Jammu and Kashmir regarded as the heaven on the earth not only known for its natural environment and scenic beauty, but also for its vast natural and wildlife resources. The state is visited by numerous visitors from many countries of the world to have a look of the natural resource available. Many people from different parts of the world come to visit these parks, wildlife sanctuaries and bird sanctuaries every year. Students, scientists, nature lovers and common tourists come to learn and see the vast reserve of wildlife and forest resource in the state. The state is ho0me to some of the best natural forest reserves and wildlife sanctuaries. Nandini Wildlife Sanctuary is one of them.
About Nandini Wildlife Sanctuary :
Located 28 kilometers away from Jammu city, Nandini Wildlife Sanctuary spreads over an area of 33.24 sq-kms. The sanctuary is named after Nandni village in Jammu. Nandini Wildlife Sanctuary is among the few places in the country that has a vast reserve of natural resources and wildlife. The sanctuary is visited by many people from various parts of the world. Pheasants are the main attraction of the place. The sanctuary is a safe heaven to many wild and endangered species of plants and animals such as Garal, Grey Langur, Leopard, Rhesus Monkey and Wildboar. One can also find a variety of birds in the sanctuary. Apart from these tourists specially come here to have a look of other animals such as Wild Boar, Barking Deer and Leopard.
Topography of Nandini Wildlife Sanctuary :
The varied topography, the idyllic surroundings, provide the perfect ambience for a large variety of wild animals. Many endangered species of animals, rarely to be sighted elsewhere, are found in the Nandini Wildlife Sanctuary. Words fail to describe the thrill and delight of watching many exotic animals ambling about in this stunning environs.
What to see at Nandini Wildlife Sanctuary :
The stunning environs, the diverse topography, the sylvan surroundings, create the right ambience for a large variety of wild animals. No doubt this wildlife park boasts of many endangered species of animals and birds to be rarely seen elsewhere.
Animals: Some of the animals to be sighted in this sanctuary include the porcupine, common leopard, wild boar, rhesus monkey, bharal, goral, Indian fox, barking deer, grey langur, civet cats( two species),hare, mongoose, five-striped squirrel etc.
Birds: If you are a bird lover there is a bagful of attractions for you too. A significant population of pheasants can be found here along with blue rock pigeon, bee-eaters, the Babblers, Indian mynah, great jungle fowl, chakor etc. A great attraction of the park is the Indian pea fowl and the Kalij pheasant. It is absolutely a treat to watch these winged creatures dotting the sky or perched in tree tops.
Wild Life in Nandini Wildlife Sanctuary:
Nandini Wildlife Sanctuary is home to many wild animals such as Barking Deer, Goral, Leopard and Wild Boar, Black Partridge, Blue Rock Pigeon, Green Pigeon, Grey Partridge, Peafowl, Red Jungle Fowl and Rufus Turtle Dove. Also there are a variety of birds such as birds such as Blue Rock Pigeon, Chakor, Chir Pheasants, Indian Mynah, Peafowl and Red Jungle Fowl. The sanctuary also serves as a reserve for different rarest of the rare plant species.
The Park Ecosystem :
There are about eight mammal species in the whole sanctuary area. The main species are Leopard, Wildboar, Rhesus Monkey, Garal, Grey Langur, etc. The common birds found over here are Indian Mynah, Blue Rock Pigeon, Peafowl, Red Jungle Fowl, Chir Pheasants, Chakor, etc.
Arriving At Nandini Wildlife Sanctuary :
By Air:- The nearest Airport at Jammu which is 28 Km from the Nandini Wildlife Sanctuary.
By Rail:-The nearest Railway Station is at Jammu which is 26 Km from the animal reserve.
By Road:- Buses are available from Jammu and Srinagar to reach the Nandini Wildlife Sanctuary which is 274 Km away from it.
Location : 28 kms from Jammu
Area Covered : 33.24 sq kms
Attraction : Pheasants
Bird Viewing :March To May
Best Time to Visit : September to March for Mammal Viewing