Rajasthan – ‘the Land of Kings’ – is truly a king amongst the lands! Whether it is for Eco-tourism, Wildlife Sanctuaries or Tourism in spirituality, this state remains a peerless destination for tourists of all kinds. It stands amongst the top tourist spots in the Indian subcontinent also among the bulk of foreign tourist spots as well. Of course, all the national parks beautify Rajasthan with its numerous wildlife animals and birds. Though all National Parks in Rajasthan are famous for their authenticity and uniqueness, there are some special ones which you must not fail to visit during the tour.
1. Ranthambore National Park
Spread over an area of 282 sq. km. Ranthambore is currently serving as a national park, but it had been primarily established as the Sawai Madhopur Game Sanctuary by the Government of India in 1955. The park is a shelter to the Bengal Tigers. Not to mention, it has become a sought after place in India for tourists watching a glimpse of this majestic animal in its natural habitat.
Location: Sawai Madhopur, India
Best Time to Visit: Pick season to see animals in the park is from November to May.
Fees: Costs between INR 900 to INR 1,400 per person for the safari ride.
2. Keoladeo National Park
Approximately 250 species of animals happen to reside there while thousands of bird species including well-known Avifauna and Siberian Cranes migrate here during the winter or cold season. The park is home not only to various kinds of mammals like Golden Jackals, Striped Hyenas, Fishing Cats but also to Jungle Cats, Nilgai, Sambar, Blackbucks and Wild Boar and many others. Large and heavy pythons are also visible sometimes hibernating during the cold season.
Also Read: 11 Stunning Bird Watching Sites In Rajasthan You Must Visit
Location: Bharatpur city is nearest to the sanctuary
Best time to visit: Best time to visit Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is from October till March.
3. Sariska Tiger Reserve
Long before, Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary was known as Sariska Tiger Reserve. This exotic park is a shelter to a large variety of animals including the Bengal Tiger, the protected Nilgai, Cheetah, Wild Boars, majestic Sambars, Indian Leopards, Jungle Cats, Mongoose and Monkeys. Sariska Tiger Reserve is also a shelter to a various number of rare fauna including white-throated Kingfishers, Indian Peafowl, Partridge, golden-backed Woodpecker and many others.
Location: Alwar district of Rajasthan
Timings: From 6 AM to 3:30 PM.
Best Time to Visit: From October till the end of May
Fees: For Indians – INR 80 /- per person; for Foreign tourists – INR 470 /- per person; Video Camera – INR 400 /- surcharge.
4. Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary
This wildlife sanctuary is located in the Aravali Mountain Ranges – the oldest mountains ranges in India. As a matter of fact, these ranges have become home to the most endangered species of Jackals and Hyena are found here in this sanctuary. A heavy range and large variety of animals like Hedgehogs, Indian Fox, common langur, mongoose and wild boar are also found here in abundance.
Timings: opens from 9.00 AM to 5.30 PM every day.
Location: The nearest city is Mount Abu.
Best Time to Visit: October to March are ideal months to arrive.
Fees: INR 300 per person for 3 to 4 hours to complete.
5. Chinkara Desert National Park
This national park of Rajasthan is situated in the Thar Desert. The extended part of the wildlife includes Black Bucks, Wolves, Indian Bustards, Desert Foxes, etc. Larks, Demoiselle Cranes, Falcons, Sandgrouse, Partridges, Tawny Eagles, Houbara Bustards, and Bee-Eaters are some of the most seen and usually found birds. One can also see Bengal Foxes, Desert Foxes, Monitor Lizards, and Blackbucks which are a few other extinct wildlife species.
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Timings: 10:00 AM to 05:00 PM daily; except on Sundays.
Location: The nearest city is Jaisalmer.
Best Time to Visit: November to March.
Fees: INR 100 per person, INR 100 for Jeep Safari (per person) and INR 200 surcharge for Guide.
6. Darrah National Park
Darrah National Park originated in 2004 and comprises 3 wildlife sanctuaries in Rajasthan – Chambal Wildlife Sanctuary, Jawahar Sagar Sanctuary and Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary. The various varieties of species one can get to see are Panther, Wolf, Deer, Wild Boar, Sambar, Leopard, Sloth Bear, and Chinkara.
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Timings: 10 AM to 5 PM.
Location: The nearest city is Kota.
Best Time to Visit: October to March.
Fees: 20 INR for Indians and 100 INR for Foreigners.
7. Sambhar Lake Wildlife Sanctuary
Sambhar Lake Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the Jaipur district. Spread over 190 sq-km, it is the biggest saline lake of India and also one of the best national parks located in Rajasthan. It is the shelter to different avifauna like black-headed gulls, flamingoes and Northern Shoveller. Also other 45 species of water birds such as shorebirds and geese, ducks enjoy the soothing weather of Sambhar lake.
Best Time to Visit: October to March.
Location: Nearest city is Jaipur.
Explore: 7 Lakes In Rajasthan That You Need To Visit
Large numbers of National Parks in Rajasthan are the centre of attraction for tourists, scientists and researchers. Rajasthan is a land of exuberant and reverberating palaces and forts. But equally famous for its exquisite flora and fauna which worth falling for.
Follow Rajasthan Studio on Instagram for more amazing art and travel content. Reach out to us on email at contact[at]rajasthanstudio[dot]com. This blog is curated by Rajasthan Studio and written by Hitanshi shah.
