Rajasthan Travel Guide

Wild Life Parks & Sanctuaries
Rajasthan is a haven for a wide spectrum of wildlife. The topography of Rajasthan ranges from the barren desert, scrub-thorn arid forests, rocks and ravines to wetlands and lush, green forests. And each of these areas houses a large variety of animal and bird life. Some of them rare while some endangered.

Rajasthan is the home of the tigers, black bucks, chinkara, the rare desert fox, the endangered caracal, the great Indian bustard, gavial, monitor lizard, wild boars, porcupine. Migratory birds like the common crane, ducks, coots, pelicans and the rare Siberian cranes, imperial sand grouse, falcons, buzzards flocks to this state during the winter months. Typical areas representing each of the ecosystems have been earmarked as special areas wildlife.

Van Vihar Wild Life Sanctuary
Van Vihar and Ramsagar, old wildlife reserves of the rulers of Dholpur spread over an area of 59.86. sq. kms, were notified as wildlife sanctuaries by the Rajasthan Government in 1955 AD. Van Vihar is about 18 kms from Dholpur and Ramsagar is another 18 kms from Van Vihar. As a matter of fact, these are actually two separate wildlife sanctuaries. Van Vihar, located on Vindhyan plateau, supports a rather open stunted growth of Dhok and Khair trees. It is inhabited by animals like Sambhar, Chital, Blue Bull, Wild Boar, Sloth Bear, Hyena and Leopard.

Tigers were present in the area till the end of the nineteen sixties. It is said that Maharaj Udaibhan Singh of Dholpur had a great liking for the wild animals of Van Vihar. He used to hand feed not only the deer and antelopes in the reserve but also animals like foxes, jackals and birds. There is an old forest rest house in Van Vihar. It was initially built by the rulers of Dholpur. It is now maintained by the forest department and can be booked in advance by contacting the Dy. Conservator of Forests, Dholpur. Ramsagar part of the sanctuary has Ramsagar Lake. The lake is very picturesque and supports rich acquatic life including fresh water crocodiles and a number of species of fishes and snakes. Water birds like Cormorants, Darter, Ibis, White-Breasted Water Hen, Moorhen, Jacanas, Stilt, River Tern, Ringed Plover, Sand Piper and Herons (grey, and purple) are quite common. During winter months, migratory ducks and geese also visit the lake in good numbers. A four wheeler vehicle is necessary if one intends to visit Ramsagar area and the lake.


Bhensrod Garh Sanctuary
A fairly new sanctuary, it was established in 1983 and covers a total area of 229 sq km of scrub and dry deciduous forest. Leopards, chinkara, sloth bear can be spotted here if one is lucky. The best time to visit is between October and May.

Darrah Sanctuary
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. The animals here include wolf, sloth bear, chinkara and leopard. The best time to visit is between February and May.

Desert National Sanctuary
Established in 1980, it is 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, spinney tail uromastix and sand fish. Thousands of sparrows, imperial sand grouse, bustards, falcons and eagles migrate here during the winter. Best time to visit is September to March.

Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary
The lake and forested hills of this reserve, 32 km from Bikaner on the Jaisalmer road, are inhabited by wildfowl, hares , wild boar, desert foxes and a number of deer and antelopes including black bucks and blue bulls. The lake at Gajner attracts water birds in thousands. Imperial sand house migrate here in winter. Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary, houses the former Hunting lodge of Bikaner and has a beautiful lake surrounded by a dense forest.

Jaisamand Sanctuary
Established in 1957,this sanctuary is located beside the man-made lake of the same name. Covering a total area of 160 sq km, it harbours sloth bear, leopard, chital, chinkara, wild boar and a number of birds. Some crocodiles and fish can also be spotted here. Best time to visit is between November and January.

Kumbhalgarh Sanctuary
The majestic fort of Kumbhalgarh overlooks the 578 sq km sanctuary. The Aravalis hills, which remain barren for most of the year, turn green rains and provide shelter to sloth bear, leopard, flying squirrel. It is also the only sanctuary where the Indian wolf is breeding successfully. Best time to visit is March to May and September to November.

Mount Abu Sanctuary
The highest point of Aravalis, the Guru Shikhar, lies in this 289 sq km sanctuary. Established in 1960, this provides shelter to the common langaur, wild boar, sambhar and leopard.. The grey jungle fowl can also be spotted here. Besides, a number of flowering threes enhance the beauty of this place.

Other sanctuaries include Sitamata, Darrah, Chambal, Tal Chapper, Jamwa Ramgarh, Kaila Devi, Ramgarh, Shergarh, Todgarh-Rad and Jawahar Sagar.