Rajasthan Wildlife

Rajasthan is a paradise for an entire gamut of wildlife. Its widespread dimensions and latitudinal divergence above the sea level of 1,700m offers it with varied vegetation. Rajasthan enjoys the topography of barren desert, scrub-thorn arid forests, rocks and ravines of Aravali, wetlands of Bharatpur and lush green forests of Mount Abu. Each of these regions treasures a immense melange of animal and avian life including reptiles, some of these species are highly endangered and been preserved well in the wildlife sanctuaries.

Rajasthan Wildlife Sanctuaries are a confined panorama with some horizon that magnetizes wildlife from all over to their transitory territory that renders easeful existence. The entire region echoes with amusing noises and delightful scenes conglomerate with the reclining meadows of flora.

Rajasthan sanctuaries are the abode to the tigers and many endangered species. Besides tigers it also treasures black bucks, chinkara, the rare desert fox, the great Indian bustard, monitor lizard, wild boars, porcupine. Migratory birds like the common crane, ducks, the rare Siberian cranes, falcons and buzzard's flocks are the great source of attraction during the winter season. Rajasthan boasts of two National Parks, over a dozen Sanctuaries and two Closed Areas. These Wild life Sanctuaries and Parks can be visited through out the year but are closed briefly during the monsoon.

Keoladeo Ghana National Park, Bharatpur
Declared a National Park in 1983, this 29 sq. km park is one the shooting reserve of royal family. It is perhaps the most spectacular water-bird sanctuary and also a World Heritage Site in India. One can drive about 3km.from the Bharatpur town to this radically bewitching bird sight.

Main attraction
Over 353 species of birds lives and breed within the forests of Bharatpur. The terrestrial birds are grey partridge, red wattle lapwing, common quail, egrets, and cormorants, grey herons, sarus crane, rosy headed pelican and highly endangered Siberian crane. There are also numerous reptiles and mammals like spotted deer, sambar, nilgai, porcupine, python and wild boar.

Easy accessibility to the park is through boat safari that gives one a closer panorama to these amusing creatures. Personal vehicles are not permissible within the sanctuary, to roam around one has to hire a rickshaw or move around on foot.

Best time to visit : August to February Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is eminent for rare avian species
Ranthambhor National Park
Ranthambor National Park is a one of the most famous Tiger Reserve under Project Tiger. The national park nestles in the foothills of Aravalli Ranges is an exquisite amalgam of the spectacular natural splendor of desert with green meadows that makes it a prefect tourist destination.

Main Attractions
There are about 25 tigers and 40 leopards in the reserve. The Park consists of 272 species of birds and reptiles including the marsh crocodile and amphibians. Besides tigers a large population of Sambar, Chital, Nilgai, Mongoose, Indian Hare, Monitor Lizards and boar and chinkara. The park is extended over an area of 392 sq. Km has a copious variety of water bodies and birds that includes great Indian horned owl, eagle, tapered serpent, quail, and paradise flycatcher. Black stork, necked stork can also be seen near the water holes.
Best time to visit : October to April.
Sariska Wild Life Sanctuary Tiger Reserve
Sariska a tiger reserve of Rajasthan has been brought under Project Tiger in 1979. Sariska wildlife Sanctuary full of Indian wild life treasures is a core attraction of Alwar town in Rajasthan situated in the northwestern part of India. The Sanctuary is spreads over an area of 429 sq. km and has a hilly terrain.

Main Attractions
Best known for its great Tiger Reserves, Sariska is also inhabited by numerous wild species, the prominent carnivores are Chitel, Leopard, Hyena, Jackal, Wild Boar, Sambar, Nilgai, Barasinga (antelope), Jungle Cat, Wild Dog, Langur.
Besides these mammals, there is a treasure of avian world with exotic and diverse water birds, it includes Crested Serpent Eagle, Great Indian Horned Owl, Peafowl, Grey partridge, Golden back Wood Pecker and lot more.
Best time to visit : November to June.

Mount Abut Sanctuary
The sanctuary is extended over an area of 289 sq. Km abode the "Guru Shikhar", the highest point of Aravali Ranges. This wildlife sanctuary was established in 1960, and offers harborage to the common langaur, wild boar, sambhar and leopard. The Grey jungle fowl can also be spotted here. The region also enjoys the beautiful terrain with ravishing picturesque environ.

Jaisamand Sanctuary
The sanctuary was established in 1957 and is located at the bank of Jaisamand Lake covering a total area of 160 sq. Km.
The main attractions are : sloth bear, leopard, chital, chinkara, wild boar and a number of birds. It also has rich variety of reptile population like crocodiles and fish can also be spotted in the lake. Best time to visit: between November and January.

Kumbhalgarh Sanctuary
The sanctuary is spread over an area of 578 sq. km encompassing a colossal fort of Kumbhalgarh. During the raining season the Aravallis hills adorned with lush green meadows due to good amount of rainfall.
Main attraction: the sanctuary provides shelter to sloth bear, leopard, and flying squirrel. It is also the only sanctuary where the Indian wolf is breeding successfully.
Best time to visit: March to May and September to November.

Mode of Transport
Rajasthan is well linked by Air, Rail and Road transport to other parts of India. Regular bus services are available to nearby states, trains and flights connect the state to remote locations. There are regular flights and trains from Delhi. Mumbai and from other major cities in India to Rajasthan.