The Land Of Flora & Fauna  Rajasthan offers a rich variety of flora and fauna.  Some of the finest national parks and sanctuaries are found here. The majestic predators, assured of protection, roam freely during daytime and can be seen at close encounter with 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, buzzard's flocks to this state during the winter months.  The state is enriched with two National Parks and over a dozen Sanctuaries

Keoladeo Ghana’ name signifies the location of the temple of Lord Shiva (Keoladeo) in the centre of the Park and dense (ghana) forest covering the area. It's a soggy green paradise, an ideal home for a large variety of birds. Scores of migratory species undertake a perilous journey over the Himalayas to make a seasonal home in this wetland ecosystem, the most famous of them being the magnificent but nearly extinct Siberian crane (Grus leucogeranus). This interlocking ecosystem of woodlands, swamps, wet prairies and dry Savannah is considered to be one of the world's richest heronries, where thousands of birds get busy courting, mating and nesting.

The sanctuary was initially created by Maharaja Suraj Mal, because he had some great ideas – not of conservation, but of the possibility of a constant supply of waterfowl for the royal dining table. At that time, it used to be a scrubby depression of land, seasonally enlivened by ephemeral ponds of water following the monsoons. These ponds attracted some unsuspecting migratory ducks and geese in the winter months, and so Suraj Mal decided to turn it into a permanent reservoir, the Arjun Bund. And soon, Bharatpur became one of India's most productive hunting reserves. So much so that the British officials used to vie for invitations!

The 16 square miles of marsh known as the Ghana jheel (ghana means dense, and jheel lake) hosted such grand duck shoots that no serious sportsman could afford to miss it. Colonel Sawai Brijendra Singh, a later maharaja of Bharatpur, explains: "The jheel had islands to which I constructed little roads that were wide enough for cars to take VIPs out to their butts… Each duck shoot took months to arrange and to see that VIPs were not given bad butts was like making the seating arrangement for a dinner party. At the last moment someone would say, "Sorry, I can't come", and you then had to go through the list seeing who should go into a VIP butt and who could have his place." Yet when it came to the largest bags, even Bharatpur had to give way to the imperial sandgrouse shoots at Bikaner.

Once the royal hunting preserve of the princes of Bharatpur, this 29 kms park is one of the finest bird sanctuaries in the world, inundated with 400 species of water birds. Exotic migratory birds from Afghanistan, Central Asia, Tibet as well as Siberian cranes from Arctic, graylag geese from Siberia and bar headed geese from China.  Colonies of cormorants, spoon bills, storks, egrets, herons, pelicans, ebis and grey herons can be spotted all over the park.

Ranthambore National Park's abandoned fortress, lakes and above all it's `friendly' tigers have made it one of the most filmed wildlife reserves in the world. Ranthambore was decalred a wildlife sanctuary in 1955 and became part of Project Tiger in 1973.

Ranthambore National park is famous for its tigers and is one of the best places in the country to see these majestic predators in the wild. The tigers can be easily spotted even during the day. A good time to visit between November and May when the nature of the dry deciduous forests makes sightings common. The Park which covers an area of nearly 400 sq. km. and is set between the Aravali and Vindhya ranges. Its deciduous forests were once a part of the magnificent jungles of Central India.

Situated in Eastern Rajasthan, where the Aravali Hill ranges and the Vindhyan plateau meet, the Ranthambhore National Park was once the hunting preserve of the Maharajas of Jaipur. The rivers Chambal in the South and Banas in the North bound the Ranthambore National Park.

Six man made lakes are the central focus of the park and many perennial streams criss-cross the entire park. The Ranthambore National Park has internal drainage and has no link up with any river system, even though two rivers bound the Park in it’s north and south side.

Ranthambore National Park is famous for its Tigers and is a favorite with photographers. For a relatively small area, the park has a rich diversity of fauna and flora - species list includes 300 trees, 50 aquatic plants, 272 birds, 12 reptiles including the Marsh Crocodile & amphibians and 30 mammals.

For the wildlife savvy, Ranthambore wildlife sanctuary today offers an intense diversity of flora and fauna. Tigers, the park's pride makes it one of the best places in the country to observe them. Apart from that a large numbers of Sambar, Chital, Nilgai, Gazzelle, Boars, Mongoose, Indian Hare, Monitor Lizards and a large number of birds.

