Overa Wildlife Sanctuary is situated 76 km from
Srinagar, near
Pahalgam (11 km), in
Jammu and Kashmir. Spread over an area of 32 sq km, it is home to many rare, threatened and protected species of birds and mammals. Its altitude range varies from 3,000 to 5,425 m above sea level.
Overa Wildlife Sanctuary is home to about 13 species of mammals and over 80 species of birds. The main attraction of the sanctuary is its varied and magnificent species of pheasants. Major animal species found here include Kashmir Stag (Hangul), musk deer, serow, rhesus macaque, langur and leopard. Major bird species found here include Monal and
Himalayan Snowcock, jungle crow, Himalayan whistling thrush, rufous-backed shrike and Indian Hill Myna.
Best time to visit:
Birds: May to August
Animals: September to February.
For overnight stay there is a two-bedroom hut as well as a 10-bedded dormitory.
Regular buses ply from Pahalgam. Jammu Tawi Railway Station is the nearest railhead. The nearest airport is at Srinagar.
