Rajasthan is the home of tigers, black bucks, chinkara, the rare desert fox, the end angered caracal, the great Indian bustard, gavial, monitor lizard, wild boars, porcupines... Migratory birds like the common crane, ducks, coots, pelicons & the rare Siberian Cranes, imperial sandgrouse, falcons, buzzards... flock to this state during the winter months. Typical areas representing each of the ecosystem have been earmarked as special areas for the protection and management of wild life. Rajasthan boasts of two National parks, over a dozen sanctuaries and two closed areas. Most of these areas are open to visitors round the year but are closed briefly during the monsoon.
A fairly new sanctuary, it was established in 1983 and covers a total area 229sq km of scrub & dry deciduous forest leopards, chinkara, sloth, bear can be spotted hare if one is lucky. Best time to visit is between October and May.
Previously the hunting ground of the Kota maharajas, this santuary was established in 1955 and covers an area of 266sq km. This hilly sanctuary with its thick forest is worth a visit. The animals here include wolf, sloth bear, chinkara and leopard. Best time to visit is between February and May.
Established in 1980, it is colossal park sprawling on 3160sq km. It has shrubs and trees in addition. To rolling send dunes. The wild life welth here comprises fox, desert cat, hare, spiney tail uromastix and sandfish. Thousands of sparrows, imperial sand grous, bustards falcons, end eagels mygratehere during the winter. Best time to visit is September to March.
Established in 1957, this sanctuary is located beside the man-made lake of the same name. Covering a total area of 160sq km. it harboure sloth bear, leopard, chital, chinkara, wild boar and fish can also be spotted here. Best time to visit is between November and january.
Declared a National Park in 1983, this 29sq km park is one of the worlds greatest heronries. Its shallow,fresh water marsh attracts thousands of migratory birds.Over 10,000 nests of egrets, darters, cormorants, grey herons and storks hatch nearly 20,000 to 30,000 chicks every year. There is an infinite variety of migratory birds. Mammals like the sambhar,blackbuck,chital,nilgai,gishing cat,otter and mongoose also roam greely here. Best time to visit is August to February.
The majestic fort of kumbhalgarh overlooks the 578 sq km sanctuary. The Aravallis hills,which remain barren for most of year,turn green during rains and provide shelter to sloth bear,leopard,flying squirrel. It is also the only sanctuary where the Indians wolf is breeding successfully. Best time to visit is March to May and September to November.
The highest points of the Aravallis,the Guru Shikhar, lies in this 289 sq km sanctuary. Established in 1960, this provides shelter to the common langaur,wild boar,sambhar and leopard. The grey jungle fowl can also be spotted here.Besides,a number of flowering trees enhance the beauty of this place. Best time to visit is March to June.
This is the state's most well-known tiger reserve under Project Tiger. Home of an expansive variety of other animals in its 392 sq km area,one can spot sambhar,cheetal,wild boar,leopard,sloth bear,jackal,hyena among others.Artificiallakes,dence forests and theshield of theAravallis have helped to make this park very impressive and interesting. Best time to visit is October to April.
The other tigerland in Rajasthan which was brought under Project Tiger in 1979.Other than 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.
Other sanctuaries include Sitamata, Darrah, Chambal, Tal Chapper, Jamwa Ramgarh, Kaila Devi, Van Vihar, Ramgarh, Shergarh, Todhgarh-Rad and Jawahar Sagar.