Parks and Sanctuaries of Rajasthan
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 sandgrouse, 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,spiney 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.
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
waer 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,blackbuck,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 Aravallis 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 Spetember to November.
Mount Abu Sacntuary: The highest point of Aravallis,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 enchance the beauty of
this place.
Ranthambhor National Park: This is the state’s most well-known tiger
reserve under Project Tiger.Home of an ecpansive 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 Aravallis
have helped to make this park very impressive and interesting. Best time to
visit is Ocotber to April.
Sariska Tiger Reserve: The other tigerland 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 Nov. to June.Other sanctuaries include Sitamata, Darrah, Chambal, Tal
Chapper, Jamwa Ramgarh, Kaila Devi, Van Vihar, Ramgarh, Shergarh, Todgarh-Rad
and Jawahar Sagar.
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