JAMMU & KASHMIR
 |
FAST FACTS Location: Northern Most Part of India Three Main Regions: Jammu, Kashmir & Ladakh Languages Spoken: Dogri, Kashmiri, Hindi & Ladakhi
Best Time To Visit:
Ladakh: Mid June To September
|
INTRODUCTION
The abode that will always remain
close to heart. A scenic destination, Jammu and Kashmir, is famous for its
scenic beauty, placid lakes and tourist hot spots Leh and Ladakh.
Located in the northern part of the Indian subcontinent, Jammu and Kashmir lies
in the vicinity of the Karakoram and western Himalayan mountain ranges. One is
mesmerized by the beauty of the region as it is filled with snow-clad mountains,
glittering peaks, and variety of flowers. Jammu and Kashmir is a paradise in
itself, enticing all those who choose to visit the place.
Jammu and Kashmir is divided into three regions: the foothill plains of Jammu;
the lakes and blue valleys of Kashmir rising to alpine passes, the high altitude
plains and starkly beautiful mountains of Ladakh, which lies beyond those
passes. It's enough to lure one to write poetry. Among the most attractive part
that this Indian state has is the adventure opportunities that can be segregated
into trekking, mountaineering and trans himalayan jeep safari.
Kashmir Valley
Kashmir is one of India’s most beautiful and touristically popular regions and
has been since the time of the great Moghul emperors. It’s probably most famous
for the houseboats on picturesque Dal Lake. You’ve not really been to Kashmir
until you’ve stayed on one - but there’s a lot more to the Kashmir Valley than
just lazing on board.
Srinagar is another favorite destination among tourists Srinagar is again
attracting hordes of tourists and is definitely proving to be the most famous
tourist destination in the state. An ancient city, there are many attractions
that can lure the tourist to this land. Dal Lake, Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh,
and Chashme Shahi are some of the best-known tourist spots in Srinagar.
Around the capital, Srinagar, there are a number of interesting mosques, temples and forts and, of course, the delightful Moghul Gardens - laid out in formal patterns hundreds of years ago and every bit as beautiful today. But you have to get away from Srinagar, up to the hill stations around the valley, to really enjoy Kashmir. Pahalgam, Gulmarg and Sonamarg are all delightful in themselves, but they also serve as the jumping off points for Kashmir’s many Trekking possibilities.
Jammu
Jammu, the winter capital is an important tourist center after Srinagar. Jammu has its own story to tell. It endorses the famous shrine of Hindu Goddess Mata Vaishno Devi. Then there is a dargah of Peer Budhan Ali Shah, who is believed to protect the local people and is also a site of religious interest. The Raghunath Temple devoted to Lord Rama is popular with the hindus.Jammu, the second largest town in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, is situated 290-km from capital city of Srinagar on the south-eastern slopes of the Shiwalik range. In winter it becomes the headquarters of the Jammu & Kashmir administration and many Kashmiris move here for the winter because the temperature drops.
Ladakh
Ladakh's landscape has more in common with the lunar landscape than any other place on earth. Being in a complete rainshadow region, cut off from the monsoon clouds by the Great Himalaya and a host of subsidiary ranges, it is a cold high altitude desert where the wind, water from the minimal winter snows, and chemical reactions within the rocks themselves, have carved a fantastic, sometimes grotesque, landscape.
Climate of Jammu & Kashmir
The climate is one of opposites: while in summer time the heat builds upto breaking point in the foothills, people of Ladakh and Kashmir wait for the snow to melt.on the high passes. From October onwards, Jammu becomes a much more pleasant destination. However, the best time to enjoy vale of Kashmir and the adventures of Ladakh region is between the months of May and September.
People and Culture Of
Jammu & Kashmir
The majority is Muslims living in
the Kashmir valley; culturally and ethnically, the closest links are with
peoples in the northwestern highlands of the Gilgit district in the Pakistani
sector. While Hindus dominate the Jammu region and Ladakh is majorly influenced
by the Trans-Himalayan Buddhism.The Kashmiri language is influenced by Sanskrit
and belongs to the Dardic branch of Indo-Aryan languages also spoken by the hill
tribes of Gilgit. The great majority of the population resides in the lower
reaches of the valley.
The ancient caves and temples of Kashmir reveal a strong link with Indian
culture at the beginning of the Christian era. At one time the classical dances
of the south are believed to have been practised. These arts survived only in
folk forms and were performed principally at marriage ceremonies. The popular
Hafiza dance performed by Kashmiri women to the accompaniment of Sufiana Kalam
was later replaced by the Bacha Nagma, performed by young boys dressed like
women. The Bhand Jashna or the "festival of clowns", a 300- to 400-year-old
genre of Kashmiri folk theatre performed in village squares, satirizes social
situations through dance, music and clowning.
Adventure Sports In
Jammu & Kashmir
In the summer season Kashmir
offers a series of a little less rigorous adventure sports, such as Water
Skiing, on Srinagar's Dal and Nagin Lakes, a popular part time in the valley.
Water trekking is calculated to delight anyone wanting to explore the valley in
a boat. A Gondala, locally known as Shikara, takes sightseers along a five-day
route along rivers and lakes situated within the valley. Enjoy spending nights
camping along the way. Trout fishing is another delightful water sport in
Kashmir and fishing season lasts all through summer.
What can make a mountaineering expedition, an adventure one could never forget?
If its done on the glaciers that are still craving to be explored. The Himalayan
range offers some of the most rigorous mountaineering challenges one can ever
come across. The glaciers of Ladakh and Kashmir regions can test one's survival
to the fittest and most testing of them all is the Siachen glacier, known as the
largest glacier outside the Polar Regions.
Adventure in Jammu and Kashmir:
Canoeing & Kayaking:
Major Sites
Dal Lake, Nagin Lake, Wular Lake, Rishikesh, Teesta River
Best Season
May/June or September/October
Whether it is the challenge of taming the
white waters or the pleasure of gliding over calm waters on a lake, canoeing or
kayaking can be thrilling and exciting adventure to any sports enthusiast..
Kayaking is just like backpacking on an off beaten path, except that this time
your adventure is on the sea. This sport provide the best opportunity for sports
lovers to come close to nature. While canoeing presents quiet a unique
combination of exploration.
Besides keep a person fit, canoeing and Kayaking are eco-friendly water sports.
Canoes and kayaks are boats tapered at their ends so that they may cut through
water easily. This unique feature makes them highly efficient on trying on most
kind of water bodies. Canoes can accommodate atleast two people with their gear
and is usually practiced on lakes and rivers, which have flat and still water.
On the other hand, Kayaks look like small fishing boat and are not a new thing
in the Indian coastal sites, but they are fastly picking up as a favourite water
sport in India. A
Kayak can accommodate more than two people and can be done of both flat and
white water. Ofcourse, the beach is one of the best option to try out these kind
of sports, but second best in the lines are the lakes and rivers of India.
Gliding through the untamed waters of rivers such as Teesta is something that
you won't experince any where else in this world.
Kayaking & Canoeing In
Jammu & Kashmir:
A recently introduced Kayaking and Canoeing tournament in the state of Jammu &
Kashmir is another event that will definitely attract the sports lovers.
Organised by the J&K Kayaking and Canoeing Association in collaboration of the
J&K Sports Council and the Departments of Youth Services and Sports and Tourism,
this event takes place in Srinagar and works as a platform for the popularising
water sports athletics. The winners of the tournaments are then selected as
contestants for the National Kayaking and Canoeing tournament.
White water canoeing has extensive possibilities. Lidder, Sindh, Drass, Suru,
Indus, Zanskar, Chenab and for the less adventurous, even the Jhelum river can
present interesting trips. The time to raft is either in May/June or in
September/October. Equipment is available with some local agents.
No one has yet tried diving in the lakes. It would be fun to discover the
legendary city which is believed to lie at the bottom of Wular Lake. It is also
said that Manasbal lake has no bottom. The high altitude lakes of Tarsar, Marsar,
Kaunsarnag, Kishensar, Vishensar and Gangabal could also be interesting for
canoeing, a sport that has still to catch on.
