Famous and Beautiful Parks To Visit in Jammu and Kashmir

The beauty of this state is unparalleled anywhere else. It made great poets out of even the most feared men. Here is a list of the beautiful parks and gardens of Jammu and Kashmir.

* Dachigam National Park

Located 22 kilometers from the summer capital Srinagar this park derives its name from the ten villages that were repositioned to make this park. Due to the vast variation in altitudes at this park, there is a very clear demarcation between gently sloping grasslands and sharp rocky cliffs. The part which is beyond the tree line has a unique barren beauty that is a delight to your senses.

* Hemis High Altitude National Park

Situated in Ladakh, it is the largest notified protected area in India and the second largest contiguous protected area. Being the largest national park in South Asia, it is home to number endangered mammals including the snow leopard. The park also has a 400-year old Hemis Monastery. The landmark in the historical silk route to china, this park is a breathtaking melee during the Hemis Tsechu festival.

* Kishtwar National Park

The National Park is just above the Kishtwar town on a rugged and steep terrain which is home to various grazing nomadic tribes. The climate is pleasant throughout the year with the occasional snowfall during December and January. Rich with vegetation this area has trees like silver fir, spruce, cedar, deodar, horse chestnut, walnut, maple, poplar, hazel and blue pine to name a few. It also plays the natural habitat for the Himalayan Snowcock.

* Salim Ali National Park

Also called the City Forest National Park is located in Srinagar, to commemorate famous Indian ornithologist Salim Ali. It was subsequently converted into The Royal Springs Golf Course in the new millennium. The park is home to the musk deer and at least 70 species of birds including the Ring Dove, Paradise Flycatcher and Himalayan Monal.

* Shalimar Garden

Emperor Jehangir had built this ornate Garden for Nur Jahan. The most attractive area is the four terraces constructed at the garden. The fourth being the best was reserved for the royal family to regale with the fresh blooms of summer and autumn.