Dachigam National Park in Jammu

Dachigam National Park is one of the most picturesque areas of the sub-continent in the northernmost State of Jammu and Kashmir. It is located 22 km from Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir covering an area of 141 square kilometers consisting some of the most scenic natural beauty present on Earth. The name of the park stands for "ten villages" in the memory of the ten villages that were relocated for its formation.

The Dachigam forest is divided in two parts-Upper and Lower Dachigam. It has been declared as protected area since 1910 under the Government of India. It was initially created to ensure clean drinking water supply for the city of Srinagar and was finally upgraded and declared a National Park in 1981.

The Dachigam National Park is open throughout the year but the best time to visit the park is in the months from June to August. Each season carries its own attraction, but in the month of October trees bear their autumnal color which is the best.

Dachigam is mostly famous for animals like Hangul or the Kashmiri Stag. Musk Deer, Leopards, Himalayan Gray Langurs, Leopard Cats, Asiatic Black Bear, Jackals, Hill Fox, Himalayan Weasel, Yellow-throated Martens, Jungle Ctas, Long Tailed Marmots are the other important species that inhibit this place. The major birds include Cinnamon Sparrows, Black Bulbuls, Himalayan Flycatcher, Lammergeier, Black and Yellow Grosbeaks and Himalayan Rubythroats.

Lodges and rest houses in the sanctuary are available for accommodation. Hotels and houseboats are also available in Srinagar. The nearest town is Srinagar from where the park gate is just 22 km away.