Rajasthan amazingly has a rich wildlife and 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. Rajasthan 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, an isolated landscape with some backdrops, attract herds of species from all over to their temporary habitat that provides comfortable subsistence. In the season time, the wildlife sanctuaries and parks echo with enchanting sounds and fascinating visuals against the sprawling meadow of flora. Rajasthan is the haven of the tigers and many endangered species. Let's explore the wildlife of Rajasthan!
Ranthambhor National Park :
Ranthambhore is one of the smallest Project Tiger reserves. It's name comes from the vast fort that stands in the middle of the forest. The name Ranthambore is derived from two hills in the area, Ran and Thanbhor. Another version says that Ranthambhore was once called Rana Stambhapura or City of the Pillars of War! The Ranthambhore National Park at the junction of the Aravalis and the Vindhayas is a unique juxtaposition of the natural and historical richness, standing out conspicuously in the vast, arid and denuded tract of eastern Rajasthan, barely 14 kms. from Sawai Madhopur. The elegant Ranthambhore fort called the Jogi Mahal is now the forest rest house. It spreads over a highly undulating topography varying from the gentle to the steep slopes; from flat topped hills of the Vindhayas to the conical hillocks and the sharp ridges of the Aravalis. An important geological feature the 'Great Boundary Fault' where the Vindhaya plateaus meet the Aravali hill ranges, meanders through the reserve. The National Park is bounded by the rivers Chambal in the South and the Banas in the North. Pure stands of the Dhok interspersed with open grasslands of the plateaus, six large lakes - Gilai Sagar, Mansarovar, Malik talao, Raj Bagh and Padam Talao with in the National Park.
Sariska Tiger Reserve :
Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary, located at about 34 km from Alwar town in Rajasthan, is one of the most famous tiger reserves of India. Spread over an area of 800 sq km, the sanctuary is well nestled in the Aravali hills, which support the growth of scrub-thorn arid forests, dry deciduous forests, and grasses, making it a haven for wild animals. The sanctuary is covered under the famous Project Tiger of India as it houses a significant number of tigers. The Sariska was declared a sanctuary in 1955 and attained the status of a National Park in 1979.
Keoladeo Ghana National Park :
Keoladeo Ghana National Park is about two kilometers from Bharatpur and 50 kms from Agra. Spread over an area of 29 sq. kms, this national park was created by Suraj Mal, the Maharaja of Bharatpur, in the 19th century. It was then a renowned shooting zone. Buses from Bharatpur and other nearby cities ply on this route regularly. Inside the Keoladeo Ghana National Park, taxis and other private vehicles can be used. Mini buses and boats are also made available by the forest department for tour of Keoladeo Ghana National Park. Tour of Keoladeo Ghana National Park requires an entry permit from the Warden. The entry fee is Rs. 200 and Rs. 25 for international and domestic tourists respectively. Camera and other photographic equipment will be charged extra.
In the year 1956, Keoladeo Ghana National Park acquired the status of a bird sanctuary, and in 1982, that of a national park. In fact, Keoladeo Ghana National Park travel means visiting one of the world's best water birds preserve. The national park is listed as a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO. More than 350 species of migratory birds have their habitat at the Keoladeo Ghana National Park. Quite a few endangered species are also preserved here. The almost extinct Siberian Cranes hog most of the limelight here. Apart from the colorful and timid water birds, you will also get to see a variety of other animals during Keoladeo Ghana National Park tour.
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 plan you safari in Bhensrod Garh Sanctuary 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 during your travel to Rajasthan. The animals here include wolf, sloth bear, chinkara and leopard. The best time for Darrah Sanctuary safari is between February and May.
Desert National Sanctuary :
Established in 1980, it is a colossal park sprawling on 3162 sq km. The Desert National Park is situated in Jaisalmer district of Rajasthan close to the India- Pakistan border. The topography of the park comprises of craggy rocks, compact salt lake bottoms and vast sand dunes, which form about 20% of the Park. As the desert only supports a few type of small grasses, shrubs and xerophytic trees, the leaf cover is limited and not suitable for large herbivorous, camel being an exception. The wildlife here include the spiny- tail lizard, desert monitors, sand fish, chameleons, and snakes that include the deadly viper and krait. Other important wilds found here are chinkara, blackbuck, the desert fox, and Bengal fox among many others.
Kumbhalgarh Sanctuary :
The majestic Kumbhalgarh Fort 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 for tours here 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 trees enhance the beauty of this place.
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.
Other wildlife sanctuaries in Rajasthan include Sitamata, Darrah, Chambal, Tal Chapper, Jamwa Ramgarh, Kaila Devi, Van Vihar, Ramgarh, Shergarh, Todgarh-Rad and Jawahar Sagar.