Jeep Safari
Jeep Safari In
Ladakh
Jeep
safari at the high altitude lake of India is another new attraction that has
recently come up in this adventure activity. The high point trip of a trip to
Leh is the drive to Pangong Lake. The drive takes round about four hours to
Changla Pass. At the first sight of the lake through the 'V' of the ridges of
the valley all cameras, digital videos etc. came tumbling out. The azure lake
beautifully set off the golden yellow of the mountainside, painted thus by the
mellow rays of the evening sun, on a canvas of crisp blue sky. Considered to be
the most arduous and at the same time exhilarating is the cross country jeep
drive to the Pong valley.
Jeep Safari in High Altitude Lakes of Ladakh
Pangong Tso Lake:
There is little habitation in the Pangong Tso lake region and even less
transport. Occasional buses go as far as Tangse, but from there four wheel
vehicles are required, which is why the easiest way to get here is on a two or
three day Jeep Safari organized by one of the many tour operators based in Leh.
Visitors are restricted by the army from staying at Spangmik for longer than a
couple of hours, and the usual itinerary involves camping at Lukung 15-km before
the lake. Tour operators provide all the necessary facilities including tents
and food and will arrange your permit.
Tso Moriri Lake:
With the absence of any public transport except for the odd truck, the only
really feasible way to get to Tso Moriri from Leh is on a Jeep Safari. These
usually follow a circular itinerary via Upshi and Chumathang to Mahe Bridge,
144-kms from Leh, before turning towards Pulga and over the Namshang-la on a
rough road to Karzok.
To complete the round trip, the tour continues on towards the Manali-Leh highway
taking in the lake of Tso Kar and the small village of Thukse on the way. Some
taxis travelling from Manali to Leh take this route to avoid the Tanglang la on
the highway when it is snow
Motorbike Safari In
Ladakh,
Jammu & Kashmir:
Motor bike safari is the best option for you, just like jeep safari to explore
the Himalayan regions of India. You can even take your bike to those areas,
where even a jeep cannot reach. Because bikes are light in weight and quite
flexible as far as altitude is concerned, you won't find any problem in driving
through the cold desert region of Ladakh, Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur. They also
make up a good option for sightseeing too, when you are passing by a toen or a
small village.
Mountain Biking In
Ladakh:
The Himalayas provide a plethora of
choices that you can select from, but the foremost destination to start off any
biking trip is Ladakh, the cold desert of India. The biking adventure list of
the Indian Himalayan region include from light and introductory cycling to the
ultimate challenge of travelling age-old trade routes winding along the mountain
ranges toward higher Himalay
Mountaineering in
Ladakh, J&K:
The Suru and Zanskar valleys provide some of the more spectacular and difficult
climbing in Ladakh. The Nun Kun Massif is one of the most frequent climbing
areas of the region and is booked out for months ahead, sometimes years, by
climbing expeditions. The approach to the twin peaks is from the Kargil-Padum
Road, about 70-km south of Kargil. The main approach is either from Tangole or
Gulmadong. Some expeditions have also approached from Parkutse along the Kangri
Glacier. To reach the base camp for Kun it is for the climbers necessary to
cross the Suru River.
Pir Panjal mountaineering range is situated south of the Himalayas. The vale of
Kashmir is sandwiched between the Pir Panjals and the Himalayas. Similarly the
Lahaul valley, north of Manali and south of Ladakh, is sandwiched between the
two ranges
River
Rafting in
Ladakh,
Jammu & Kashmir:
The rafting trip can be started off from the options available on the Indus
River and its major tributaries. The best stretch for professionally guided runs
in whitewater is on the Indus between Spituk and Saspol. Beyond Saspol, the
river becomes difficult and running it requires technically skilled participants
and careful organization
Skiing in
Gulmarg,
Jammu & Kashmir:
In winter, Gulmarg acquires a new persona - that of the country's premier skiing
resorts. Skiing, to many who watch it on TV, seems like a very elitist sport,
requiring a high level of training and expensive equipment. They are surprised,
when they visit Gulmarg for a day's expedition to see the snow that others with
the same level of physical fitness and training are skiing down slopes.