The park is one of the finest tiger reserves in the country under the project tiger.  The 392 sq. kms. Park comprises of dry deciduous forests sprawling over undulating terrain of hills. Home of an expansive variety of other animals. One can spot sambhar, chital, wild boar, leopard, sloth bear, jackal, hyena among others.  The park is enriched with its beautiful lakes, attracting large number of migratory and local birds. The best time  to visit is between November and April.

This park is situated only 200 km from Delhi and 107 kms from Jaipur. Although larger than Ranthambor, 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.

It is located in the contemporary Alwar district and is the legacy of the Maharajas of Alwar. Pavilions and Temples within Sariska are ruins that hint at past riches and glory. The nearby Kankwadi Fort has a long and turbulent history.

In morning and evening, wildlife in Sariska heads towards the many water holes, which litter the park, thus providing the guests with their best chance of viewing game. At some of these watering holes it is possible to book hides which are situated in prime spots for wildlife viewing.

This is an Another excellent tiger sanctuary in a huge and thickly wooded reserve cradled in the picturesque valley of the Aravali.  The forest is 765 sq. kms.  Discovered in 1955 is an excellent tiger sanctuary under the Project Tiger. The forest of the reserve are noted for their population of rare breed of tigers,  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 and October to April.

Kumbhalgarh is just 90 kms. from Jodhpur on the Udaipur - Pali - Jodhpur road. This jungle adjoins the historical Kumbalgarh Fort and used to shield the fort from invaders. Now it protects the rare species of animals, struggling for their survival. Situated in the lush green region of Udaipur, Kumbalgarh is

Wolf-a rare sight the only sanctuary of Rajasthan, where activities of the rarely found wolf can be seen. More than forty wolves inhabit the Joba area of the sanctuary. During summer, when water becomes scarce, pack of wolves roaming around water holes is a common sight.

Is located in the most rugged of the Aravali 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 very large variety of wild life, 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. Bird 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.

The 586 sq. kms. sanctuary sporting a rich variety of wild life like the panther, sloth bear wild boar, four horned antelope and scientifically bred crocodiles in the lake are the major attractions.  The sanctuary is also known for flamingos, cormorants, spoonbills and egrets usually seen in the winter.  The majestic fort of Kumbhalgarh overlooks the sanctuary. Best time to visit is March to May and September to November.

The Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1955 and covers an area of 250 sq kms today. It was once the hunting grounds for the Maharaja of Kota before he handed it over to the government.

Today, the Darrah Sanctuary boasts of a rich wildlife population consisting of leopards, wolves, sloth bears and chinkaras. The sanctuary is also home to a number of birds and reptiles. The best time to visit Darrah is from February to May as the sanctuary sometimes remains closed from July to September.

Adventure freaks and wildlife enthusiasts can look forward to a wonderful time at Darrah. Indeed from jungle safaris to treks, there are lots to see and do at the Darrah Sanctuary. Besides, the sanctuary is also home to many rare trees and plants with medicinal values.

Visitors need to obtain permission from the forest ranger or the district forest office before entering the Darrah Sanctuary. Foreign tourists need to pay an entry fee of Rs 100 per person while it is Rs 20 per person for local visitors.
The Darrah sanctuary is spread over an area of 250 sq. kms and is strategically located 50 kms. away from the town of Kota. In the days of yore, Darrah sanctuary used to be the royal hunting ground of the erstwhile maharaja of Kota. This sanctuary is densely wooded and is spread over a hilly terrain.

The Darrah sanctuary was officially declared as a protected area in 1955. Some of the resident species of this mysterious sanctuary are wolf, cheetah, nilgai, deer and wild boar. The Forest Department runs a Rest House at Darrah sanctuary but the amenities are basic and at best sketchy.

A visit to Darrah sanctuary can be complimented by a visit to Jhalwar, which is in close proximity to the sanctuary. There is a marvelous fort but is in urgent need of restoration. The Jenana Khas is particularly very attractive and is located inside the fort. There is Jhairapatan, which is renowned for the ruins of the Sun temple which was built way back in the 10th century. A plethora of ancient temples, most of them built between the 7th - 8th centuries are located along the banks of Chandrabhaga river.

