Rajasthan, Wildlife Sanctuaries
WILDLIFE SANCTUARIES - NATIONAL PARKS IN RAJAHASTHAN-INDIA
The Sariska wildlife sanctuary is about 107 kilometers from the city of Jaipur in the Indian state of Rajasthan.
Sariska was declared a sanctuary in 1995 and later in 1999 was designated as a National Park. The sanctuary is spread over 765 square kilometers.
It serves to protect some of the endangered species found in the region.
This park is home for several animals such as Leopard, Wild Dog, Jungle Cat, Hyena, Jackal, and Tiger. These feed on an abundance of prey species such as Sambar, Nilgai, Chausingha, Wild Boar and Langur.
The bird species is also well represented with a rich and varied birdlife. These include Peafowl, Grey Partridge, Bush Quail, Sand Grouse, Tree Pie, Golden backed Wood Pecker, Crested Serpent Eagle and the Great Indian Horned Owl. Jeep Safaris are recommended when visiting and they can be arranged at the forest reception office.
The best time to visit is October to May. The nearest airport is the Jaipur airport and the nearest railway station is Alwar which is about 37 kilometers from the sanctuary.
RANTHAMBORE NATIONAL PARK - RAJAHASTAN:
This is one of the most filmed wildlife parks in India and said to be one of the finest wildlife reserves in Asia. It covers approximately 390 square
kilometers of area. Ranthambore National Park is famous for its tigers that can be spotted easily during the daytime. The park is said to be the best place in the world to see wild tigers and is believed to be the only dry deciduous tiger habitats in the world.
Besides Tigers other species that inhabit the park include various species of Indian monkeys, leopards, hyenas, jackals, bears, wild boars and gazelles. The Park covers an area over 300 square
kilometers.
This area was once said to be the hunting grounds for the ruling Jaipur royal family. The park is open for visitors from October to June.
However the summer months are quite hot and unbearable for foreigners from colder climates.
The best time to visit Ranthambore is between the months of December and April. Guides at the park will tell you that March and April are the months when tiger spotting is common.
The nearest airport is Jaipur which is 145 kilometers from Ranthambore. The closest railway station is Sawai Madhopur, about 12 kilometers from the national park.
NOTE: Ranthambore national park is closed from July 1st to September 30th due to the rainy season and reopens from October 1st for visitors.
KEOLADEO GHANA NATIONAL PARK - RAJAHASTAN: Also called the
Bharatpur bird sanctuary is located about 5
kilometers from the City of Bharatpur in the Indian state of Rajasthan. The park covers an area of 29 square
kilometers.
This sanctuary is home for a large number of birds. The park is said to have over 350 species of birds.
Scores of migratory birds undertake dangerous journey over the Himalaya mountain range to make a seasonal home at this famous sanctuary.
Inhabiting this sanctuary are also a wide range of mammal and reptile species, including deer’s, jackals, blackbuck, fishing cats, otters and blue bulls.
There is a Hindu Temple in devoted to Lord Shiva also inside the Bharatpur bird sanctuary. India ’s famous luxury train the Palace on Wheels also includes a visit to this sanctuary in the 7 day tour package offered to travelers.
To move around in the park bicycles can be rented at the gate. There are also boats and buses in the park. The best time to visit the park is from October to February. The Bharatpur bird sanctuary lies between two historic cities Agra and Jaipur. The city of Agra is only about 50 Kilometers away.
KUMBHALGARH WILDLIFE SANCTUARY: - RAJAHASTAN The natural beauty of this sanctuary attracts many visitors from all over the world. The sanctuary covers an area of over 570 square kilometers at an altitude of 500 to 1200 meters.
Kumbhalgarh sanctuary is home for a large variety of wild life many of which are in the endangered list. The wildlife includes leopards, jackal, hyena, and antelope to name a few. Peacocks and Doves are spotted in large numbers. Birds like different varieties of parakeets, pigeons and kingfishers can also be spotted near the water holes.
Horse safaris are available for the sanctuary. The best time to visit the sanctuary are the months from October to June. The nearest airport to Kumbhalgarh sanctuary is about 90 kilometers in the city of Udaipur in the Indian state of Rajasthan. The nearest town is called Falna.