Gulmarg is the ultimate beginner's skiing resort. One doesn't requite a heavy
woolen wardrobe - slacks or a Salwar Kameez will do fine. In Gulmarg one will
also be able to drift to one of the many Ski shops and hire skis, sticks and
goggles. Just find yourself a ski instructor and set off down a slope.
Neither does one need to exert oneself climbing up slopes. The gentlest slope of
200m is linked with a ski lift, which helps one to go up. When one graduates to
intermediate level - which will happen after the first few days of practice,
there are other slopes, longer and steeper, which are connected by chair lift.
The longest ski run in Gulmarg is provided by the Gondola cable car, which
allows a ski run of 2,213m
Major Trekking Region in Kashmir Valley
Amarnath Yatra:
A trek that is popular among both the treks and the pilgrims is the Amarnath
trek that takes one to the sacred cave of Lord Amarnath, one of the holiest
naturally occuring shrines of Hindu faith. The stages of the yatra are carefully
controlled by the Indian authorities. The first stage of the trek is to
Chandanwadi, the second to Sheshnag and the third over the Mahagunas Pass to
Panchtami. Many pilgrims visit the cave from Panchtami and return to Sheshnag
the same day, walking back to Pahalgam on the fifth day.
Gulmarg Trekking:
Gulmarg makes an excellent base for trekking in the northern Pir Panjal Range.
Nanga Parbat can be seen to the north from several view points, including
Khilanmarg, west and over 1,500 feet up the forested hillside from Gulmarg. From
a distance, the Pir Panjal appears somewhat rounded, but when you are actually
walking up its slopes, you will find that its smoother peaks rise above
evergreen clad slopes that seem quite equal in steepness to those of the main
Himalayas.
To the south of Gulmarg, a pleasant trek would be to walk up the Ferozepur Nala
and beyond to the hamlets of Danwas, Tejjan, and to Samaidan. For this you will
need a porter who knows the way because many stock trails intersect the route.
The walk from Gulmarg to Tosamaidan is considered to be three stages long. You
may return by way of Riyar and Khag villages or continue south toward Sunset
Peak and then walk into the foothills along the Romushi Nala to Yusmarg, where a
road and bus service connect with Srinagar.
Sonamarg Trekking:
Sonamarg is the starting point of a major trek passing several mountain lakes -
Vishansar, Kishansar, Gadsar, Satsar and Gangabal. One trek leads all the way to
the Amarnath Cave
Thajiwas Trek:
One of the most popular short walks from Sonamarg and a major attraction during
the summer months is the 4-km route to Thajiwas, a small valley at the foot of
the Sonamarg glacier. A path leads up to the Shakhdar hill, overlooking the
glacier from the northeast. It is dangerous to climb the steep slope leading up
to the glacier. Ponies can be hired for the trip up to Thajiwas glacier. Often
in early summer one will meet groups of Gujar passing through Sonamarg on their
way to the alpine meadows for the summer.
Trek from Sonamarg to the Valley via
Gangabal Lake:
A fine trek west of Sonamarg is to cross the Nichinai pass to Gangabal Lake. As
always, you would do well to have a local to accompany you. To reach the
trailhead, go 2 miles down valley from Sonamarg toward Srinagar to the bridge
below the tightly clustered houses of Shitkari village, where the road crosses
the Sind River. Across the river from this small village, begin walking on the
true Right Bank to the lakes called Krishan Sar and Vishan Sar, and beyond to
Gangabal Lake near Haramukh, the highest peak in the vicinity of the Kashmir
valley.
Trekking in Ladakh & Zanskar
Trekking In the Himalayas
The Himalayas provide superb opportunities for trekking in a wide variety of landscapes. While crossing the Great Himalayan range for instance, one passes from arid and wild terrain into beautiful alpine meadows and verdant-forested valleys. Treks are immensely rewarding, bringing one into close contact with the country. The warmth and hospitality of a charming and happy people also provide an unforgettable experience.
