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Bhensrod Garh Sanctuary
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. The best
time to visit is between October and May.
Darrah Sanctuary
Previously the hunting ground of the Kota maharajas, this sanctuary
was established in 1955 and covers an area of 266 sq km. This hilly
sanctuary with its thick forests is worth a visit. The animals here
include wolf, sloth bear, chinkara and leopard. The best time to
visit is between February and May.
Desert National Sanctuary
Established in 1980, it is colossal park sprawling on 3162 sq km.
It has shrubs and trees in addition to rolling sand dunes. The
wildlife wealth here comprises fox, desert cat, hare, spinney tail
uromastix and sand fish. Thousands of sparrows, imperial sand
grouse, bustards, falcons and eagles migrate here during the winter.
Best time to visit is September to March.
Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary
The lake and forested hills of this reserve, 32 km from Bikaner on
the Jaisalmer road, are inhabited by wildfowl, hares , wild boar,
desert foxes and a number of deer and antelopes including black
bucks and blue bulls. The lake at Gajner attracts water birds in
thousands. Imperial sand house migrate here in winter. Gajner
Wildlife Sanctuary, houses the former Hunting lodge of Bikaner and
has a beautiful lake surrounded by a dense forest.
Jaisamand Sanctuary
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. Some crocodiles and fish can also be spotted here.
Best time to visit is between November and January.
Keoladeo Ghana National Park, Bharatpur
Declared a National Park in 1983, this 29 sq 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, black buck, chital, nilgai, fishing
cat, otter and mongoose also roam freely here. Best time to visit is
August to February.
Kumbhalgarh Sanctuary
The majestic fort of Kumbhalgarh overlooks the 578 sq km sanctuary.
The Aravalis hills, which remain barren for most of the year, turn
green rains and provide shelter to sloth bear, leopard, flying
squirrel. It is also the only sanctuary where the Indian wolf is
breeding successfully. Best time to visit is March to May and
September to November.
Mount Abu Sanctuary
The highest point of Aravalis, 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 threes
enhance the beauty of this place.
Ranthambore National Park
This is the states most well-known tiger reserve under
Project Tiger. Home of an expansive variety of other animals in is
392 sq km area, one can spot sambhar, cheetal, wild boar, leopard,
sloth bear, jackal, hyena among others. Artificial lakes, dense
forests and the shield of the Aravalis have helped to make this park
very impressive and interesting. Best time to visit is October to
April.
Sariska Tiger Reserve
The other tiger land 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, Todgarh-Rad and Jawahar Sagar.
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