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Travelogues
A Trip to Dachigam National Park
by Naira Yaqoob
 It
may not be easy to visit the Dachigam Park as we need special permit
from the Chief Wildlife warden, but the trip is worth all the efforts!
So what is so special about this park? Let’s explore…
This protected area is a home to the last viable population of the
threatened species – Hangul (Cervus elaphus hanglu). This
Kashmiri stag’s future depends on the health of its habitat. This is not
just an abode for the wildlife but also serves as a catchment area for
the bulk of the Srinagar city’s fresh water supply.
The park is situated at a distance of 21 kms from Srinagar in the
northeast and has an area of 141 sq. kms. Its altitude ranges from
1700-4000 m M.S.L. This sanctuary has been managed scientifically and
visited by various naturalists, biologists, and conservationists,
besides the inquisitive and enthusiastic tourists. Originally a royal
game preserved area, this national park has become a sanctuary for the
protection of many wildlife species. In 1910, Maharaja Hari Singh
recognized the importance of Dachigam and ordered for its protection. It
was declared as a sanctuary in 1951.
The wildlife includes about 20 species of mammals, over 150 species of
birds, over 50 species of trees, about 20 of shrubs and 500 of herbs.
The park offers a home and breeding place to a vast population of fauna
and avifauna. Fauna includes Hangul, Himalayan brown bear and black
bear, langur, Himalayan marmot, leopard, etc. Avifauna includes monal,
koklas, bearded vulture, golden eagle, grey haron, golden oriole,
paradise flycatcher, western yellow-billed blue magpie, peregrine
falcon, black bulbul, etc. Surprisingly, a few jackals and feral dogs
may be seen inside the park. What a variety of species!
Dachigam park – here lies the Hangul’s traditional summer feeding
pastures where they play with each other and thus display their
incredible energy. One can witness a beautiful sight of freedom, joy,
and beauty. Hangul is related to the red deer of Europe and is
characterized by its white patch and graceful antlers. Earlier there had
been 3000-5000 hangul species but due to excessive poaching and illegal
hunting, the figure has dropped. In a decade there was a reduction of
about 85% of the total number! In 1965, the figure was a meager 180 but,
thanks to some preventive measures (better late than never!), the number
increased to 320-440 in 1979.
Dachigam is special and beautiful. The beauty of this landscape affects
you spiritually and the entire area gives a feeling of peace and
serenity. This unique habitat is divided into Lower Dachigam and Upper
Dachigam. Upper Dachigam is ideal for viewing birds and mammals in
summer months while Lower Dachigam is ideal for watching mammals in the
autumn and winter months and bird watching during spring. It provides an
ideal and wonderful zone to appreciate the natural beauty of Kashmir.
Dachigam National Park witnesses all the seasons in a unique style. The
captivating beauty of the landscape of this park enhances the beauty of
winter and spring. In spring, the hillslopes offer a breathtaking view
and fruits begin to appear and so do the flowers. The beauty of the
Marsar Lake in Upper Dachigam inspires a wide range of emotions in us.
The lake is an abode of peace. There is a Trout Culture Farm of
Fisheries Department at Laribal, in Lower Dachigam. The famous Trout
fish is found here.
Dachigam also includes the grasslands, which are now rare in the
Himalayas. Dal Lake, which attracts many tourists to Kashmir every year,
depends largely on this park as it forms an important catchment area for
the lake.
One is reluctant to leave the park as its beauty and consistent dose of
peace captivates the heart and soul of a person. A visit to this place
is a must to inculcate a sense of preservation and appreciation of
wildlife in us – for the locals as well as the tourists.
For details, contact:
The Chief Wildlife Warden
Tourist Reception Center, J&K State.
Srinagar-190001
Kashmir, India
May 5,
2007
Image under license with
Gettyimages.com
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