar 4.8 /5 Excellent (Based on 4 Reviews) 10.7 km from Dachigam National Park Rs. 15,500 Rs . 13,950 Per Room Per Night

25. Royal Khazir Boutique NOAREA,  Srinagar 5.4 km from Dachigam National Park Rs. 4,500 Per Room Per Night Ronak Resort Nishat ,  Srinagar 5.4 km from Dachigam National Park Rs. 2,500 Per Room Per Night

26. Hotel Grand Mahal Shalimar Road,  Srinagar 5.7 km from Dachigam National Park Rs. 3,882 Per Room Per Night Hotel Aman Palace Nishat ,  Srinagar 5.4 km from Dachigam National Park Rs. 1,550 Per Room Per Night

27. Eagle Resort Nishat ,  Srinagar 5.4 km from Dachigam National Park Rs. 1,600 Per Room Per Night Paradise Gateway Hotel Nishat ,  Srinagar 5.4 km from Dachigam National Park Rs. 5,333 Per Room Per Night

28. Tourist places A visit to Dachigam National Park can also be combined with other tourist attractions across the city. With its delectable cuisines, and opportunities to explore the surrounding areas, Srinagar is perfectly poised to offer an experience that is both, authentic as well as unique! There are many ideal locations to visit in and around this wonderful city, with prominent local landmarks and favourable restaurants being just a few examples. Areas of interest near Dachigam include the picturesque city of Srinagar (22 km) Jammu city (200 km), the alighting point for Vaishno Devi (an important place of pilgrimage for Hindus), and Patnitop , a scenic hill resort.  

29. Chasm-e- shahi Harwan garden Indira gandhi memorial tulip garden Shalimar bagh Nishat bagh

30. Tourist inflow Every year 1000-2000 tourists visits dachigam which includes students, naturalists, scientists, conservation activits etc.

31. Thank you!!!!