Rajasthan surprisingly is the abode of a number of mammal and bird life such as tigers, leopards, deers, monkeys, pythons and water-birds that come here in winters. In the season time, the whole place echoes with enchanting sounds and fascinating visuals against the sprawling meadow of flora. Rajasthan is the haven of the tigers and many endangered species. Some of the famous wildlife sanctuaries and National Parks of Rajasthan are:-
Ranthambhor National Park
Stretching almost 400 square kilometres, Rajasthan’s beautiful Ranthambore National Park was once the hunting ground of the Maharajah of Jaipur.
Ranthambhor Tiger Reserve lies on the junction of Aravali and Vindhyas just 14 Kms from Sawai Madhopur in Eastern Rajasthan. Located in eastern Rajasthan, it is surrounded by the Vindhyas and Aravallis, has many artificial lakes and is home to many beautiful pavilions, palaces and the Ranthambore fort, which creates a unique backdrop to the stunning views of the barbaric nature of the wild cats here. The Rivers Chambal in the South and the Banas in the North bound the National Park.
The park is dotted with steep rocky hills and the dominating architecture of Ranthambhor Fort (built in the 10th century), adds to its landscape. The tiger is not the only attraction at Ranthambhor; although it is the one park resident people come to see. We were lucky to see several varieties of birds including these owlets peering through their burrow pictured here on the right and of course the ubiquitous langur monkey. Other animals in the reserve include leopard, caracal, hyena, jackal, jungle cat, marsh crocodiles, wild boar, bears and various species of deer.
Sariska National Park
Nestled among the Arravalis, Sariska is the closest place from Delhi where one can hope to see a Tiger in it's natural surroundings. Once the hunting grounds of the Maharajas Sariska was made into a forest reserve in 1955 and declared a National park in 1982. Sariska Palace was built in the 19th century.
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.
The Park also shelters many different species of birds including Bush Quails, Sand Grouses, Tree Pies, Golden backed Woodpeckers, crested Serpent Eagles and Great Indian horned Owls. Animal lovers would definitely love this place which will offer them some of the best scenes to remember. The best place to spot the wildlife is at the waterholes where animals come to satisfy their thirst. You can trace hundreds of birds at the Kalighati Waterhole and Nilgai can be spotted at Salupka waterhole. Sariska is also well known for its large population of Rhesus Monkeys, which are found around Talvriksh. The park is open almost whole year-round, but for wildlife viewing and your comfort it is best to visit from October to April. Safaris are provided by jeep.
Siliserh Lake is another attraction which is inhabited by crocodiles on the edge of the sanctuary.
Sariska Palace is also worth a visit, which has been converted into a heritage hotel. Besides all this, you can visit the Pandupol, a place where Bhima adjusted a stick in the rock face of a cliff to make a pathway. You can also opt for Jeep Safaris which are easily available to explore the National Reserve. Sariska National Park is an enthralling sanctuary, where you can visit the rich heritage sites and enjoy the beauty of natural world.
Keoladeo Ghana National Park
The Keoladeo Ghana National Park is one of the finest bird parks in the world. The park was originally used as hunting grounds for the royals and persons of influence, but now it is not only a national park (since 1982) but also a world heritage site. Keoladeo Ghana Natiuonal Park)is a reserve that offers protection to faunal species as well. Nesting indigenous water- birds as well as migratory water birds and waterside birds, this sanctuary is also inhabited by Sambar, Chital, Nilgai and Boar.
During the winter months the park serves as the stop-over for many local and migratory birds, with the rare Siberian Crane making its appearance occasionaly, though in the last few years, their numbers have dwindled. Over 300 species of birds are found here and raised paths, hidden by babul trees and undergrowth make viewing easy.
A quiet ride by boat in the early hours of the morning is also an unforgettable experience. There are mixed heronries on the half submerged babul trees and the cacaphony is unbelievable as painted storks, open bills, spoon bills, egrets, comorants, white ibis and multitudes of others, tend their young. Jacanas with their iridescent colours and elegant tail feathers and purple moorhen can be seen delicately treading over the floating vegetation. While harriers and fishing eagles circle overhead in search of prey, the pied kingfisher hovers dramatically over the water in a flurry of wings. There are varieties of storks and cranes and the local sarus crane is elegant in a livery of grey and red
Keoladeo, the name derives from an ancient Hindu temple, devoted to Lord Shiva, which stands at the centre of the park. 'Ghana' means dense, referring to the thick forest, which used to cover the area.
There are only two wintering places for this rare species one in Iran and the other Bharatpur and these beautiful birds with their distinctive red beaks and facial patches, fly over 6400 km from their summer retreats in Siberia, to get to them.
Keoladeo Ghana Bharatpur is open throughout the year for visitors, although winter is definitely the best time to visit. Summers are too hot and monsoons too wet for comfort, but the months between October and February are very suitable for a trip. Besides the fact that the weather’s good at this time, the park’s migratory birds arrive during the winter.
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, flocks of imperial sand grouse and many more migratory birds that houses the sprawling forest in the winters. The lake at Gajner attracts water birds in thousands. Imperial sand house migrate here in winter.
Mount Abu Sanctuary
The Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Aravali Ranges- one of the Rajasthan Regions oldest mountain ranges. It was declared a sanctuary in 1960.
The Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the oldest parts of the Mount Abu mountain ranges. The Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary is home to many sightseeing points offering fantastic views. 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.
The Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary is about 7 kilometres long and only 300 metres wide. This means that while you take the long walk down The Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary you won’t miss much on either side. It is unique in the sense that more than 250 species of birds are found here, but the speciality of the Abu sanctuary is the grey jungle fowl. The leopard sloth bear, wild boar, sambar, chinkara and langur are the other inhabitants here. A variety of fauna including highly rare, threatened and endangered species are found in this sanctuary.
The sanctuary provides an ideal habitat for Sloth Bear. The population of Sloth Bear is increasing regularly as it can be seen while going through the forests or motoring on the road. This sanctuary is so filled with the activities of birds that it is a sort of pilgrimage for bird lovers
Apart from having several sightseeing places this sanctuary is a draw for nature lovers as it has great potential for Eco-tourism.
The Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary is full of floral beauty. These forests consist of 112 plant families with 449 genera and 820 species. Of these, 663 species are dicots while 157 species are monocots. Mount Abu is the only place in Rajasthan where one can observe a variety of orchids. The place is also rich in bryophytes and algae. Three species of wild roses and 16 species of feras
The Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary
Kumbhalgarh Sanctuary 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 home to a very large variety of wild life, some of which are highly endangered speciesThe 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 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. 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.
Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary
The Sita Mata wildlife sanctuary is located in forests of bamboo and dry deciduous vegetation about 108 km from Udaipur. The Sanctuary provides rich pastures for a variety of Deer that includes the Chousingha and for Caracal wild Boar, Pangolin and Leopards. Sita Mata Sanctuary is spread over the Araveli and Vindhyachal mountain ranges and is the only forest region where teak trees of building value are found. In this sanctuary, around 50% trees are of teak. Besides these salar, tendu, amla and bamboo bel are also found in abundance. The leopard, hyena, jackal, fox, jungle cat, porcupine, spotted deer, wild bear, four - horned antelope and Nilgai are the animals found here. The most conspicuous animal of the Sita Mata sanctuary is the flying squirrel which can be seen gliding from one tree to another after sunset. Its activities are nocturnal and during the day the day it hides in the hollow. The best time to see this squirrel is between February and March at Arampura Forest Guest House, when most of the trees shed their leaves and it is easier to spot the squirrel on the branches of leafless trees.
