Nature & Wildlife of India

Dachigam is one of India's most scenic wildlife reserves. It is located abour 22 kms. from Srinagar and forms about half of the famous Dal Lake's catchment area.

Dachigam is considered home to some of the unique Himalayan flora and fauna. Primary amongst them is the hangul of Kashmir stag, the most endangered species of the red deer in the world.

 During winters, the upper reaches of Dachigam become inaccessible to visitors and the temperature in lower Dachigam dips as low as minus 10 degree celsius. Some birds and animals found during this time of the year include the cinnamon sparrow, black and yellow grosbeak, black bulbul, monal pheasant and the Himalayan grey langur. The main predator in the park is the leopard, while other scavengars that feed on its prey like the jackal, hill fox, yellow throated marten and the wild boar and also found. Himalayan griffon, lammergeyer, leopard cat, long tailed blue magpie, jungle cat and Himalayan weasel can also be sighted during this period.

With the advent of spring and summer, the Himalayan black bear makes its appearance after hibernating in the rocks for the winter period. Birdlife also becomes active and the birds which appear are the golden orioles, pygmy owlets, Himalayan pied woodpeckers, warblers, babblers, buntings and laughing thrushes.

In the upper reaches, during the short summer, new varieties of birds like red-browed finch, Himalayan ruby throat and wagtails also make an appearance. The higher altitudes in the park still harbour a few Himalayan brown bears.