Visiting the haunting Darrah sanctuary is a very rewarding experience as it provides not only the wild side of Rajasthan but also its rich past. One has to bear in mind that the sanctuary is out of bounds to visitors from July till September.

An erstwhile royal hunting preserve, established in 1955, lying along the south-eastern border of Kota adjacent to the mountain range. The sanctuary  covers an area of 266 sq. kms. This hilly Sanctuary with its thick forests is worth a visit. The wildlife variety includes panther, wolf, sloth bear, chinkara and leopard. The best time to visit is between February and May.

The Desert National Park is located at a distance of 40kms. from Jaisalmer and exemplifies the unusual ecological biodiversity of the renowned Thar desert. The park is teeming with wildlife and some of the resident species include chinkara, hare, desert fox, black buck, wolf, desert cat to name just a few.

One of the most sought after vantage points of the park is the Sudashri watch tower from where one can observe the varied resident wildlife species of the sanctuary. The Sudashri tower offers excellent wildlife photography opportunities and you can shoot your cameras to your hearts content.

The sanctuary is also rich in avian species and you will be taken aback by the sweet melodious call of the grey patridge. Resident avian species of the sanctuary include bush quail, Indian rollers, drongos, green bee-eaters and they are usually seen frolicking in the wetland areas of the sanctuary. The piece de resistance of all the avian species is marvelous Great Indian Bustard which was once declared by avian researchers to be extinct can be seen proudly surveying the sanctuary in its own inimitable style.

The Desert National Sanctuary is also rich in reptile species. One can easily sight the highly poisonous Spiny Tail Lizard, Monitor Lizard and the Saw Scaled Viper, which are found in abundance at Desert National Park.

The Desert National Park is an excellent example of the ecosystem of the Thar desert and its diverse fauna. Sand dunes form around 20% of the Park. The major landform consists of craggy rocks and compact salt lake bottoms, inter medial areas and fixed dunes which are quite suitable for the chinkara to move at high speed. The black buck is another common antelope of this region. Its other notable inhabitants are the desert fox, Bengal fox, wolf and desert cat.

Sudashri forest post is the ideal place for observing the wildlife of Desert National Park and is the most suitable in the entire 3162 sq. kms. of this park for watching and photographing the activities of the animals from behind cover.

Birdlife in this sandy habitat is vivid and spectacular. Birds such as the sandgrouse, partridges, bee-eaters, larks and shrikes are commonly seen. Demoiselle crane and Hobard arrive in the winter. The birds of prey seen here are tawny and steppe eagles, long legged and honey buzzards, falcons and kestrels. But the most outstanding of the avifauna is the great Indian bustard. This tall, heavy bird is an epitome of confidence and grace. It is good to see five or six bustards near Sudashri water hole.

The sanctuary is dominated by rolling sand dunes and scrub covered hills. It is colossal park sprawling on 3162 sq. kms.  The prominent fauna of the park includes black buck, chinkara, desert fox and the great India bustard, comprising sand fish, sparrows, imperial sand grouse, falcons and eagles migrate here during the winter. Best time to visit is September to March.

Jaisamand sanctuary was established in the year 1957 with an area of 160 sq.kms. The Jaisamand Sanctuary is famous for deer, wild boar, panther, four horned antelope, chital, chinkara and numerous avian species.

The sanctuary is located besides an artificial lake, which is popularly referred to as Dhevar Lake. Legend has it that Rana Jai Singh constructed the Dhevar lake which is 15 ´ 10 kms. and is easily one of the largest lakes in Asia in the year 1691. He constructed the lake, which would provide a perfect backdrop for a summer retreat - "Rubi Rani Ki Mahal".

Today if one were to visit Dhevar Lake, one is sure to fall in love with this rather beautiful lake. For the adventurous tourists, there is an island in the lake where one of the most colorful tribes of Rajasthan - the Bhill tribes dwell.

Jaisamand Sanctuary is situated 50 kms south of Udaipur the picturesque city of lakes verdant valleys and hills. It is on the bank of Jaisamand Lake, the second largest artificial Lake in Asia. The sanctuary extends over an area of 52 sq kms of thick forests land.

The leopard, hyena, jungle cat, fox and wolf are among the carnivores of the sanctuary. Other wildlife here includes sambar, chital, langur and chinkara. The Jaisamand lake is the abode of crocodiles, turtles and a variety of fish. Various species of terrestrial and water-birds can also be seen here.
 
The sanctuary allows a close encounter with the rich wildlife in their natural habitat. Established in 1957 in a area of 260 kms ad joining the Jaisamand Lake. The wild home of panther, sloth bear, mongoose, chital, chinkara, wild boar and various species of migratory birds. Best time to visit is between November and January.

The sanctuary located in Mount Abu was declared as a protected area in the year 1960 and ever since then this sanctuary which is spread over the gorgeous Aravalli range of mountains has been attracting not only domestic tourists but also tourists from overseas. Mount Abu is Rajasthan's only hill station and in the days of yore it used to be the summer retreat of Rajasthan's royalty.

Rajasthan Tourism department in recent times have been making rapid strides as far as Eco-Tourism is concerned. It was being increasingly felt that the desert destinations of Rajasthan like Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur etc. .. were oversold in the international tourist market. In a bid to diversify its tourism game plan, the Mount Abu sanctuary together with Mount Abu have been strategically highlighted as an irresistible Eco-Tourism circuit and needless to say, the response has been tremendous.

The sanctuary is a biodiversity hot spot and has a rich variety of flora and fauna. Some of the resident animal species include Langoor, Hyena, Indian Civet, Wild Boar, Pangolin, Sambhar, Jungle Cat, Porcupine and Hedge hog to name just a few. In the past the sanctuary also was inhabited by lions and tigers which have now vanished. The lions in particular have moved to Gir Sanctuary in neighboring Gujrat.

Apart from rich wildlife species that can be found, the sanctuary is also rich in floral biodiversity with 112 varieties of plants. Add to it the fact that some of the finest varieties of Orchids too are found at the Mount Abu Sanctuary. Also available are herbal and medicinal plants.

The best part of visiting Mount Abu Sanctuary is that, one can experience both nature based tourism as well as pilgrim tourism at one go. Mount Abu has a plethora of temples, particularly Jain temples like Vimal Basahi, Luna Basahi and of course the magnificent Dilwara temple. Mount Abu is also a renowned place of pilgrimage for the Hindu's with temples of Achaleshwar, Adharadevi, Raghunathji and Madhuvan to name just a few.

Mount Abu Sanctuary was declared as a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1960. In shape this sanctuary is long and narrow but the top spreads out into a picturesque plateau which is about 19 km. is length and 5-8 km. in breadth. The rocks are igneous and due the weathering effect of wind and water, large cavities are common the rocks. This feature is typical of Aravali and particularly of Mt, Abu. Toad Rock in Mount Abu is one such example.

Mt. Abu is not only a sanctuary but also a fascinating hill station of Rajasthan. It is a living example of an inextricable mix of religion and tourism.

Located at the highest peak (1722 mts above the sea level) of Aravali, the Guru Shikhar lies in this 289 sq kms sanctuary. Established in 1960, provides shelter to the wild boar, sambhar and leopard. The gray jungle fowl can also be spotted here. Besides, a number of flowering trees enhance the beauty of this place. Best time to visit is between March and April.

The Gajner wildlife Sanctuary is located at a distance of 32 kms. from the town of Bikaner. In the days of yore Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary used to be royal hunting grounds of the Maharaja of Bikaner. There is a sparkling lake inside the sanctuary and in the sweltering summer months one can see a variety of wild animals that come to the lake to quench their thirst.

Apart from being a perennial favorite with the resident animal species of Gajner Wildlife sanctuary, the lake also draws a variety of avian species. The Imperial Sand Gouse is particularly conspicuous by its presence in the winter months. Truly, the sanctuary is a bird watcher's delight.

The Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a number of wild animals and some of the resident species include wildfowls, deer, antelope, nilgai, chinkara, black buck, desert foxes and wild boars to name just a few.

In the midst of densely wooded jungle and the surrounding haunting wildlife there is the elegant Gajner Palace Hotel where visitors can check-in for lodging. Apart from accommodation, the Gajner Palace Hotel regularly conducts jungle safaris which takes visitors into the deepest realms of the mysterious Gajner Sanctuary. The hotel has its own exclusive fleet of Vehicles and all jungle safaris are accompanied by an extremely knowledgeable guide who has years of experience of 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.

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