Gharana Wetland in R.S Pura

Gharana Wetland known as bird-watchers' paradise in R.S Pura, Jammu is home to thousands of migratory birds during winter season. Gharana Wetland located close to Indo-Pak border in Jammu district has been notified as a protected waterbody and declared as Important Bird Area (IBA).

Over 50 species of the bar-headed Geese, including some rare and endangered species, every year fly a distance of more than 1000 miles over the Himalayas in a single day to reach here from their breeding grounds in Central Asia and other parts of the world according to J-K Wildlife department officials.

The birds which are counted among the world's highest flying species, include Siberian hans, Keel, Grey Heron and little Grebe from New Zealand, America and Australia.

Most of the birds like Grey Key Goose, shoverier, Marclands, Poachards, Teals and Gadwal come from different places in Central Asia and Northern Europe. They migrate to Gharana to escape the harsh winters.

Migratory birds come from Siberia (Russia) which travel the distance of 2387 miles to Gharana "Wetland Reserve". The reserve, known as bird-watchers'' paradise, supports a population of 20,000 to 25,000 birds of different species during every winter with most of the species being migratory.