Tourism - Sanctuaries, Park and Reserves
In spite of a comparatively hostile terrain, Rajasthan surprisingly is the abode of a number of mammals and birds. Its vast size and latitudinal variations above the sea level of 1,700m provides it with varied vegetation. It provides semi green forests of Mount Abu to dry grasslands of the desert, and from the dry deciduous thorn forest of Aravali to wetlands of Bharatpur.The sanctuaries attract herds of species from all over to their temporary habitat that provides comfortable subsistence. During the season, the whole place echoes with enchanting sounds and fascinating visuals against the sprawling meadows of flora. Rajasthan is the haven of the tigers and many endangered species.
Ranthambhore National Park, once a princely game conserve is the scene where the celebrated Indian tigers are best seen. Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve lies on the junction of Aravali and Vindhyas just 14 Kms from Sawai Madhopur in Eastern Rajasthan. It sprawls over a varying and undulating landscape. The scenery changes dramatically from gentle and steep slopes of the Vindhyas to the sharp and conical hills of the Aravali. A tenth century fort also blends amicably with the background. Pure sands of Dhok (Anogeissus pendula) interspersed with grasslands at the plateaus, meadows in valleys and luxuriant foliage around the canals make the jungle. Three big lakes – Padam Talab (meaning Lake), Malik Talab and Raj Bagh – are similar turquoises studded in the vast forest that abounds with aquatic vegetation including duckweeds, lilies and lotus.
This park is situated only 200 km from Delhi and 107 kms from Jaipur. Although larger than Ranthambhor, it is less commercialised and has less tigers but a similar topography. It covers an area of 800 sq km in total, with a core area of approximately 500 sq km. The Northern Aravali Hills dominate the skyline with their mixture of sharp cliffs and long narrow valleys. The area was declared a sanctuary in 1955 and became a National Park in 1979.The landscape of Sariska comprises of hills and narrow valleys of the Aravali hill range. The topography of Sariska supports scrub-thorn arid forests, dry deciduous forests, rocks and grasses. The broad range of wildlife here is a wonderful example of ecological adoption and tolerance, for the climate here is variable as well as erratic.
An erstwhile royal hunting preserve of the Maharaja of Kota, it is a thickly forested sanctuary lying along the southeastern border of Kota. This hilly sanctuary with thick forests is worth a visit.The animals here include Wolf, Sloth Bear, Chinkara and Leopard. This sanctuary is stretched in the area of 250 sq Kms, almost 50 Kms from Kota. The best time to visit is between February and May.
Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary is situated 5 kms in the west of tourist city Udaipur, which surrounds the Sajjangarh Palace overlooking Udaipur City. From the palace, one can have a magnificent view of lakes of Udaipur and Aravalli hill ranges. The view of sunrise and sunset attracts every visitor atop of Bansdara hill.Safari Park was created and wild animals like Chital, Sambar, Wild Boar, and Blue Bull were reintroduced. Animals like Panther, Hyena, Hare and Jackal have reappeared apart from variety of reptiles and birds. The wall extended further and now the entire hillock has been fenced, improving the vegetal cover of the sanctuary area.
Is located in the most rugged of the Aravalli hills in Pali, Rajsamand and Udaipur districts of Rajasthan. It takes name after the impressive historic fort of Kumbhalgarh, which come into view over the park. It is 578 sq Kms in area and at an altitude of 500 to 1,300m. It is home to a large variety of wildlife, some of which are highly endangered species. The wild life includes wolf, leopards, sloth bear, hyena, jackal, jungle cat, ‘smabhar’, ‘nilgai’, ‘chaisingh’ (the four horned antelope), ‘chinkara’ and hare.
The Desert National Park is an excellent example of the eco-system of the Thar Desert and its rich fauna. The Sudashri forest post is the most ideal place for observing wildlife in the Desert National Park. Sand dunes form less than 20 per cent of the park, which consists of craggy rocks, pavements and compact salt lake bottoms, inter-medial areas and fixed dunes.Its inhabitants include the blackbuck, chinkara, wolf, Indian fox, desert fox, hare and desert cat. Flights of sand-grouse start coming to waterholes from sunrise onwards. One can also hear the morning call of the grey partridge. Blue tailed and green bee-eaters, common and bush quail and Indian rollers are birds, which are commonly found around waterholes. The park is also home to the great Indian bustard – the state bird of Rajasthan. To visit the Desert National Park enclosure at Sudhasari, prior permission is required from the Desert National park office and office of the District Magistrate, Jaisalmer.
