Dachigam Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area located in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, India. It is situated about 22 kilometers from the capital city of Srinagar and is spread over an area of 141 square kilometers. Established in 1910, it was initially created to protect the habitat of the Hangul, a species of deer that is endemic to Kashmir.
The sanctuary is situated at an altitude ranging from 5,500 feet to 14,000 feet and is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. The vegetation in the sanctuary varies with altitude and includes coniferous forests, meadows, and alpine pastures. The sanctuary is also the source of the Dachigam and Sukhnag streams, which provide water to the surrounding areas.
Wildlife
Dachigam Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for the Hangul or Kashmir Stag, which is a critically endangered species found only in the region. The sanctuary is also home to other animals such as the Himalayan Black Bear, Himalayan Brown Bear, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Musk Deer, and Serow. The birdlife in the sanctuary includes the Golden Eagle, Lammergeier, and Black Bulbul.
Tourism
Dachigam Wildlife Sanctuary is a popular tourist destination, known for its scenic beauty and wildlife. The best time to visit the sanctuary is from April to October, when the weather is pleasant and the animals are more visible. The sanctuary has two entry points, the Lower Dachigam gate near Harwan and the Upper Dachigam gate near Srinagar.
Visitors can take a guided tour of the sanctuary on foot or on a jeep safari. The trek to the higher altitudes is strenuous and requires good physical fitness. The sanctuary also offers facilities for camping and trekking.
Accommodation
There are no accommodation facilities inside the sanctuary, but visitors can stay at hotels and guesthouses in Srinagar. The Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Development Corporation (JKTDC) also operates a tourist complex at Dachigam, which offers basic accommodation and food facilities.
Entry Fees
The entry fee for Dachigam Wildlife Sanctuary is Rs. 50 per person for Indian nationals and Rs. 300 per person for foreign nationals. There is also a fee for vehicles, which is Rs. 500 for light vehicles and Rs. 1000 for heavy vehicles.
Note: The sanctuary remains closed during the winter months due to heavy snowfall and the breeding season of the Hangul.
Conclusion || Dachigam Wildlife Sanctuary
In conclusion, Dachigam Wildlife Sanctuary is a must-visit destination for nature and wildlife enthusiasts. The sanctuary offers visitors an opportunity to experience the beauty of the Himalayan region and witness some of the rarest species of wildlife in the world. With proper planning and precautions, visitors can have a memorable and safe trip to the sanctuary.
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