Flora and Fauna

 

Forests

 

Kashmir is affluent in forests. Almost all the mountains are enveloped with dense forests consisting of towering masses of a variety of well-trimmed, imperial trees like Deodar, pine, fir, birch, maple, beech, hazel, wild oak, elm, poplars, walnut, willow, almond and many more.

They lend charisma and healthy scent to the atmosphere besides being an important source of revenue to the state.

 

Wildlife

 

Ibex, Snow Leopard, Musk deer, Hangul or Kashmir stag, Wolf, Markhor, Red fox, Black bear and Leopard are some of the animals found in Kashmir. The birds include ducks, goose, partridge, chakor, pheasant, wagtails, herons, water pigeons, warblers, kingfishers, swans, doves, golden eagles, black eagles, kestrels, griffon vultures and many more.

Wild flowers and herbs flourish in Alpine meadows in profusion which sustain insects and birds feed on these. This rich diversity provides a fertile field laboratory for scores of ornithologists, botanists and zoologists. On many occasions, fortunate fossil- hunters have discovered ammonites, starfish and even sharks, imprinted for eternity in the stones which confirms the original submarine existence of the region.

 

 

Chinar

 

Chinar is the King of trees in Kashmir. In Kashmir, it is known as 'Boiun', a word derived from the Sanskrit expression of 'Bhawani' or Mother Goddess who has been worshipped in Kashmir since time immemorial. Kashmiris consider it a sacred symbol of Mother Goddess due to its protective, generous nature and other divine qualities. The shade that a single tree provides in summer in Kashmir is the largest, coolest and healthiest. It also gives protection during rains. They are normally planted at places of worship and the large hollow trunks of this tree were often used as places of meditation.

A chinar grows to majestic size and grandeur as the tree withstands moisture, wind and snow storms better than other trees in Kashmir. Some trees are as old as three to four hundred years. The chinar with the largest circumference was about 400 years old and existed at a camp site in Bijbehara. One does not find any other species of chinar grow this large in size in other parts of the world, except in Kashmir.

This majestic tree is bestowed with breath-taking beauty as its leaves change colors with changing of seasons. The autumn presents an awesome sight with leaves turning into glowing reds. It seems from distance that the tree has burst into flames. Chinar is a Persian word meaning “what a fire”.

A walk over fallen dry Chinar leaves makes a nice rustling musical sound. The dry leaves are collected and burnt to make light charcoal for use in braziers or Kangris in cold winters. Chinar leaf serves as an emblem on the arts and crafts of Kashmir such as wood carving, embroidery, Gabbas, Namdas, Shawls, Papier Mache, etc.

 

 

 

 

Fruits

 

The historical and other evidence available reveal that in Kashmir fruit orchards were found in abundance from ancient times. The perfect soil, climatic conditions and environment make Kashmir the most ideal area in the world for growing temperate fruits since time immemorial. Fruits are a chief item of export and provide a good source of income of the State.

Hundreds of varieties of delicious Apples, Pears, Apricots, Plums, Peaches, Cherries, Chestnuts, Nectarines, Quinces, Grapes, Mulberries, Strawberries, Cranberries, Raspberries, Black-Berries, Musk, Water Melons, Walnuts and Almonds are produced in profusion.

In 1945, a survey depicted identification and location of 113 varieties of Apples, 62 varieties of Pears, 31 of Plum, and 14 of cherry, etc produced in Kashmir.

Apples produced in Kashmir are of superior quality in taste, juice, and crispness than those of the same varieties produced in other regions. Besides, Kashmiri apples have longer shelf life.      

Fruits are an important part of Kashmiri diet. Apart from eating raw, fruits are also cooked into appetizing dishes. Some fruits are preserved by canning or by pickling.

 

Saffron

 

Kashmir has the honor of producing the much prized saffron for ages. It finds mention in our old scriptures also. It is used for worship by Hindus, Greeks and Romans etc. It has a special scent and also imparts color to the material to which it is added.

Rajatarangini records a legend which says that the flower was given as a gift by Takhshaka Naga to the physician Waghrahaita, who lived in Pampore.

 Pampore, near Srinagar, is the only place in the world besides Spain where saffron is grown. The crocus Sativus which blooms for a brief month in the year has six golden stamens and one crimson one. It is the crimson Stamen which when collected and dried is referred to as the most expensive spice in the world. Sealed jars of this Spice, with the Government laboratory’s stamp approval, are available all over Srinagar. When buying loose saffron, sampling one strand is enough, for the flavor and fragrance of saffron are unmistakable. The plant flowers in late November. People enjoy its sight and fragrance in the moonlit night.

Wildlife sanctuaries:

Dachigam Wild Life Sanctuary- Srinagar

In former days Dachigam was a royal wild life sanctuary. It is divided into two parts, lower Dachigam and upper Dachigam. The best period for a visit to this game preserve is June-July, when one can observe in upper Dachigam brown bear and Hangul (Kashmir Stag), a near relation of the European red deer. This natural reserve is also home to over twenty mammal species including musk deer, leopards and over 150 species of birds including migratory birds. A Trout fish farm also exists in Dachigam.

There are over fifty species of trees, twenty of shrubs and five hundred species of herbs in this sanctuary.

 A glacier fed river flows in the middle and the thick forests of Dachigam present an exceptional view. It is a good spot for long walks/ trekking. It is located 20 kms away from Srinagar City. Accommodation is available in both lower and upper Dachigam.

Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve

The reserve area is located at a distance of 48-km from Srinagar, to its southwest covering an area of 180 sq kms. It is famous for retaining several rare and endangered species such as the musk deer. The main species found over here are Hangul, Brown Bear, Leopard, Black Bear and Red Fox, etc. The area holds a rich cover of vegetation, the dominant forest consisting of conifers, which account for over 90%. 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, Snow Cock, Blue Rock Pigeon, Kashmir Roller, European Hoopoe, Jungle Crow, etc.  The best season to visit for mammal viewing is September to March and for bird viewing is March to May. In Gulmarg all types of accommodation is available. There is a camping site available near the reserve area.

The Overa Wildlife Sanctuary- Pahalgam

    Overa Wildlife Sanctuary is located 76-km from Srinagar, near Pahalgam, and has an area of 32.27-sq-kms. It is home to a number of rare, threatened and protected species of birds and mammals. It sustains 13 species of mammals and over 80 species of birds. The sanctuary has acquired an outstanding position for its diverse and splendid species of pheasants. The Sanctuary is richly covered with a variety of floral complexes, which comprise mainly of conifers. Buses ply from Pahalgam (11-km) to this sanctuary. For overnight stay there is a two-bedroom hut as well as a 10-bedded dormitory.