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Explore the
wild and adventurous side of Rajasthan through its National
Parks and Sanctuaries.
Rajasthan offers you a chance to see the Tigers in wild and some
rare spices of migrating birds..
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. Rajasthan boasts of two National Parks,
over a dozen Sanctuaries and two Closed Areas. Most of these
areas are open to visitors round the year but are closed briefly
during the monsoon.
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.
Keoladeo Ghana National Park, Bharatpur
Declared a National Park in 1983, 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. Mammals like the sambhar, black buck,
chital, nilgai, fishing cat, otter and mongoose also roam freely
here. Best time to visit is August to February.
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.
Ranthambore National Park
This is the state’s most well-known tiger reserve under Project
Tiger. Home of an expansive variety of other animals in is 392
sq km area, one can spot sambhar, cheetal, wild boar, leopard,
sloth bear, jackal, hyena among others. Artificial lakes, dense
forests and the shield of the Aravalis have helped to make this
park very impressive and interesting. Best time to visit is
October to April.
Sariska Tiger Reserve
The other tiger land in Rajasthan which was brought under
Project Tiger in 1979. Other than leopard, sambhar, nilgai, wild
dog, and chinkara, the ruins of 9th and 10th century temples
exist here. Best time to visit is November to June.
Other sanctuaries include Sitamata, Darrah, Chambal, Tal Chapper,
Jamwa Ramgarh, Kaila Devi, Van Vihar, Ramgarh, Shergarh,
Todgarh-Rad and Jawahar Sagar.
(source taken form
www.rajasthantravelguide.com)
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