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.
Famous and Beautiful Parks in Jammu & Kashmir with Images:
1. Dachigam National Park:
Located 22 kilometres 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.
The main animal species that Dachigam is most famous for is the Hangul or the Kashmir Stag. The birdwatchers can feast their sights on a diverse species of birds such as Cinnamon Sparrow, Pygmy Owlet, Wagtail, Orange Bullfinch and Red-billed Blue Magpie to name a few.
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2. 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 a number of 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.
Hemis High Altitude National Park is the only refuge containing the Shapu, Eurasian Brown Bear, the Red Fox and Trans-Himalayan birds of prey. It is part of a cold desert area with no motorable roads. It is a good trekking site and a bird watcher’s paradise.
3. Kishtwar National Park:
The National Park is just above the Kishtwar town on a rugged and steep terrain that 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.
4. 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 musk deer and at least 70 species of birds including the Ring Dove, Paradise Flycatcher and Himalayan Monal.
[See Also: Top Places to Visit in the Kashmir Valley]
5. Shalimar Garden:
Emperor Jehangir had built this ornate Garden for Nur Jahan. The most attractive area is the four terraces constructed in the garden. The fourth being the best was reserved for the royal family to regale with the fresh blooms of summer and autumn.
6. Chashma Shahi:
Shah Jahan laid the Royal Spring Garden known to be the best digestive mineral water. Also dotted with terraces this has some of the finest flowers adorned by the tall Chinar trees. It is a very romantic place that is truly a surreal experience. This also features the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip garden which is a heavenly view of lines of tulips in full bloom. It is therefore Asia’s largest Tulip Garden.
7. Nishat Garden:
Another Mughal garden set on the backdrop of the famous Dal Lake and Zabarwan hills. This offers a majestic view of Dal Lake. The fleet of Shikaras and a long walk in the Garden refreshes your senses.
[See Also: Beautiful Places to Visit in Kashmir for Honeymoon]
8. Verinag Spring Park:
It is the first tourist spot of Kashmir Valley when travelling by road from Jammu. Located in the Anantnag District the star attraction is the Verinag Spring. An octagonal stone basin and an arcade surrounding it were built by Emperor Jahangir in 1620A.D. Later, a beautiful garden was laid out by his son Shah Jahan. This spring never dries up or overflows and is believed to be the main source of river Jhelum. This is a monument of national importance declared by the Archaeological Survey of India.