Trekking in Ladakh
When Ladakh was first thrown open to tourism an average itinerary encompassed visits to Leh and its environs with some treks into nearb valleys. The most popular of these were the 8-day Markha valley trek, the 11-day Lamayuru-Padum route and the Stok Khangri round trek. Now with growing interest in adventure tourism the focus has shifted to the mysterious valleys of Suru and Zanskar with their spectacular scenery.
Suru and Zanskar Valleys
Sankoo, Panikhar, Rangdum and
Padum in the Suru and Zanskar Valleys are the base for a variety of trekking
routes. From Sankoo for instance, one can trek to Drass or to Mulbekh in the
opposite direction. Treks originating from Panikhar in the Suru valley lead to
different destinations in the Kashmir and Kishtwar valleys across the main ridge
of the Great Himalayan range.
Rangdum offers more challenging treks.. One route wanders across the Kanji-la
through the Kanji gorge to Henaskut on the Kargil-Leh highway. The other crosses
the glacial Chillung-la behind the Nun - Kun massif to get to the Kishtwar
valley. From Padum four main trek routes go to different destinations - one to
Manali in the Kullu Valley, one to Lamayuru and Hemis respectively and the last
to Kishtwar.
Undiscovered Areas
Areas of Ladakh that were once closed to foreign visitors have been opened now. Movement here is restricted to designated circuits and the maximum time allowed is 7 days. There are different categories of entry permits. Enquire about the specific permit applicable to one at Jammu and Kashmir tourist offices or Government of India tourist offices before planning a trip here.
The Drok Pa Area
An expedition to this area takes the trekker to the picturesque villages of the Drok-pa people. Though Buddhist in religion, they are distinctly different, both racially and culturally. Possibly early Aryan settlers who came in from the Gilghit area, the Drok-pas have preserved ancient traditions that resemble Bon - Chos, a pre- Buddhist religion. Two of their villages Dah and Biama may be visited. The route following the Indus after Khalatse goes past the attractive villages of Domkhar, Skurbuchan and Achinathang, set amidst fields of ripening crops and orchards of fruit trees.
Nubra Valley
Along the eastern ridge of the
Karakoram Range in northern Ladakh is the Nubra valley comprising of the upper
Shayok and Nubra river valleys. The trekking route to this area is demanding and
traverses the Kardung-la pass along the ancient trade route from Leh to Central
Asia. It is the highest motorable road in the world! The breathtaking view from
the pass surveys an entire length of the Indus valley in the south and a
magnificent panorama of snow clad peaks. The route follows the valley past
attractive villages to Deskit, the largest village in the valley. Onwards to
Hundar down the Shayok valley, the trail wanders past rolling sand dunes. There
is a small population of double humped Bactrian camels here and visitors can
avail of a marvellous moonlight camel safari on the dunes.
Along the eastern ridge of the Karakoram Range in northern Ladakh is the Nubra
valley comprising of the upper Shayok and Nubra river valleys. The trekking
route to this area is demanding and traverses the Kardung-la pass along the
ancient trade route from Leh to Central Asia. It is the highest motorable road
in the world! The breathtaking view from the pass surveys an entire length of
the Indus valley in the south and a magnificent panorama of snow clad peaks. The
route follows the valley past attractive villages to Deskit, the largest village
in the valley. Onwards to Hundar down the Shayok valley, the trail wanders past
rolling sand dunes. There is a small population of double humped Bactrian camels
here and visitors can avail of a marvellous moonlight camel safari on the dunes.
The Pangong Lake Circuit
The beautiful high altitude Pangong Lake is also another popular destination with trekkers. It is a picturesque route that covers Shey and Thikse with their interesting monasteries, before turning off into the side valley of Chemrey. It goes over the Chang - la , the pass over the Ladakh range which despite it height is not too difficult to tackle. At the base of the pass, tangse has an ancient temple. The trek ends at spangmik, which is the furthest point to which foreigners are permitted - about 7 km along the southern bank of the lake.
The Tso Moriri Lake
The Leh-Manali road goes through
the upland desert plateau of Rupshu inhabited only by the nomadic chang-pa
herdsmen and their flocks of Pashmina goats. Its bare rolling hills interspersed
with dusty valleys are the setting for the spectacular Tso Moriri Lake and other
lakes in the area.
