Kashmir is one of the most beautiful places in India. This is also regarded as the heaven of the earth. The wildlife of this place is rich and one can come here to visit some of the best wildlife sanctuaries. Some of the prominent animals found in Kashmir are Hangul, Markhor, Tibetan Wild Dog, Kashmir Musk Deer, Chiru, Tibetan Gazelle, Snow Leopard, Himalayan Tahr, etc. people come to see these animals and their natural habitat where they are living. Kashmir is situated in the northern part of India. The cold weather prevails throughout the year at this place. Another center of attractions is also there in these wildlife sanctuaries if one is going to visit any of these in Kashmir. If you are planning to visit any of the wildlife sanctuaries in Kashmir, then you need to be prepared well before your visit.
9 Best Wildlife Sanctuaries In Kashmir
Here is the list of top 9 wildlife sanctuaries in Kashmir, which is a must-visit for those who are planning to visit Kashmir during their vacations or holidays.
- Gulmarg Wildlife Sanctuary
- Hirpora Wildlife Sanctuary
- Hokersar Wildlife Sanctuary
- Jasrota Wildlife Sanctuary
- Lachipora Wildlife Sanctuary
- Overa Aru Wildlife Sanctuary
- Achabal Wildlife Sanctuary
- Surinsar Mansar Wildlife Sanctuary
- Nandini Wildlife Sanctuary
1. Gulmarg Wildlife Sanctuary
Gulmarg wildlife sanctuary is one of the favorite tourist destinations. One can visit this place for their desire of watching animals living in the cold regions. Gulmarg Wildlife Sanctuary is located near Srinagar and the distance is about 48 km. This place is immensely beautiful and full of natural beauty and vegetation. This paradise of Kashmir comprises a different variety of fauna and those who are planning to visit this sanctuary can see these creatures at close range. Some of these creatures are now unfortunately counted in the list of endangered or on the verge of extinction. One of the most important animals of this sanctuary is Musk Deer. One can watch other animals here like some of them are brown bears, black bears, red fox and leopard amongst others.
Ideal for: Family and friends
Ideal trip duration: 4 hours
Location: Baramulla, Jammu, and Kashmir
Best time to visit: March to June
How to reach: Via road transport from Baramulla, Kashmir.
Must Read: 30 Unbelievably Beautiful Places To Visit In Kashmir One Cannot Miss
2. Hirpora Wildlife Sanctuary
Hirpora Wildlife Sanctuary otherwise spelled as Hirpora Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the Shopian district of Kashmir at a distance of 70 kilometers to the south of Srinagar. The Hirpora Wildlife Sanctuary is home to many animals and birds and some of the prominent animals are the musk deer, leopard, Tibetan wolf and around other animals that come under the category of endangered species. If we talk about birds of the sanctuary, then we can see here different varieties of birds and some of them are, Himalayan woodpecker, white-capped redstart, etc. those who are fond of watching these animals can visit this sanctuary for this unique experience.
Ideal for: Family and solo
Ideal trip duration: 2-3 hours
Location: Hirpora Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Shopian district of Kashmir.
Best time to visit: October – March
How to reach: Via road transport from Shopian.
Suggested Read: Top 6 Delhi To Kashmir Trains Offering The Most Comfortable Journey
3. Hokersar Wildlife Sanctuary
Hokersar wildlife sanctuary is located in Kashmir. The sanctuary is best known for the breeding place for most of the birds. One can visit this place to watch the natural beauty of the places as well as the natural vegetation of the place. Hokersar wildlife sanctuary is also a wetland where different migratory birds come and that’s why the place is best for birdwatchers. Birds like white-eyed pochard are coming from Siberia, China, central Asia, etc. Some of the species here are endangered and that’s why the government is putting more emphasis on their conservation. Those who are curious and willing to watch birds and wild animals can visit this place for their best experience.
Ideal for: friends and couples
Ideal trip duration: 3-4 hours
Location: Gund Hassi Bhat, Kashmir, Jammu and Kashmir 190012
Best time to visit: October to January
How to reach: By road transport
Suggested Read: 10 Delightful Places To Visit In Kashmir In June For An Out Of The World Experience
4. Jasrota Wildlife Sanctuary
The Jasrota Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Kashmir, Jammu, and Kashmir. The sanctuary is situated northwards of the village Jasrota. The sanctuary is full of lush green plains where a large number of birds and animals live. Axis deer are the most remarkable among them and are common throughout the park and are found in large concentrations. A large variety of mammals are living in the sanctuary and some of them are cheetal, Barking deer, wild boar, and rhesus monkey. Besides this, a large variety of birds are also living in this wildlife sanctuary like red jungle fowl, green pigeon, and blue rock pigeon. The best season for bird viewing is March to May and mammal viewing is September to March. Besides these things, the sanctuary is also good for trekking. People who are desirous of wildlife and trekking can visit this place for a memorable experience.
Ideal for: Family and friends
Ideal trip duration: 2-3 hours
Location: Jasrota, Kathua, NH1A, 184144 Jammu and Kashmir
Best time to visit: March to May
How to reach: By road transport
Suggested Read: Know Why Kashmir Is Called Heaven On Earth
5. Lachipora Wildlife Sanctuary
Image Credit: RisingKashmir.com
Lachipora wildlife sanctuary is situated in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, near the village of Lachipora, Kashmir. The sanctuary is located at the northern banks of the Jhelum river. The whole area is surrounded by dense forests and those who are a lover of green fields can visit this place and they will be pleased for sure. The sanctuary was established in 1987 by the department of wildlife protection. Wild goat is one of the most important species found in this reason which is also found in some parts of Pakistan. Visitors can find here a variety of trees and forests. One of the endangered species called western Tragopan is conserved here. One should visit this sanctuary full of green vegetation.
