|
Overa Aru Biosphere
Reserve
 Location
: 76-km Southeast Of Srinagar, Kashmir Region, J&K
Coverage
Area
: 32-sq-kms
Main Attraction
:
Musk Deer, Brown Bear, Leopard
Best Time To Visit
:
Mammal Viewing -
September To March
Bird Viewing
-
March To May
The Sanctuary is situated about 76 km from Srinagar in the south-east and located near Pahalgam. It is famous for retaining several rare and endangered species like the hangul, musk deer, brown bear, leopard, koklas, monal and snow cock. It sustains 13 species of mammals and over 80 species of birds. It is eminent for its varied and magnificent species of pheasants. This area, as distinct from the other wildlife reserves of the valley, is rich in pheasants like the chukar, koklas, monal and Himalayan snow cock. Other avifauna include the jungle crow, red billed chough, griffon vulture, bearded vulture, Himalayan whistling thrush, rufous-backed shrike and Indian mynah, among others.
The Park Ecosystem
 The
Animal Being
Nature has gifted this Biosphere Reserve with multiple species of rare, endangered and protected species. The main species are hangul, musk deer, serow, brown bear, Leopard, rhesus macaque, grey langur, Himalayan mouse hare, etc.The area holds a rich cover of vegetation, the dominant forest consisting of conifers which account for over 90%. The principal species are Cedrus deodara, Pinus griffithii, Abies pindrow, Aesculus indica etc. The major shrubs are Indigofera heterantha, Viburnum spp., Sorbaria tomentosa etc. the ground cover is very rich and dicotyledonus herbs dominate, comprising of Rumex patientia, Primula spp., anemone spp., etc.
The Winged Beings
:
The area houses a good population of pheasants and upland birds apart
 from other species, both resident and migratory. The common birds are griffon vulture, monal, snow cock, koklas, blue rock pigeon, Kashmir roller, European hoopoe, jungle crow etc.
Visiting Season
Prime viewing time for the upper areas is from May to August In the lower areas, for bird viewing the best time is March to May and for animal viewing from September to March. Accommodation is available in two bedroom huts situated within the sanctuary.
FOR MORE TOURIST INFORMATION
For Passes -Contact: The Regional Wildlife Warden, Srinagar.
Arriving At Overa-Aru Biosphere Reserve
Air : The park is close to Pahalgam. The nearest airport from Pahalgam is in the Badgam Districts. This place is connected to all the major places of India.
Rail : The nearest Rail Head is at Jammu and from there National Highway NH1A connects the Kashmir valley with India. Every sort of transport suiting every budget from Buses to Taxis ply on this Highway.
Road : Bus service is available from Srinagar and Anantnag which leave at fixed time from the Bus stands.Taxis and other sort of transport can be hired from Srinagar at pre-fixed rates. Assistance is available at Tourist Reception Centre Srinagar.
|