The sanctuary comprises the oldest mountain ranges - The Aravallis. It was declared as a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1960. Apart from having several sightseeing places, this sanctuary is a draw for nature lovers. It has great potential for eco-tourism. In shape, this sanctuary is long and narrow but the top spreads out into a picturesque plateau which is about 19 km in length and 5-8 km in breadth. Altitude-wise, it varies from 300m at the base to 1722m at Gurashikhar, the highest peak of the Aravali Ranges. The rocks are igneous and due to the weathering effect of wind and water, large cavities are common in the rocks. This feature is typical of the Aravalis and particularly of Mt. Abu. Toad Rock in Mount Abu is one such example.The sanctuary is rich in herbal medicinal plants also. About 81 species of trees, 89 species of shrubs, 28 species of climbers and 17 species of tuberous plants of medicinal importance have been identified.
In the forests having bamboo and dry deciduous vegetation, 108 km from Udaipur, this sanctuary provides rich pastures for a variety of deer that includes the Chousingha. Beside this it also provides homes to Caracal wild Boar, Pangolin and Leopards.
This magnificent bird haven in actual came into being paradoxically as a duck shooting preserve for Maharaja Suraj Mal of Bharatpur. He transformed the shallow depression formed by the confluence of river Gambhir and river Banganga into a reservoir by damming the rainwater in monsoons. Flooding of water created shallow wetland ecosystem causing it to be a perfect habitat for an astounding variety of birds. The park that was a hunting preserve for the Maharaja and the British continued to be so till 1964, after which hunting was banned.
The leopard also called the panther here is found in forests and in open degraded forest areas with rocky outcrops adjoining towns and villages. The sneaky predator finds easy prey of unsuspecting village dogs, asses, calves and goats. There five lesser cats besides the two big cats. Besides a host of fauna there is a handsome variety of avian life too. Wetlands at Koeladeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary at Bharatpur are a bird watcher’s delight.
Ranthambhore National Park
Ranthambhore National Park, once a princely game conserve is the scene where the celebrated Indian tigers are best seen. Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve lies on the junction of Aravali and Vindhyas just 14 Kms from Sawai Madhopur in Eastern Rajasthan. It sprawls over a varying and undulating landscape. The scenery changes dramatically from gentle and steep slopes of the Vindhyas to the sharp and conical hills of the Aravali. A tenth century fort also blends amicably with the background. Pure sands of Dhok (Anogeissus pendula) interspersed with grasslands at the plateaus, meadows in valleys and luxuriant foliage around the canals make the jungle. Three big lakes – Padam Talab (meaning Lake), Malik Talab and Raj Bagh – are similar turquoises studded in the vast forest that abounds with aquatic vegetation including duckweeds, lilies and lotus.
Sariska Tiger Reserve
This park is situated only 200 km from Delhi and 107 kms from Jaipur. Although larger than Ranthambhor, it is less commercialised and has less tigers but a similar topography. It covers an area of 800 sq km in total, with a core area of approximately 500 sq km. The Northern Aravali Hills dominate the skyline with their mixture of sharp cliffs and long narrow valleys. The area was declared a sanctuary in 1955 and became a National Park in 1979.The landscape of Sariska comprises of hills and narrow valleys of the Aravali hill range. The topography of Sariska supports scrub-thorn arid forests, dry deciduous forests, rocks and grasses. The broad range of wildlife here is a wonderful example of ecological adoption and tolerance, for the climate here is variable as well as erratic.
Darrah Sanctuary
An erstwhile royal hunting preserve of the Maharaja of Kota, it is a thickly forested sanctuary lying along the southeastern border of Kota. This hilly sanctuary with thick forests is worth a visit.The animals here include Wolf, Sloth Bear, Chinkara and Leopard. This sanctuary is stretched in the area of 250 sq Kms, almost 50 Kms from Kota. The best time to visit is between February and May.
