Dachigam National Park

History 

The Dachigam National Park has a rich history associated to it, as the region was once the hunting ground of the famous Maharaja of Kashmir. Since the year 1910, the Park has been a highly protected zone. After the accession of Jammu Kashmir to the Union Government of India, government officials directly became the concerned authorities taking care of the operations and administration of the Park. 

Way back in the year of 1951, the Park was awarded the status of a Wildlife Sanctuary. The region was officially declared as a National Park by the Government of India in 1981. The literal meaning of the term ‘Dachigam’ is ‘ten villages’. It was named in the memory of specific group of 10 villages that were relocated to construct the Park. With a rich and exotic biodiversity, the park attracts tourists from all over the world, and other parts of India. 

Useful Information

• Total area – 141 sq km 

• Core area –

• Elevation range – 5500 feet to 14000 feet 

• Latitude – 

• Longitude – 

• Nearest river – Dagwan River 

• Nearby hills –  Dachigam Hills 

• Avg. annual rainfall – 1100 mm 

Flora of Dachigam National Park

The Park is a lovely place where you would witness a wide range of flora species, growing and blooming freely, making the environment more beautiful and enjoyable, in tailored Dachigam family packages. This is the region where wild cherry trees are found in abundance. Moreover, you would find it engrossing traveling through the Willow and Poplar trees of the forest. The forests of the Park also have big Birch and China trees. 

There are plenty of fruit trees you could see in the Park. For example, the jungle has lots of Walnut and Apple trees. You can also observe Chestnut and Apricot trees in this region. Oka and Elm trees are popular in this area, too. 

Fauna of Dachigam National Park

Dachigam National Park has a amazing range of fauna species. You would find some the rarest species of animals and birds here that are not seen in any other parts of India, or even world, when you avail Dachigam wildlife packages! This is the only place where you could get a glimpse of the lovely Kashmiri stag. There are Musk deer and Himalayan weasels, too. If you are interested to visit the Park to particularly observe wild cats, then you would not be disheartened in Dachigam safari tours. The Park is also an abode to Leopard Cats, Leopards and Jungle Cats. If you are alert, then you could see a Himalayan Fox quickly passing across the bushes, in one of your Dachigam weekend tour packages. The Park is a home to Himalayan black and brown bears, too. You could rarely see them in any other National Park in India. 

You would be elated to witness the hundreds of bird species. There are Monal Pheasants and Golden Eagles. There are Crimson Tragopans and Griffon Vultures. You could also see cute, little Cinnamon Sparrows and Black Bulbuls. The rare species of Paradise Flycatcher birds also reside in the park. You could also get glimpse of Golden Orioles and Grey Herons, and many other such wonderfully magnificent bird species in and around the Park, availing Dachigam adventure packages. 

Climate 

The climate of the Dachigam Park is predominantly cool and very favorable for planning tours, throughout the years. But, you can avoid the peak winter days, especially from in December to January, as the temperature might reach below 0 degree Celsius at times, when you are planning for a weekend getaway tour. The day temperatures during the summer months can reach to even 30 degree Celsius. The onset of monsoon generally occurs in July, and lasts till mid-September, but there are rarely in instances of heavy rainfall. February to April generally indicate the spring months in the region with excellent weather conditions. 

Best Time to Visit Dachigam National Park

When you are planning a tour to visit Dachigam on a weekend trip, arguably the best time to visit is the period that signifies the spring season, in between February and April. The Park is open for the tourists. In extreme cold weather conditions when the temperature is at sub-zero level, the Park remains closed. This is usual in early January. 

If you are interested to witness exotic animal species, then planning tour during early winter months, such as in October and November is a good idea. Few animal and bird species are more visible during this specific period. 

It is advisable to not visit the Park during the monsoon months. Although there would be more lush greenery and the Mother Nature would reveal a scintillating beauty through trees, plans and flowers, but there might be some issues traveling smoothly through various trails of the Dachigam National Park. 

How to Reach Dachigam National Park

Reaching the Dachigam National Park is easier than you can imagine. There are various modes of transportation that you can consider when you are planning for the Dachigam National Park itinerary. 

By Rail: The Jammu Railway station is the nearest rail station to the Park. It is about 310 km from the park. You can arrive at Jammu via train from Delhi or Chandigarh or Amritsar. After reaching the station, you have to rent a car to the destination. 

By Road: Srinagar is the nearest city to Dachigam National Park. It is merely 22 km away from the Park. You can simply rent a car to the Park. There are also private and public buses plying on the road. It would take less than an hour to reach the Park from Srinagar bus stand. 

By Air: Those among you, who live in far-off places form the Park location, would certainly like to prefer traveling by plane. The Srinagar Airport is the nearest airport to the location. You can fly from any major airport of India, directly to Srinagar. After you reach, you might opt for a rented car or a private bus to reach the Dachigam National Park. 

Connectivity & Distances

• Distance from entry gate: walking distance 

• Railway station: Jammu 

• Bus Stand: Srinagar Bus Stand 

• Airport: Srinagar Airport 

• Nearest city/town: Srinagar 

Places to Visit near Dachigam National Park

While planning for Dachigam holiday packages, it is also useful to know about the places in the vicinity and neighborhood of the National Park, in order to explore more areas on your trip. Some of the interesting tourist spots are enlisted as following:

Dal Lake – Dal Lake is one of the premier tourist interest places that you can visit on your trip to Dachigam. It is regarded as one of the jeweled natural beauties in Kashmir. Don’t give a miss in your itinerary. 

Shalimar Bagh – It is a beautiful garden rich in exotic flowers near the central region of Srinagar. You could spend a lovely time strolling in a relaxed mood in the garden, calming your nerves and thoroughly enjoying your tour. 

Gangabal Lake – If you love more off-beat places, and don’t quite want to visit the conventional tourist spot of Dal Lake, then you can choose Gangabal Lake, availing Dachigam affordable packages. Include it in your plan when you are chalking out the tour itinerary. 

Dastgir Sahib – It is a religious shrine that you can consider visiting while you are touring the nearby places to Dachigam. 

Vishansar Lake – There is no dearth of lakes around Dachigam. You can easily visit the lively Vishansar Lake and witness the calming waters of the water-body. It is a scenic place that gives you lots of opportunities for photography.