Wildlife Rajasthan
Ranthambore National Park
Ranthambhore, in the state of Rajasthan, is one of the smallest Project Tiger reserves.
It's name comes from the vast fort that stands in the middle of the forest. The
name Ranthambore is derived from two hills in the area, Ran and Thanbhor. Another
version says that Ranthambhore was once called Rana Stambhapura or City of the Pillars
of War!
Sariska National Park
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.
Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur
This magnificent bird haven in actual came into being paradoxically as a duck shooting
preserve for Maharaja Suraj Mull of Bharatpur. He transformed the shallow depression
formed by the confluence of River Gambhir and River Banganga into a reservoir by
damming the rainwater in monsoons.
Mount Abu National Park
The Sanctuary comprises the oldest mountain ranges - The Aravali. It was declared
as a National Park in 1960. Apart from having several sightseeing places this sanctuary
is a draw for nature lovers as it has great potential for Eco-tourism, 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.
Bhensrod Garh National Park
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.
Darrah National Park
An erstwhile royal hunting preserve of the Maharaja of Kota, it is a thickly forested
sanctuary lying along the southeastern border of Kota. This hilly sanctuary with
thick forests is worth a visit.
Desert National Park
The Desert National Park is an excellent example of the ecosystem of the Thar Desert
and its rich fauna. The Sudashri forest post is the most ideal place for observing
wildlife in the Desert National Park.
Jaisamand National Park
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.
Kumbhalgarh National Park
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.