Sajjangarh
Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary is situated 5 kms in the west of tourist city Udaipur, which surrounds the Sajjangarh Palace overlooking Udaipur City. From the palace, one can have a magnificent view of lakes of Udaipur and Aravalli hill ranges. The view of sunrise and sunset attracts every visitor atop of Bansdara hill.Safari Park was created and wild animals like Chital, Sambar, Wild Boar, and Blue Bull were reintroduced. Animals like Panther, Hyena, Hare and Jackal have reappeared apart from variety of reptiles and birds. The wall extended further and now the entire hillock has been fenced, improving the vegetal cover of the sanctuary area.
Kumbhalgarh Sanctuary
Is located in the most rugged of the Aravalli hills in Pali, Rajsamand and Udaipur districts of Rajasthan. It takes name after the impressive historic fort of Kumbhalgarh, which come into view over the park. It is 578 sq Kms in area and at an altitude of 500 to 1,300m. It is home to a large variety of wildlife, some of which are highly endangered species. The wild life includes wolf, leopards, sloth bear, hyena, jackal, jungle cat, ‘smabhar’, ‘nilgai’, ‘chaisingh’ (the four horned antelope), ‘chinkara’ and hare.
The bird life at Kumbhalgarh is also gratifying. The normally shy and untrusted grey jungle fowl can be spotted here. Peacocks and doves can be sighted regularly feeding on grains scattered by the jungle guards. Birds like the red spur owls, parakeets, golden oriole, grey pigeons, bulbul, dove and white breasted kingfisher can also be seen near the water holes.Kumbhalgarh’s natural beauty is attracting many tourists and especially for its accessibility from Udaipur, which is 100 Kms from here. Foot tracking and horse safari organised by local tour operators are proving to be very popular. A typical safari route enters the sanctuary from the Kumbhalgarh Fort and cutting across the sanctuary it reaches Ghanerao, and then borders an old abandoned road. On this road, one can sight ‘chinkaras’, ‘neelgais’, four horned antelope and many birds.
Desert National Park
The Desert National Park is an excellent example of the eco-system of the Thar Desert and its rich fauna. The Sudashri forest post is the most ideal place for observing wildlife in the Desert National Park. Sand dunes form less than 20 per cent of the park, which consists of craggy rocks, pavements and compact salt lake bottoms, inter-medial areas and fixed dunes.Its inhabitants include the blackbuck, chinkara, wolf, Indian fox, desert fox, hare and desert cat. Flights of sand-grouse start coming to waterholes from sunrise onwards. One can also hear the morning call of the grey partridge. Blue tailed and green bee-eaters, common and bush quail and Indian rollers are birds, which are commonly found around waterholes. The park is also home to the great Indian bustard – the state bird of Rajasthan. To visit the Desert National Park enclosure at Sudhasari, prior permission is required from the Desert National park office and office of the District Magistrate, Jaisalmer.
Mount Abu
The sanctuary comprises the oldest mountain ranges - The Aravallis. It was declared as a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1960. Apart from having several sightseeing places, this sanctuary is a draw for nature lovers. It has great potential for eco-tourism. In shape, this sanctuary is long and narrow but the top spreads out into a picturesque plateau which is about 19 km in length and 5-8 km in breadth. Altitude-wise, it varies from 300m at the base to 1722m at Gurashikhar, the highest peak of the Aravali Ranges. The rocks are igneous and due to the weathering effect of wind and water, large cavities are common in the rocks. This feature is typical of the Aravalis and particularly of Mt. Abu. Toad Rock in Mount Abu is one such example.The sanctuary is rich in herbal medicinal plants also. About 81 species of trees, 89 species of shrubs, 28 species of climbers and 17 species of tuberous plants of medicinal importance have been identified.
Sita Mata Sanctuary
In the forests having bamboo and dry deciduous vegetation, 108 km from Udaipur, this sanctuary provides rich pastures for a variety of deer that includes the Chousingha. Beside this it also provides homes to Caracal wild Boar, Pangolin and Leopards.
Keoladeo Ghana National Park
This magnificent bird haven in actual came into being paradoxically as a duck shooting preserve for Maharaja Suraj Mal of Bharatpur. He transformed the shallow depression formed by the confluence of river Gambhir and river Banganga into a reservoir by damming the rainwater in monsoons. Flooding of water created shallow wetland ecosystem causing it to be a perfect habitat for an astounding variety of birds. The park that was a hunting preserve for the Maharaja and the British continued to be so till 1964, after which hunting was banned.
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