Jammu and Kashmir is a state in the northern part of India, which is best known for its vast and diversified wild life resources. The state is place to many renowned wildlife sanctuaries and national parks. Many wildlife sanctuaries, national park, bird sanctuaries and reserved forests can be found here. Overa Wildlife Sanctuary is one among them. Overa Wildlife Sanctuary is home to many species of wild and rare varieties of flora and fauna, which are not seen in any other parts of the world. This sanctuary has always attracted several tourists, lovers of nature and common people from many parts of the world. Overa Wildlife Sanctuary has earned international name and fame for Jammu and Kashmir and has created a special place in the wildlife map of the world.
Overa Wildlife Sanctuary – Introduction
Overa Wildlife Sanctuary is situated near Pahalgam, which is 76-km away from Srinagar. The sanctuary has spread over an area of 32.27 Sq. Km. It is a safe destination for more than 13 species of mammals and over 80 species of birds. Pheasants are the main attraction in the sanctuary. One can easily find many varieties of plant species and herbs also. The place is visited by numerous domestic and international visitors every year.
Wildlife in Overa Wildlife Sanctuary
The area is home to a number of endangered, threatened and protected species of mammals, birds and plants.The sanctuary area as distinct from the other wildlife reserves of the valley holds a rich assemblage of pheasants like the Chukar, Koklas, Monal and Himalayan Snow Cock. Other avifaunas include the jungle Crow, red billed Chough, griffon Vulture, bearded Vulture, Himalayan Whistling Thrush, Rufous-backed Shrike, Indian Mynah, etc. A variety of mammals, which are faced with the serious threat of extinction are found in the sanctuary. These include the Hangul, Langur, Leopard Cat, Leopard, Musk Deer, Rhesus Macaque and Serow. Apart from this one can also find avifauna such as Bearded Vulture, Chukar, griffon Vulture, Himalayan Snow CockHimalayan WhistlingThrush, Indian MynahJungle Crow, Koklas, Monal red billed Chough and Rufous-backed Shrike.
Overa Wildlife Sanctuary – Tourist information
Climate -Climate in the sanctuary remains cold most of the time.
Best time to visit -The best time to view mammals is from September to March. One can best view birds from March to May.
How to reach there -
By Air : Nearest railhead is Jammu (280-km).
By Rail: Nearest Airport is Srinagar (87-km).
By Road: Regular buses ply from Pahalgam located 11-km from the sanctuary. Other important places are Anantanag (40-km), and Srinagar (76-km).
