Dachingam National Park
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Location
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22 kms from Srinagar.

Specialities and Best time
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Kashmir stag, Himalayan black bear, markhor, ibex, exotic birds
Best Season : May-Aug. Upper Dachigam; Sept.-Dec. Lower Dachigam

Description
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	At one time the exclusive hunting preserve of the Maharaja of Kashmir, it was declared a national park in 1951, and owing to a strictly enforced conservation programme, the hangul population, once 150, now stands at over 400 animals. 

	The two sectors of the Park - Upper and Lower Dachigam are spread over an area of 141 sq. km. and altitudes vary between 1700 and 4300 metres. Two steep ridges enclose the Park with its great topographical variety - deep ravines, rocky outcrops, steep wooded slopes and rolling alpine pastures. Tumbling down from the Masrar Lake (4300m), up in the high ranges, the Dachigam River winds through Lower Dachigam. 

Fauna
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	The Park is the habitat of the endangered hangul or the Kashmir stag - the only species of red deer to be found in India. Winter is the best time to view the hangul, when they congregate in the shelter of the lower valleys. Other inhabitants include the Himalayan black bear, species of wild goat like the markhor and ibex and varieties of exotic Himalayan birds. 
	Amidst forests of silver birch and conifer roams the hangul. Rare and on the verge of extinction till a few years ago, the national park at Dachigam contains the last viable hangul population in the world. Related to the red deer of Europe, this breed is characterised by its white rump patch and impressive spread of antlers. 

Accomodation
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Lodges and Rest Houses or Hotels in Srinagar 

How to reach & Contact Info
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Nearest town : Srinagar(22 km) 
Air-Srinagar (22 km) 
Rail-Jammu (200 km) 
Chief Wildlife Warden, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir.