Wildlife in Jammu and Kashmir

About Wildlife Tourism in Jammu & Kashmir

Spotting the wildlife in Jammu and Kashmir is a fun filled, exciting and thrilling experience, especially since the variety of flora and fauna of this region is exclusively found here. Visiting the national parks and wildlife sanctuaries of Jammu and Kashmir lets you see the exotic and rare animal species that are native to the Himalayan region, along with the rich vegetation and Himalayan topography.

Popular Wildlife Destinations in Jammu Region

There are two major national parks in Jammu where you can watch the exotic and amazing flora and fauna, Dachigam National Park and Kishtwar High Altitude National Park.

Dachigam National Park

Dachigam National Park is located almost 22 kilometers from Srinagar, in the Zabarwan Range of Western Himalayas. Its landscape is dotted with meadows, alpine pastures, scrub vegetation and waterfalls. Some of the wonderful fauna which you can see in this national park of Jammu and Kashmir are musk deer, brown bear, leopards, Himalayan Black Bear and Hangul, the Kashmiri stag. It also houses a rich variety of birds including black bulbuls, colourful pheasants, cinnamon sparrows, pygmy owlet, Himalayan Monal and Kashmiri flycatcher. 

Best Time to Visit Dachigam National Park

The best time to visit Dachigam National Park is between April and August.

Kishtwar High Altitude National Park

Kishtwar High Altitude National Park is located in the Kishtwar district in the Jammu region, whose altitude ranges from 1,700 to 4,800 meters. The amazing fauna found in this park includes Indian Muntjac, Himalayan Tahr, hangul and the snow leopard, which is the main attraction inside the national park. Various bird species like bearded vulture, white cheeked bulbul, griffon vulture and paradise flycatcher, are also found here.

Best Time to Visit Kishtwar High Altitude National Park

September to May is the best time to visit Kishtwar High Altitude National Park.

Popular Wildlife Destinations in Kashmir Valley

There are various national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in Kashmir Valley which houses a rich and amazing variety of fauna and flora. Visiting the wildlife hotspots can be an enriching experience.

Kazinag National Park

Kazinag National Park is located in the north bank of the Jhelum River, about 70 kilometers from Srinagar. Its rich topography is home to around 120 species of mammals and 20 species of birds. The various species of mammals, including the rare, endangered and threatened animals which are found in this park are Himalayan musk deer, markhor, common leopard, Himalayan Marmot, Himalayan Black Bear and the Kashmir flying squirrel.

Best Time to Visit Kazinag National Park

October to April is the best time to visit Kazinag National Park.

Overa Aru Wildlife Sanctuary

Overa Aru Wildlife Sanctuary is located in close proximity to Pahalgam, and was originally a game reserve of the Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir. The River Lidder flows through this sanctuary, while the vegetation is rich, with conifer trees covering most of the landscape. Some of the rare and endangered mammalian species found are Kashmiri Stag (hangul), musk deer, Himalayan Mouse Hare and rhesus macaque. Besides western tragopans, other bird species which reside here are blue rock pigeon, Indian Myna, Himalayan Whistling Thrush and Kashmir Roller. Trekking is the best way to explore its rich flora and fauna.

Best Time to Visit Overa Aru Wildlife Sanctuary

March to May is the best time to spot the various bird species, while September to March is best for spotting the rich fauna found inside this wildlife sanctuary.

Achabal Wildlife Sanctuary

Achabal Wildlife Sanctuary is a must visit wildlife sanctuary in Jammu and Kashmir, located about 60 kilometers from Srinagar. It was once designated as a game reserve by the then Maharaja of Kashmir. Some of the fauna found here are brown bear, rhesus macaque, snow leopard, barking deer, Small Indian Mongoose, jackal, Kashmiri Flying Squirrel and Himalayan Marmot. The Kashmiri Stag, known as Hangul, a rare and endangered species, is also found here.

Best Time to Visit Achabal Sanctuary

March to June is the best time to visit Achabal Wildlife Sanctuary.

Hirpora Wildlife Sanctuary

While taking a wildlife tour of Jammu and Kashmir, you should not forget to visit Hirpora Wildlife Sanctuary, as it is home to more than 130 species of birds, along with an incredibly rich fauna. The vegetation inside this wildlife sanctuary is also quite rich, and includes deciduous sub-alpine scrub forests, sub-alpine pastures and mixed coniferous forests. The rich variety of fauna are Himalayan Brown Bear, Himalayan Black Bear, Tibetan Wolf, Himalayan Palm Civet, Himalayan Griffon and grey wagtail.

Best Time to Visit Hirpora Wildlife Sanctuary

October to March is the best time to visit Hirpora Wildlife Sanctuary.