About Overa Aru Wildlife Sanctuary
Prime Day & Hours: Monday to Friday 9 AM - 1 PM
Suggested Duration: 3-4 hours
Tickets: Offline
Nearest Railway Station: Srinagar Railway Station, approx 86.1 kms away.
Nearest Airport: Srinagar International Airport (SXR), approx. 90.70 kms away.
Nearest Bus Stop: Pahalgam Bus stand, approx 1.7 kms away.
The Overa-Aru Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the beautiful Aru Valley near Pahalgam which is in the Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir. This sanctuary spans across 511 square kilometers, and is filled with coniferous forests, lakes, glaciers, and mountain peaks. The park has the Lidder River flowing close through it which provides fresh water for animals, plants, and people nearby.
This sanctuary is home to different types of forests where at lower levels, you can find trees like walnut, horse chestnut, and mulberry. However, as you move higher, you can discover the silver firs, blue pines, and Himalayan birch trees. Near the top, you can also see alpine shrubs like juniper and rhododendron, along with colorful wildflowers. Spot several mammals such as Hangul, musk deer, Himalayan serow, ibex, brown bear, black bear, and leopards. You can see smaller species include langurs, macaques, jungle cats, and red foxes. The sanctuary also hosts diverse birdlife therefore you can spot Himalayan monal, koklass pheasant, warblers, and flycatchers. Reptiles, including snakes and lizards, are also present across different zones.
Overa Aru Wildlife Sanctuary Highlights
• Visit the Overa-Aru Wildlife Sanctuary in the peaceful Aru Valley near Pahalgam which is spread over 511 square kilometres of protected land.
• Walk through forests filled with a mix of trees like silver fir, blue pine, Aesculus indica, and Juglans regia, giving the sanctuary a rich green cover.
• Discover more than 120 bird species which include the Egyptian vulture, European roller, Kashmir flycatcher, and Tytler’s leaf warbler, all commonly seen in this area.
• Spot rare mammals such as the Kashmir stag, Asiatic black bear, common leopard, and Kashmir musk deer that live in this high-altitude forest.
• See nearly 20 species of butterflies fluttering around, with four of them listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List.
How To Reach Overa Aru Wildlife Sanctuary
By Road: Bagh E Bahu is about 6.5 kilometres from the Jammu city centre. Thus, it will take you about 12 minutes via Jammu Flyover and NH 144A, whether you drive a car or take a taxi or bike.
Best Time To Visit Overa Aru Wildlife Sanctuary
Peak Season (May to June, September to October)
- Weather Insights: Cool and pleasant, temperatures between 10°C and 20°C.
- Things to do: Spot Hangul, Himalayan black bear, and Kashmir musk deer. Go birdwatching for Himalayan Monal, Koklass Pheasant, and Tytler’s Leaf Warbler. Hike forest trails and photograph alpine flowers like Primula and Anemone.
Moderate Season (March to April)
- Weather Insights: Chilly mornings, mild afternoons, temperatures between 5°C and 15°C.
- Things to do: Watch spring arrivals like Blue Whistling Thrush and Yellow-billed Blue Magpie, trek through birch forests, and listen to bird calls near streams.
Low Season (November to February)
- Weather Insights: Snowfall and freezing cold, temperatures between -5°C and 5°C.
- Things to do: See snow-covered forests, spot Red Fox and Leopard Cat in quiet valleys, spot winter birds like the Wallcreeper and White-throated Dipper.
Overa Aru Wildlife Sanctuary Other Essential Information
Know Before you Go
- Wear solid trekking boots to tackle the steep, rocky and uneven terrain in some places.
- Dress in layers to handle sudden temperature drops when moving up the higher forest zones.
- Carry enough water and dry snacks since there are no shops or facilities inside.
- Use the restroom before entering as there are no toilet facilities within the sanctuary.
- Try not to litter, pick plants, or disturb wildlife so as to help protect the fragile ecosystem.
- Use your camera respectfully without flash and maintain distance from all animals.
- Plan your visit during daylight hours only because entry is not allowed after dark.
Why Visit Overa-Aru Wildlife Sanctuary
- The Overa-Aru Wildlife Sanctuary was designated as a game reserve in order to preserve wildlife from hunting during the Dogra administration in 1945,
- In 1981, it was designated as a wildlife sanctuary to help protect the animals and flora.
- Because of its excellent natural environment, the sanctuary was originally intended to become a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, but the plan was rejected.
- This sanctuary demonstrates the efforts Kashmiris have made over the years to preserve their trees and wildlife.
- The wildlife sanctuary is a unique and significant location to visit today because of its transformation from a royal hunting ground to a protected sanctuary.
Go Birdwatching
This sanctuary is a paradise for bird lovers thus you can walk along quiet trails to spot rare and colourful birds. You can see endangered species like the Himalayan Monal, Koklass Pheasant, and Kashmir Flycatcher. You can look for many warbler species such as Tytler’s, Tickell’s, and Pallas’s Leaf Warblers. Watch for Strong-footed Bush Warbler, Rufous-bellied Crested Tit, Crested Black Tit, and Simla Black Tit. Their bright colours and songs make birdwatching here very special.
Trek Through Birch and Pine Forests
You can hike along beautiful forest trails lined with big birch and pine trees where the calm atmosphere lets you enjoy the clean mountain air, the sounds of streams, and the rare bird songs. As you walk along these trails, you can see different types of forests, from plains full of walnut trees to alpine areas covered in birch trees.
Raft along Lidder River
You can experience the thrill of white-water rafting on the Lidder River. This ride is enjoyable for both novices and thrill-seekers, with courses varying from 2.5 km to 8 km. You can paddle through clear, icy water that goes by beautiful slopes and mountains in presence of professional instructors.
Discover Unique Himalayan Animals
Bring binoculars to see some of the rarest wildlife, such as the Asiatic Ibex, Himalayan black bear, Kashmir musk deer, and Hangul (Kashmir stag). You can also spot the Himalayan Serow, Jungle Cats, Red Foxes, Martens, Langurs, and Rhesus Macaques among the other animals hiding in the jungle.
Go to the Glacier Base at Kolahoi
You can access the Lidder River via a day hike which the locals refer to as the "Goddess of Light," and originates at the base of the Kolahoi Glacier. This walk provides you beautiful views and quiet picnic areas as it winds through riverbed forests and Alpine grasslands.
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Overa Aru Wildlife Sanctuary FAQs
When was Overa Aru Wildlife Sanctuary established?
The Overa-Aru Wildlife Sanctuary was first set up as a game area in 1945, when the Dogra Rule was in effect. After that, in 1981, it was transformed into a wildlife reserve. This label gave its plants and animals better legal protection and management measures to help them stay alive.
Where is Overa Aru wildlife sanctuary located?
The Overa-Aru Wildlife Sanctuary is in the Aru Valley, which is close to Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir. It's located in northern India and is within the Anantnag district's administrative jurisdiction.
What are the 4 endangered species found in Overa Aru wildlife sanctuary?
The endangered species of wildlife found in the Overa Aru Wildlife sanctuary are Hangul Deer, Snow Leopard, and the Kashmir Stag Beetle. However, the endangered species of bird found here includes the Himalayan Monal which is known for its multicoloured feathers.
What is the Overa Aru Wildlife Sanctuary famous for?
Overa-Aru Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for being a refuge for the endangered Hangul deer, which is uncommon and exclusive to the area. Many other animals like Asiatic Ibex and birds, like the Himalayan Monal, also live in the sanctuary's dense forests and alpine meadows. Moreover, nature lovers are drawn to it by its stunning scenery, which includes the Kolahoi Peak.
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