Overa-Aru Biosphere Reserve

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 The Best Season to Visit : 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. Sanctuary Overview The area is located at a distance of 76-kms from Srinagar to its southeast, near Pahalgam, with an area of 32 sq km.. The altitudinal range varies from 3,000 to 5,425 metros above sea level.It is famous for retaining several rare and endangered species such as the Hangul, Musk Deer, Brown Bear, Leopard, Koklas, Monal and Snow Cock. 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. Book a tour to Overa-Aru Biosphere Reserve Arriving At Overa-Aru Biosphere Reserve By Flight : 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. By Trackways : 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. By Roadways : 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. 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 Vegetation 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.