Salim Ali National Park, Srinagar | History, Timings, How to Reach

Salim Ali National Park, Srinagar Overview

Salim Ali National Park, nestled in the pristine Dachigam Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, stands as a sanctuary of natural beauty and biodiversity. Formerly known as Dachigam National Park, this protected area is a testament to the conservation efforts in one of the most picturesque regions of India.

Named after the eminent Indian ornithologist Salim Ali, the park boasts a rich array of flora and fauna, including the endangered Hangul deer, making it a vital habitat for preserving the unique ecosystems of the Himalayan region. With its breathtaking landscapes and significant conservation initiatives, Salim Ali National Park beckons nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers to explore the enchanting wilderness of the Dachigam Valley.

Initially known as the City Forest National Park, this space was further modified into the Royal Springs Golf Course between 1998 and 2001. This was carried out by the Chief Minister of the time, Farooq Abdullah. The Salim Ali National Park is among the three national parks of Jammu and Kashmir; the Dachigam National Park and Kishtwar National Park. There are a handful of stay options closeby as well.

History of Salim Ali National Park

Salim Ali National Park was named after Salim Moizuddin Abdul Ali who was an Indian ornithologist and naturist. He was often referred to as the 'Birdman of India' as he was one of the first Indians to study birds and conduct comprehensive surveys on them further writing on them and popularising ornithology in India. It is also known as City Forest National Park and was opened in 1986. Between 1998 - 2001, the park was turned into a golf course by the then Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Farooq Abdullah, called the Royal Springs Golf Course, Srinagar.

Flora and Fauna at Salim Ali National Park

It covers an area of 9.07 km² making it a suitable size fit for a variety of animals and birds. The entire park has gorgeous mangrove shrubbery that is the home for over 70 species of birds. What makes the park truly unique and a must-visit spot for tourists is the variety of endangered animals that inhabit it. The park houses animals such as the musk deer, hangul, Kashmiri stag, flying fox, leopard, Himalayan black bear, among others; it houses species of birds such as ring dove, Bengal florican, the Lesser Kestrel, swamp francolin, grey-headed fish eagle, kingfisher, eastern imperial eagle only to name a few. Tourists seem to enjoy this spot for it has a year-round cold climate too.

How To Reach There

By Road:

The most convenient way to reach Salim Ali National Park is by road. You can hire a taxi or use your own vehicle to travel from Srinagar to the park.
The journey takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on the traffic and road conditions.
The route typically involves taking the Srinagar-Leh Highway, and the national park is situated in the upper region of the Dachigam Valley.

By Taxi or Private Transport:

Taxis and private cabs are readily available in Srinagar for a more comfortable and hassle-free journey.
You can hire a taxi for a round trip, and the driver is likely to be familiar with the routes to Salim Ali National Park.

Public Transport:

Public buses may not be a direct option to reach the national park, but you can take a bus or shared taxi to a nearby point and then hire local transportation to reach the park.
Shared taxis or minibusses might be available from Srinagar to areas closer to the park.