The topography of Rajasthan ranges from the barren desert, scrub-thorn arid forests, rocks and ravines to wetlands and lush, green forests. Each of these areas is a haven for a wide spectrum of wildlife, bestowing the state with some of the most fascinating wildlife sanctuaries in India.
Rajasthan is home to some of the finest national parks and wildlife sanctuaries of India including the world-famous Ranthambore National Park, Sariska National Park, Keoladeo Ghana National Park and the Desert National Park, teeming with some most rare and endangered wild animals and birds. For those looking for adventure, these wildlife sanctuaries of Rajasthan provide the kind of excitement that really makes the adrenaline flow.
On Rajasthan wildlife tour, you can visit the famous Ranthambore National Park, Sariska National Park, Keoladeo Ghana National Park and Desert National Park. Ranthambore and Sariska National Parks are known for their rich density of Tiger populations and promise better opportunities for tiger viewing. Other wildlife you can see in these national parks include Leopards, Sloth Bears, Wild Boars, Mongoose, Chinkaras, Porcupines, Monitor Lizards, Black Bucks, Antelopes, Deer and a wide variety of exotic birds.
Visit the world-renowned Keoladeo Ghana National Park also known as the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary and the Desert National Park. Famous as the "Ornithologists Paradise," Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is a World Heritage Site. The sanctuary attracts thousands of indigenous and migratory birds including the world-famous Siberian Cranes, who are special guests of the park during winters. Desert National Park near Jaisalmer is known for its unique scrub and thorny vegetations and wildlife including the Great Indian Bustard, a rare and nearly extinct bird.
The exciting wildlife safaris are other greatest attractions, which you can enjoy on your Rajasthan wildlife tour. You can enjoy a thrilling jeep or an elephant safari and make a close encounter with the wild beasts and beautiful birds in their own natural habitat. An exciting camel safari in the Desert National Park or a boat safari in Keoladeo National Park would truly be an unforgettable experience for you.
Ranthambhore National Park:
Best time to visit is October to February.
Located near the outer fringes of the Thar Desert and surrounded by the Vindhya and Aravali hill ranges, Ranthambhore National park is spread over an area of 1,334 sq km along with its nearby sanctuaries like - the Mansingh Sanctuary and the Kaila Devi Sanctuary. The park is majorly famous for its tigers and is one of the best locations in India to see the majestic predators in its natural habitat. The tigers can be easily spotted even during the day time busy at their ordinary quest- hunting and taking proper care of their young ones.Home to an exotic variety of animals in is 392 sq km area, one can spot sambhar, cheetal, wild boar, leopard, sloth bear, jackal, hyena among others.
Keoladeo Ghana National Park:
Best time to visit is August to February
Also known as Bharatpur bird sanctuary. Keoladeo National Park /wildlife Sanctuary is famous as bird's paradise, with over 380 resident and migrant species of birds, including the Common, Demoiselle and the rare Siberian Cranes. The Keoladeo Ghana National Park is also an excellent place to spot mammals like Golden Jackal, Jungle Cat, Striped Hyaena, Sambar, Fishing Cat, Nilgai, Blackbuck and wild Boar. This 29 sq km park is one of the world's greatest heronries. Its shallow, fresh water marsh attracts thousands of migratory birds. Over 10,000 nests of egrets, darters, cormorants, grey herons and storks hatch nearly 20,000 to 30,000 chicks every year. There is an infinite variety of migratory birds.
Sariska Tiger Reserve:
Best time to visit is November to June.
The park covers quite a large area of 800 square kilometers, 480 square kilometers of which form the core area of the national park. It is located among the Aravalli hill ranges in the Alwar district of Rajasthan. Sariska National Park is home to numerous carnivores including Leopard, Wild Dog, Jungle Cat, Hyena, Jackal, and Tiger. These feed on an abundance of prey species such as Sambar, Chitel, Nilgai, Chausingha, Wild Boar and Langur. Sariska is also well known for its large population of Rhesus Monkeys, which are found in large numbers around Talvriksh.
Mount Abu Sanctuary:
The sanctuary located in Mount Abu was declared as a protected area in the year 1960 and ever since then this sanctuary which is spread over the gorgeous Aravalli range of mountains has been attracting not only domestic tourists but also tourists from overseas. Mount Abu is Rajasthan's only hill station and in the days of yore it used to be the summer retreat of Rajasthan's royalty.
Apart from rich wildlife species that can be found, the sanctuary is also rich in floral biodiversity with 112 varieties of plants. Add to it the fact that some of the finest varieties of Orchids too are found at the Mount Abu Sanctuary. Also available are herbal and medicinal plants.
Bhensrod Garh Sanctuary:
Best time to plan between October and May.
A fairly new sanctuary, it was established in 1983 and covers a total area of 229 sq km of scrub and dry deciduous forest. Bhensrod Garh Sanctuary is located in Chittorgarh District of Rajasthan in India. The Bhensrod Garh Sanctuary shelters rare sloth bear, leopard, hyena, jackal, fox, spotted deer and birds in its open degraded forest areas with rocky outcrops adjoining towns, villages and Bhensrod Garh Fort.
Darrah Sanctuary:
The best time to visit is between February and May.
Previously the hunting ground of the Kota Maharajas, this sanctuary was established in 1955 and covers an area of 266 sq km. This hilly sanctuary with its thick forests is worth a visit during your travel to Rajasthan. The animals here include wolf, sloth bear, chinkara and leopard.
Desert National Sanctuary:
Best time to visit is September to March.
Established in 1980, it is a colossal park sprawling on 3162 sq km. It has shrubs and trees in addition to rolling sand dunes. The wildlife wealth here comprises fox, desert cat, hare, spiney tail uromastix and sand fish. Thousands of sparrows, imperial sand grouse, bustards, falcons and eagles migrate here during the winter.
Jaisamand Sanctuary:
Best time to visit is between November and January.
Covering a total area of 160 sq km, it harbors sloth bear, leopard, chital, chinkara, wild boar and a number of birds. Some crocodiles and fish can also be spotted here. The sanctuary is located besides an artificial lake, which is popularly referred to as Dhevar Lake. Legend has it that Rana Jai Singh constructed the Dhevar lake which is 15 ´ 10 kms. and is easily one of the largest lakes in Asia in the year 1691. He constructed the lake, which would provide a perfect backdrop for a summer retreat - "Rubi Rani Ki Mahal".
Kumbhalgarh Sanctuary:
Best time for tours here is March to May and September to November.
The Kumbhalgarh sanctuary has a bewildering array of wildlife species like leopards, hyena, sloth bear, wolf, jackal, jungle cat, hare, nilgai and the four horned antelope all of which makes Kumbhalgarh any wildlife enthusiasts dream come true. It is spread over an area of 578 sq. kms and is located at an altitude ranging from 500 to 1300 meters. The sanctuary is a mere 65 kms. from Udaipur. |
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