Wildlife Sanctuaries in Jammu and Kashmir

Jun 15, 2024

Hello peeps , welcome back to the adventures that will lead you from insanity to a sane living, where nature adores your soul and hearts making it feel unbelievable . Being located in the northern region of India standing proud as a testament of nature's magnificence because of its ecological richness. The region is wholly known for its majestic landscapes and diverse wildlife making it an unparalleled beauty for all the travelers .

Wildlife Sanctuaries being a major means acting as a significant savior of precious biodiversity of Jammu and Kashmir. These sanctuaries are the habitats of a wide range of flora and fauna, ensuring the survival of numerous species. So , here we are letting you along with us to delve into the 14 wildlife sanctuaries in Jammu and Kashmir , each offering you a different and unique glimpse of the wonders that have been veiled in nature .

What’s so special about Wildlife Sanctuaries in J&K

The state has a diverse range of Wildlife sanctuaries switch the count of 14, each offering a different treasure with different adventures in the wonderful biodiversity and natural wonders . From the serene Dachigam National Park to the rugged Hemis High Altitude Wildlife Sanctuary, these range from alpine meadows, dense forests, and snow-capped peaks. This range allows one to witness a rich variety of wildlife, including the elusive snow leopard, majestic Himalayan brown bear, graceful musk deer, and vibrant bird species like the Himalayan Monal and Western Tragopan. Hence, this is not just an escape from the summer heat but also provides an immersive experience in nature's grace giving travelers mesmerizing moments for a lifetime .

14 Precious Wildlife Sanctuaries

1. Overa-Aru Wildlife Sanctuary:

Protected area in Aru Valley , in the Pahalgam region of Kashmir Valley covering an area of approx. 511 sq kms is the largest wildlife sanctuary in Jammu and Kashmir . It is on the edges of the two villages of Overa and Aru. It is renowned for its dense forest which is home to various species like the Kashmir stag (Hangul), Himalayan black bear, and musk deer. Birdwatchers are also in love with the place because of the sightings of species like the koklass pheasant and western tragopan.

2. Ramnagar Rakha Wildlife Sanctuary:

Ramnagar is a town and notified area committee in Udhampur District in Jammu and Kashmir, Ramnagar Wildlife Sanctuary spans about 31 square kilometers. Visitors can spot uncommon animals while they are set out for a safari at the exterior of this beautiful wildlife sanctuary . Many mammals and bird species can be seen such as Musk deer, brown bears, leopards roaming around in their habitat .

3. Trikuta Wildlife Sanctuary:

In the Trikuta Mountains and shrine of the Vaishno Devi this sanctuary covers over an area of 31 sq kms . Known for its rugged terrains and dense forests this place is habitat of many species like the Indian leopard, Himalayan black bear, and langur monkeys being most of the time the loveliest attraction of visitors.

4. Surinsar Mansar Wildlife Sanctuary:

With an area of about 98 sq kms , bound by the two sacred lakes , Surinsar and Mansar, being the attraction of tourists and pilgrims is one of the reasons for its popularity. Being home to diverse flora and fauna including special species such as the Indian leopard, Indian wild boar, and grey langur. Enjoying the surrounding forest on natural trails while getting a chance to boat in the serene lakes is a very mes,ering experience one could experience .

5. Nandini Wildlife Sanctuary

Spanning over 34 sq kms near Jammu this is l\know n habitat for diverse flora and fauna including species like the Indian leopard, Indian muntjac, and Indian porcupine becoming the highlights of the visit to this sanctuary, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts .

6. Baltal-Thajwas Wildlife Sanctuary

Situated in the Kashmir valley in the region of Sonmarg , it has an area of about 1,101 sq kms. It is known for its alpine meadows, snow-clad peaks, and diverse wildlife, including the Himalayan brown bear, markhor, and snow leopard, offering you views of the Himalayas to trek and camp on amidst the amazing natural beauty .

