Rajasthan's Invitation
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Wildlife Sanctuaries in Rajasthan
Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary
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!
The Ranthambhore National Park at the junction of the Aravalis and the Vindhayas
is a unique juxtaposition of the natural and historical richness, standing
out conspicuously in the vast, arid and denuded tract of eastern Rajasthan,
barely 14 kms. from Sawai Madhopur. The elegant Ranthambhore fort called the
Jogi Mahal is now the forest rest house.
It spreads over a highly undulating topography varying from the gentle to the
steep slopes; from flat topped hills of the Vindhayas to the conical hillocks
and the sharp ridges of the Aravalis. An important geological feature the 'Great
Boundary Fault' where the Vindhaya plateaus meet the Aravali hill ranges, meanders
through the reserve. The National Park is bounded by the rivers Chambal in the
South and the Banas in the North. Pure stands of the Dhok interspersed with
open grasslands of the plateaus, six large lakes - Gilai Sagar, Mansarovar,
Malik talao, Raj Bagh and Padam Talao with in the National Park.
Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary
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.
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.
It is located in the contemporary Alwar district and is the legacy of the
Maharajas of Alwar. Pavilions and Temples within Sariska are ruins that hint
at past riches and glory. The nearby Kankwadi Fort has a long and turbulent
history.
In morning and evening, wildlife in Sariska heads towards the many water
holes, which litter the park, thus providing the guests with their best chance
of viewing game. At some of these watering holes it is possible to book hides
which are situated in prime spots for wildlife viewing.
The picturesque Siliserh Lake lies along the edge of the Sariska Tiger Reserve
and a charming hunting lodge overlooking it, is a marvelous place for visitors
to stay.
Darrah Sanctuary
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.
The animals here include Wolf, Sloth Bear, Chinkara and Leopard. This sanctuary
is stretched in the area of 250 sq Kms, almost 50 Kms from Kota. The best time
to visit is between February and May.
Desert National Sanctuary
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. Sand dunes form
less than 20 percent of the Park, which consists of craggy rocks, pavements
and compact salt lake bottoms, intermedial areas and fixed dunes.
Its inhabitants include the blackbuck, chinkara, wolf, Indian fox, desert fox,
hare and desert cat. Flights of sandfrouse start coming to waterholes from sunrise
onwards. One also hear the morning call of the grey partridge. Blue tailed and
green bee-eaters, drongos, common and bush quail and Indian rollers are birds,
which are commonly found around waterholes. the park is also home to the great
Indian Bustard which is peril of extinction.
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Wildlife Sanctuaries in Rajasthan Reservation Form
