INTRODUCTION
Dachigam National Park enjoys a
proximity to the beautiful city of Srinagar, the capital of Jammu
and Kashmir state. Its forests and picturesque landscape have always
attracted tourists. The park is divided into two large sectors. the
Lower and Upper Dachigam regions with altitudes of 1700 and 4300
meters, respectively. Two steep ridges enclose the parks parameters.
The landscape at Dachigam varies from deep ravines, rocky ridges,
steep slopes and alpine pastures. The Masrar Lake, in higher
Dachigam, is at the mouth of the Dachigam River. The river is
regarded as the lifeline of the park, for it winds through Lower
Dachigam region from its originating point, thus replenishing the
entire lower region. The park is home to the endangered hangul or
the Kashmiri stag, the only species of red deer to be found in
India. Various efforts are being made to save this rare and
beautiful species.
CLIMATE
The region remains cold throughout the year. The
summer season (from May to August) is cool and very pleasant with
temperatures ranging from 8°C to 14°C; however, winters (September
and December) are particularly harsh when the temperature drops to a
range of . 2 to 4°C.
ABODE OF THE RARE AND UNTAMED
Apart from its unspoiled natural beauty, its most
important wildlife remains the hangul (Kashmiri stag), an endangered
species of red deer. Despite its substantial harshness, the winter
season is the best time to view the hangul, when it gathers in the
shelter of the lower valleys. The leopard, which is the only
predatory animal in the area, has been rarely spotted. It is the
same with the hard-to-pin-down snow leopard found in the higher
altitudes. However, tourists with resilience, patience and a little
luck have had the fortune of seeing these unique wild cats. Apart
from the hangul and the two varieties of leopards, various other
species like Himalayan black bear, musk deer, Himalayan marmot and
species of wild goats like the makhor are found at Dachigam. Various
exotic Himalayan birds, colorful pheasants like the crimson tagopan,
monal pheasant, blood pheasant and koklass pheasant, golden eagles
and bearded vultures (lammergeier) are also seen encircling the
beautiful blue skies above Dachigam forest.
REACHING THERE
The Lower Dachigam region is accessible via a
metaled road, but Higher Dachigam areas are accessible only on foot.
The nearest rail junction is Jammu at a distance of 200 km away from
Dachigam National Park. The nearest town is Srinagar at a distance
of 22 km and is well linked to Dachigam by a proper metaled road.
Srinagar airport is the closest air link to the National Park.
STAYING THERE
Accommodation is available at Srinagar city.
There is a choice of hotels, rest houses and lodges that are
reasonably priced and have options for the budgeted tourist as well
as the luxury holiday seeker. Apart from these, there are many other
hotels, rest houses and lodges in and around Srinagar.
LINKS TO THE OUTSIDE WORLD
Srinagar is the nearest major city where
communication links and medical facilities are available. Of late,
internet/e-mail facilities are also available at the city.
TRAVEL TIPS
During the summers, light woolen garments are
suitable but for the winters heavy to very heavy woolen clothing is
required. Visitors should carry some woolen clothing at all times in
Jammu and Kashmir.
PLACES NEARBY
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. |