7. Gulmarg Wildlife Sanctuary

Situated in the Pir Panjal range of Kashmir Valley, Gulmarg Wildlife Sanctuary spans over 180 sq kms. Loaded with the beauty of its lush meadows, dense forests, and picturesque landscapes it become a renowned place for visitors that can encounter a variety of wildlife here, including the Himalayan musk deer, brown bear, and several species of birds like the western tragopan and bearded vulture, which definitely feels like a marvel in front of your eyes .

8. Hirpora Wildlife Sanctuary

With 341 sq kms ,this sanctuary is known for its scenic beauty and diverse wildlife , situated in the Shopian district of the beautiful Kashmir Valley. Renowned by its various habitat livers like the Himalayan black bear, Himalayan serow, and musk deer which makes this place an ideal destination for nature lovers.

9. Jasrota Wildlife Sanctuary

Situated near Kathua in Jammu region, Jasrota Wildlife Sanctuary has an area of around 10 sq kms .It’s wetland ecosystem is the attraction that attract that the tourists as it a habitat of migratory birds like the bar-headed goose, northern pintail, and Eurasian wigeon. WIlds aren’t just birds here; the Indian muntjac, nilgai, and wild boar are often the ones that make this sanctuary a must visit .

10. Lachipora Wildlife Sanctuary

In the Baramulla district of Kashmir Valley covering an area of about 35 sq kms , it is a characteristic markland of dense forests of pine and deodar trees, providing habitat for species like the hangul, Himalayan black bear, and Himalayan serow. The Kashmir flycatcher and Himalayan monal are some bird species that this sanctuary is a home of

11. Limber Wildlife Sanctuary

Spanning over 30 sq kms this sanctuary near Pahalgam in Kashmir Valley ,known for its pristine forests ,streams and diverse wildlife , including the hangul, Himalayan black bear, and koklass pheasant along with opportunities to trek and birdwatch in the serene surroundings making your soul feel peace .

12. Hokersar Wildlife Sanctuary:

Hokersar Wildlife Sanctuary near Srinagar with 10 sq kms is also known for its wetland ecosystem which also supports populations of waterfowl, herons, and other avian species, setting it apart from others . Renowned for being the habitat of migratory birds like the bar-headed goose, northern pintail, and common teal.

13. Rajparian Wildlife Sanctuary

In the Rajouri district of Jammu region this sanctuary covers an area of approx. 38 sq kms . Habitat of the Indian leopard, Indian fox, and Himalayan palm civet is also home of bird species making it a paradise of nature enthusiasts .

14. Tral Wildlife Sanctuary

Pulwama district of Kashmir Valley is not renowned for history , with 108 sq kms spanning over the area this sanctuary has dense forests and diverse wildlife to explore , evening spotting the Kashmir stag (Hangul), Himalayan black bear, and Himalayan serow , species that has something special in them. This sanctuary’s natural ambiance with adored beauty makes this place astonishing for eco-tourism and wildlife photography.

Adding some more in your bucket to explore

Hemis High Altitude Wildlife Sanctuary:

Hemis National Park is at high altitude in the Eastern Ladakh area . Its unique position (north) of the Himalayas make it a bit different from the others with being the largest protected area in India covering around 4400 sq kms . The sanctuary is famous for its resident population of snow leopards of about 200 in count , as well as Tibetan argali, ibex, and migratory birds.

There’s a remarkable diversity of flora and fauna in the wildlife sanctuaries of Jammu and Kashmir . Dominated by the beautiful and huge ounces and deodar, the dense forests of this sanctuary provide plenty of wildlife a place to live. The list of notable species is along one but to conclude the elusive snow leopard, revered for its resilience, and the endangered Kashmir stag (Hangul) along with the Himalayan black bear, musk deer, and markhor are the ones that are most known among the tourists .

Endemic and rare plant species, such as the Himalayan blue poppy and Brahma Kamal, further enrich these sanctuaries. Visiting these sanctuaries not only offers a chance to witness Jammu and Kashmir tour wildlife but also fosters a deeper connection with nature. We should be very considerate about giving importance to conservation of these invaluable ecosystems for sustainability and future generation , whose responsibility is to none other than us .