One trek wends its way to Korzok located just 5 km along the lake’s 23 km
length. This route takes off along the Leh-Manali road over the Taglang -la,
proceeds to the twin lakes of Startsapuk Tso (a fresh water lake) and Tso-Kar (a
salt water lake) and then on to Korzok.
National parks and wildlife Sanctuaries:
|
|
Location:
22-km From Srinagar, Kashmir Region, J&K
Area: 141-sq-kms.
Attractions: Kashmir Stag, Himalayan Black Bear, Markhor, Ibex, Exotic
Birds
Best Time to Visit: Upper Dachigam - May-August
Lower Dachigam - September- December
Bird Viewing - March To May
Located very close to Srinagar (22-km),
Dachigam National Park with its splendid forests and magnificent scenery is
easily accessible. Of all the many sanctuaries in the state, the one at Dachigam
is the best known. At one time the exclusive hunting preserve of the Maharaja of
Kashmir, it was declared a national park in 1951, and owing to a strictly
enforced conservation programme, the Hangul population, once 150, now stands at
over 400 animals.
The 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.
Flora
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. A metalled road takes
visitors from Srinagar into Lower Dachigam. Upper Dachigam can only be explored
on foot.
Avifauna
There over 150 species of birds inhabiting park's vicinity. Colourful pheasants
include the Crimson Tragopan, the iridescent Monal Pheasant with its glittering
plumage, the Blood Pheasant and the Koklass Pheasant. The golden Eagle and the
bearded Vulture or Lammergeier are seen circling the brilliant blue skies.
Amidst forests of silver birch and conifer roams the Hangul. Rare and on the verge of extinction till a few years ago, the national park at Dachigam contains the last viable Hangul population in the world. Related to the red Deer of Europe, this breed is characterised by its white rump patch and impressive spread of antlers.
Location:
Near Leh, Ladakh Region, J&K
Coverage Area: 600-sq-kms
Main Attraction: Shapu, Bharal, Snow Leopard
Best Time To Visit: Mammal Viewing - September To March
Bird Viewing - March To May & September to December
The Hemis High Altitude National Park includes the catchments of two valleys, which drain into the River Indus. It is named after the famous monastery -- Hemis, and sprawls over 600-sq-km in the Markha And Rumbak valleys. The conditions are very bleak and desolate in this park. The terrain is rocky and the thin soil cover supports a poor vegetative growth. Dry alpine pastures are present in sheltered locations. Grass growth is relatively rapid during the summer season after the melting of the snow.
The area is barren and rocky, covered only sparsely with vegetation. Most of the ten species of mammal here are extremely rare -- Shapu, Bharal, Great Tibetan Sheep, Ibex and Snow Leopard. The avifauna too comprises species, which are not seen at lower altitudes, Himalayan Snow Cock, Snow Patridge and golden oriole.
The best season for mammal viewing is September to May and for bird viewing March to May and September to December. Approachable by road from Leh, this national park contains several camping sites too.
Location:
Jammu, J&K
Coverage Area: 400-sq-kms
Main Attraction: Musk Deer, Himalayan Brown-Black Deer
Best Time To Visit: Mammal Viewing - September To March
Bird Viewing - March To May
Kishtwar High Altitude National Park in Jammu is interesting for the marked variations in topography and vegetation that occur here. Spread over an area of 400-sq-kms, the park contains 15 mammal species including the Musk Deer, Markhor, Hangul, Langur, Leopard and Himalayan Black and Brown Bear.
Fifty species of birds also exist here and the main species are the Himalayan Jungle Crow, Griffon Vulture, Bearded Vulture, Golden Oriole, Paradise Flycatcher, White Cheeked Bulbul, and Indian Mynah.
The sanctuary area is characterised by marked variations in topography, climate and altitude as a result of which different types of forest vegetation occur. The principal tree species are Cedrus Deodara, Pinus Gerardiana, Pinus Wallichiana, Juglans Regia, etc. The dominant shrubs are Parrotiopsis Jacquemontiana, and Desmodium Tiliaefolium. The major herbs include Dipsacus Mitis, Artemisia Vulgaris
Location:
48-km Southwest Of Srinagar, Kashmir Region,
J&K
Coverage Area: 180-sq-kms
Main Attraction: Musk Deer
Best Time To Visit: Mammal Viewing - September To March
Bird Viewing - March To May
The reserve area is located at a distance of 48-km from Srinagar, to its southwest. It is famous for retaining several rare and endangered species such as the musk deer, and a rich and varied avifauna.
