Dachigam'
literally means โTen Villagesโ, which stands for the number of villages that
were relocated to facilitate its creation. Dachigam was declared a National
Park in 1981 and since then it has been home to many rare species of animals
within its premises.
The
sunny weather indeed resonated well with our excitement and energy after a
brief rendezvous with the rain and clouds enroute. The trip began with
mandatory selfies and photos near the eye catching dummy Hangul and bulletin
boards showcasing the rich heritage, flaura and fauna of the park installed by
the wildlife department at the entrance of the park followed by exploring the
captivated animals โ Leopard, Black Bear and Brown Bear. Thereafter students
went towards the Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre followed by a visit
to Laribal Trout Fish Farm. Later on students went towards Nature
Interpretation Centre followed by a brisk trek to Numbal Beat and Mahadev Beat.
A brief halt at Wildlife Research and Training center before we started descending
the track. It seemed as if nature was on exhibition and we were the blessed
spectators.
Dachigam
national Park is extremely rich in Wild Cherry, Pear, Plum, Peach, Apple,
Apricot, Walnut, Chestnut, Oak, Willow, Poplar, Chinar, Birch, Pine and Elm knitted
a beautiful and unquestionable ecosystem of biodiversity. A well known habitat
for the Hangul (Kashmir Stag), Musk deer, Brown Bear, Leopards, Jungle Cats,
Himalayan black bear, and a few species of wild goat.
Later in
the afternoon, students were taken to picturesque Harwan Garden for recreation
and lunch which resembles a fairyland straight out of a Disney story. Set
against the backdrop of majestic mountains, the Harwan Garden offered the
DIPSITES a site of unadulterated beauty and complete nirvana. Its lush
greenery, blossoming flowerbeds, tall chinar trees and sprawling lawns make it
a prime picnic spot.
It
boasts a neat and clean concrete pathway with arched gates that are adorned
with roses. A magnificently built canal, fed from a lake just behind the
garden, passes through the center of the garden. This further enhances the
Garden's enticing appeal and angelic charm. The Harwan Garden is also
considered as the gateway to the Dachi Gam National Park and Wildlife
sanctuary. This place is also the base point for trekkers going to the Mahadev
Mountain peak.
Towards
the evening a brief yet exhilarating halt at natures own Zabarwan Park located
on the foothills of Zabarwan Mountain Range overlooking the majestic Dal lake.
It was
time for our journey back by bus. The flaura, fauna, and the far-stretching
hills of the dachigam were alluring us to revisit the place. The zig-zag
trekking routes gave us an opportunity to view nature from different angles. We
would all love to come here again to find out the unexplored spots.