Overa-Aru Wildlife Sanctuary

Overa-Aru Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected nature reserve in Anantnag district featuring mountainous terrain with dense forests, open meadows, lakes, and glaciers spread across about 511 square kilometers. The landscape varies with elevation, creating diverse habitats within the Lidder Forest Division.

The area began as a game reserve during Dogra Rule around 1945 and was officially designated as a wildlife sanctuary in 1981. This shift marked the transition from hunting grounds to a protected conservation area.

Local communities have practiced forestry and herding in the surrounding areas for generations, maintaining deep ties to the land and its resources. These traditional ways shape how people see and interact with the natural landscape today.

Access is best from May to September when weather conditions allow hiking and wildlife watching. Plan a visit during these months to explore the sanctuary and observe animals in their habitat.

The sanctuary is home to 117 bird species including the endangered western tragopan and provides habitat for the Kashmir stag, one of the world's rarest mammals. These particular inhabitants make it an important focus for wildlife conservation efforts.