The state of Jammu and Kashmir is located in the northern part of India. The geographical terrain of this state is characterized by several valleys, rivers such as the Indus River and several Himalayan glaciers. The natural beauty of this state, along with various shrines and Buddhist monasteries of Ladakh draw a plethora of tourists to this state every year. Jammu and Kashmir is also blessed with national parks, which provide shelter to the flora and fauna in the state.

Salim Ali National Park
Salim Ali National Park is located in Srinagar. It is named after an Indian ornithologist namely, Salim Ali. It is spread over an area of about 9.07 141square kilometers. This park is occupied by hangul, musk deer, Himalayan black bear, leopard, Himalayan serow, paradise flycatcher, Himalayan monal, etc. This national park was turned into the Royal Springs Golf Course by Farooq Abdullah, the then Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir.

Hemis National Park
Hemis National Park is situated in the eastern Ladakh region. It was established in the year 1981and occupies a total area of about 4,400 square kilometers. One of the inmates of the park called snow leopard has made it popular. Other occupants of the park are alpine vegetation, steppe vegetation, endangered medicinal plants, Himalayan marmot, mountain weasel, etc.

Dachigam National Park
Dachigam National Park is located about 22 kilometers from Srinagar. It was established in 1981 and is spread over an area of about 141square kilometers. Coniferous forest consisting of broad leaf species, alpine pastures, meadows, scrub vegetation, etc comprise the flora of this sanctuary. This national park is well known for the animal species namely, hangul or Kashmir stag. Apart from Kashmir stag, other animals protected in the park are musk deer, leopard, Himalayan serow, etc.

Kazinag National Park
Kazinag National Park is housed in Baramulla district. This sanctuary is comprised of flora like coniferous forests with deodar, broad leaved forests, birch, horse chestnut strands, temperate scrub, sub-alpine and alpine scrub and alpine meadows. Markhor, Himalayan musk deer, Himaliyan brown bear, Himalayan black bear, etc are categorized as fauna of Kazinag National Park. Its avifaunal species include birds. Butterflies have also been traced in Kazinag.

Kishtwar National Park
Kishtwar National Park is located in the Kishtwar district. It is spread over an area of about 2100 square kilometers. Chilgoza pine, cedar, blue pine, moist temperate deciduous forest, silver fir and birch Betula utilis forest, etc comprise the flora of this national park. Himalayan snowcock and brown bear are animals which have been recorded in Kishtwar.