The area holds a rich cover of vegetation, the dominant forest consisting of conifers, which account for over 90%. The principal species are Cedrus Deodara, Pinus Griffithii, Abies Pindrow, Aesculus Indica, etc. The major shrubs are Indigofera Heterantha, , Sorbaria Tomentosa, etc. The ground cover over here is also very rich and Dicotyledonus herbs dominate the area, comprising of Rumex Patientia, etc.
Nature has gifted this Biosphere Reserve with multiple species of rare, endangered and protected species. The main species found over here are Hangul, Musk Deer, Serow, Brown Bear, Leopard, Black Bear and Red Fox, etc.
The area houses a good population of pheasants and upland birds apart from other species, both resident and migratory. The common birds are Griffon Vulture, Monal, Snow Cock, Koklas, Blue Rock Pigeon, Kashmir Roller, European Hoopoe, Jungle Crow, etc.
Location:
76-km Southeast of Srinagar, Kashmir Region,
J&K
Coverage Area: 32-sq-kms
Main Attraction: Musk Deer, Brown Bear, Leopard
Best Time To Visit: Mammal Viewing - September to March
Bird Viewing - March to May
The area is located at a distance of 76-kms from Srinagar to its southeast. It is famous for retaining several rare and endangered species such as the Hangul, Musk Deer, Brown Bear, Leopard, Koklas, Monal and Snow Cock. The altitudinal range varies from 3,000 to 5,425 meters above sea level.
Prime viewing time for the upper areas is from May to August In the lower areas, for bird viewing the best time is March to May and for animal viewing from September to March. Accommodation is available in two bedroom huts situated within the sanctuary.
Location:
63-km From Jammu, J&K
Coverage Area: 10.04-sq-kms
Main Attraction: Cheetal Or Axis Deer
Best Time To Visit: Mammal Viewing - September To March
Bird Viewing - March To May
Spread over an area of 10.04-sq-kms, this sanctuary houses an appreciable variety of bird as well as animal life, most notably Cheetal or Axis Deer. This is located right on the banks of river Ujh, northwards of village Jasrota. The entire area mainly sustains Bamboo Plantations.
Even if the bamboo plantations basically dominate the sanctuary area, still other broad-leaved species such as Acacia Catechu A.Arabica, Dalbergia Sissoo, Lannea Grandis, etc are also found over here. The main shrubs that grow here include Lantana Camara, Carisa Spinarum and Dodonea Visacosa.
The most prolific mammals found there are Cheetal, Barking Deer, Wild Boar, and Rhesus Monkey. There is rich variety of Pheasants and other migratory and resident birds found in the sanctuary. The principal species are Peafowl, Red Jungle Fowl, Jungle Bush Quail, Green Pigeon and Blue Rock Pigeon.
Location:
28-km From Jammu, J&K
Coverage Area: 33.24-sq-kms
Main Attraction: Pheasant
Best Time To Visit: Mammal Viewing - September to March
Bird Viewing - March to May
Nandini wildlife sanctuary has an area of
33.24-sq-kms and was named after Nandni village located at a distance of 28-kms
from Jammu, on NHIA. There is appreciable pheasant population.
There are about eight mammal species in the whole sanctuary area. The main
species are Leopard, Wildboar, Rhesus Monkey, Garal, Grey Langur, etc. The
common birds found over here are Indian Mynah, Blue Rock Pigeon, Peafowl, Red
Jungle Fowl, Chir Pheasants, Chakor, etc
Location:
76-km From Srinagar, Near Pahalgam, Kashmir
Region, J&K
Coverage Area: 32.27-sq-kms
Main Attraction: Pheasant
Best Time To Visit: Mammal Viewing - September to March
Bird Viewing - March to May
Overa Wildlife Sanctuary is located 76-km from Srinagar, near Pahalgam, and has an area of 32.27-sq-kms. The area is home to a number of rare, threatened and protected species of birds and mammals. It sustains 13 species of mammals and over 80 species of birds. The sanctuary has acquired an outstanding position for its varied and magnificent species of pheasants.