Ideal for: friends and solo
Ideal trip duration: 3 hours
Location: 90 km away from the western portion of Srinagar, Kashmir.
Best time to visit: September to March
How to reach: By road transport
Suggested Read: Snowfall In Kashmir: Head To The Mesmerizing Valley On Your 2021 Winter Trip!
6. Overa Aru Wildlife Sanctuary
Image Credit: KennyOMG for Wikimedia Commons
The Overa-Aru Wildlife Sanctuary is situated near Pahalgam, one of the districts in Jammu and Kashmir. The sanctuary is spread in a wide area and it covers more than 500 sq. km. Those who are planning to visit this place can visit the mountains in this area, and if we talk about the height of those peaks then they are up to 5,400 m. The sanctuary is home to rare and endangered species such as the musk deer, brown bear and snow leopard. These species are conserved by the state and the central government. Tourists from different parts of the country visit his place for the sight of such beautiful and exotic species of birds and animals. If you are planning to visit Kashmir, then you must visit this wildlife sanctuary for the everlasting experience.
Ideal for: Family and friends
Ideal trip duration: 2-4 hours
Location: Forest Block, Jammu and Kashmir 192126
Best time to visit: May to August
How to reach: By road transport
7. Achabal Wildlife Sanctuary
Image Credit: Achim for Pixabay
Disclaimer: The image is for representation purposes only.
Located at a distance of 60kms from Srinagar, Achabal Wildlife Sanctuaries is one of the most famous wildlife sanctuaries in Kashmir. Spanned across an area of 50 hectare, it is home to some of the most unique faunas – snow leopard, barking deer, rhesus macaque, brown bear, jackal and Himalayan Marmot. The Kashmiri Stag, an endangered species and few species of wild animals is also found here.
Ideal for: Family and friends
Ideal trip duration: 2-3 hours
Location: Anantnag, Jammu and Kashmir, India
Best time to visit: March to June
How to reach: By road transport
8. Surinsar Mansar Wildlife Sanctuary
Image Credit: Vivekpuliyeri for Wikimedia
Disclaimer: The image is for representation purposes only.
Surinsar Mansar Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the most popular wildlife sanctuaries in Kashmir. Located 42 kms away from Jammu, the sanctuary has different varieties of flora and fauna. The best time to visit here for the best experience is from September to March . There are over 15 species of birds and the best time for bird viewing is March to May. The main species of birds are green pigeon, blue rock pigeon, red jungle fowl, peafowl, and rufus turtle dove.
Ideal for: Family and friends
Ideal trip duration: 2-3 hours
Location: Jammu and Kashmir, India
Best time to visit: September to March
How to reach: By road transport from Jammu
9. Nandini Wildlife Sanctuary
Image Credit: Gerard for Wikimedia
Disclaimer: The image is for representation purposes only.
A renowned wildlife sanctuary in Kashmir, Nandini Wildlife Sanctuary is home to several endangered and rare flora and fauna species. It is a must-visit place for those interested in bird watching and the best time for the same is from March to May. You can spot blue rock pigeon, peafowl, red jungle fowl and more birds. Moreover, there are 8 species of mammals including wild boar, rhesus monkey and leopard.
Ideal for: Family and friends
Ideal trip duration: 2-3 hours
Location: Jammu and Kashmir, India
Best time to visit: September to March
How to reach: By road transport from Jammu
Further Read: 10 Festivals In Jammu And Kashmir: A Peek Into The Rich Kashmiri Culture
Kashmir is called the heaven of the earth and if you are planning to visit Kashmir, then you can start your visit from the famous wildlife sanctuaries of Kashmir. Here is the list of some of the major wildlife sanctuaries in Kashmir, which can be visited by the tourists and visitors for an exceptional and adventurous vacation. These sanctuaries are completely exotic and entertaining when visited. The center of attraction of these sanctuaries is the huge biodiversity and flora and fauna of the region. So if you’re planning a vacation in Kashmir , make sure to not miss out on these wildlife sanctuaries in Kashmir.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Wildlife Sanctuaries In Kashmir
How many wildlife sanctuaries are there in Kashmir?
There are a total of 17 wildlife sanctuaries in Kashmir and some of them are Gulmarg Wildlife Sanctuary, Hirpora Wildlife Sanctuary, Hokersar Wildlife Sanctuary, etc.
Can we take children to any of the wildlife sanctuaries in Kashmir?
Yes, you can take children to the wildlife sanctuaries of Kashmir, but one should take care of their children before going to Kashmir. Visitors are advised to hold the hand of their children throughout the trail.
Which wildlife sanctuary is best to visit in Kashmir?
The Gulmarg Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the best wildlife sanctuaries one can visit. One can see here a wide range of animals and birds and enjoy the scenic beauty of the place.
Are these wildlife sanctuaries well-maintained?
Yes, these wildlife sanctuaries are well-maintained as a large number of tourists are coming every year to visit these sanctuaries.
Which wildlife sanctuary in Kashmir contains a large number of animals and birds?
The Gulmarg wildlife sanctuary is one of the best wildlife sanctuaries to visit as this place consists of a large number of wild birds and animals.
Is it safe to visit wildlife sanctuaries in Kashmir?
Yes, it is safe to visit any of the wildlife sanctuaries in Kashmir as they are directly under control by the state and the central government.
How can one reach Gulmarg wildlife sanctuary?
The Gulmarg wildlife sanctuary is located in the Baramulla of Jammu and Kashmir. One can take road transport to visit the sanctuary.
What to carry before visiting a wildlife sanctuary?
One should be highly careful while travelling to any of the wildlife sanctuaries of Kashmir because there is a risk of life if any mistake committed. So, one should carry some light food items, a bottle of water, and other important things for quick aid.
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