The Overa Wildlife Sanctuary is richly covered with a variety of floral complexes, which comprise mainly of conifers; the principal species being Pinus Griffithii, Abies Pindrow, Aesculus Indica, Morus Alba, Juglans Regia, etc. Major shrub associates are Indigofera Heterantha, Desmodium Tiliaefolium, etc, while the main ground layer is dominated by Dicotlydonous herbs comprising of Taraxacum Officinale, Artemisia Vulgaris, etc.
This area houses a variety of mammals most of which are faced with the serious threat of extinction. They are the Hangul, Musk Deer, Serow, Rhesus Macaque, Langur, Leopard, Leopard Cat, etc.
The sanctuary area as distinct from the other wildlife reserves of the valley holds a rich assemblage of pheasants like the Chukar, Koklas, Monal and Himalayan Snow Cock. Other avifaunas include the jungle Crow, red billed Chough, griffon Vulture, bearded Vulture, Himalayan Whistling Thrush, Rufous-backed Shrike, Indian Mynah, etc
Location:
6-km. From Jammu, J&K
Coverage Area: 31.50-sq-kms
Main Attraction: Neelgai, Barking Deer
Best Time to Visit: Mammal Viewing - September To March
Bird Viewing - March To May
Situated only 6-km away from, Jammu city, this
sanctuary occupies an area of 31.50-sq-kms. The sanctuary area sustains 8 mammal
species including Nilgai and Barking Deer, Wild Boar, Rhesus Monkey, etc. The
sanctuary supports 15 species of birds including Indian Mynah, Blue Rock Pigeon,
Peafowl, Red Jungle Fowl, Jungle Crow, Golden Oriole, and White Cheeked Bulbul.
Best season for mammal viewing is from the months of September to March and for
bird viewing, March to May.
Location:
42-km From Jammu, J&K
Coverage Area: 97.82-sq-kms
Main Attraction: Wild Boar, Barking Deer, Leopard
Best Time To Visit: Mammal Viewing - September to March
Bird Viewing - March to May
Named for the two lakes on each corner of it, this sanctuary comprises an area of 98.82-sq-kms and supports a mammal population of 8 species including Goral, Wild Boar, Barking Deer, Leopard and 15 species of birds. There is a multitude of birds found in the sanctuary, which includes Black Partridge, Red Jungle Fowl, Peafowl, Grey Partridge, Green Pigeon, Blue Rock Pigeon, and Rufus Turtle Dove.
The mixed scrub forest cover of the sanctuary region comprises mainly of broad-leaved species, which are mixed with stands of Pinus Gerardiana. The common broad-leaved species are Mallotus Phillipensis, Dalbergia Sissii, Ficus Religiosa, and Bahunia Vari
|
RESORTS: PATNITOP 112 kms from Jammu. This famous hill resort is perched on a beautiful plateau, at an altitude of 2024 metres across which the Jammu-Srinagar Highway passes. Enveloped by thickly wooded forests, Patnitop offers beautiful picnic spots, peaceful walks and breathtaking views of the mountainscape of the Chenab basin. |
In winter, the resort is generally covered with a thick mantle of snow thusproviding opportunities for various snow games including skiing. It is the best developed tourist spot of Jammu and is second to none in its natural charm, climate, pine forests and lush green cover. The occupancy of the huts and Dak Banglow is full in summer months. There is ambitious plan of Patnitop Development Authority to develop Patnitop, Kud, Sud-Mahadev, Mantalai circuit. The costruction work of Mall Road at Kud is also proposed to be taken up. Trekking route from Kud to Patnitop-Sanasar has already been completed. The complete tourist circuit covers Jammu-Katra-VaishnoDeviji, Kud-Sanasar, Patnitop-Gourikund, Sudmahadev, Mantali, extending upto Latti-Dhuna
