Rajasthan is a culturally rich state in India. Tourists from all over the world love its traditional food, clothes, festivals, and its beautiful handicrafts. But apart from this, the state is also extremely famous for its natural beauty and rich wildlife. This can be depicted in its sanctuaries that boast flora and fauna. It is home to 25 wildlife sanctuaries that are adequately spread across different regions. Through this blog, we will have a closer look at the top 10 wildlife sanctuaries in Rajasthan that cover a huge area of around 5380 sq. km. You can spot animals like Royal Bengal Tigers, Chinkaras, Black Bucks, Hyenas, Leopards, Crocodiles, and even rare birds like the Great Indian Bustard and Spotted Eagles. So, let’s dive straight into the blog.
List of Top 10 Wildlife Sanctuaries in Rajasthan
Every sanctuary in the Rajasthan Wildlife Sanctuary list has its own charm and wildlife offerings. These sanctuaries come across as one of the leading destinations for all nature enthusiasts as well as wildlife photographers. Here are some of the key names:
1. Sariska Tiger Reserve: Alwar District
Sariska Tiger Reserve is located around 107 km from Jaipur. Established in the year 1992, this wildlife sanctuary is well-recognized for its tigers and diverse terrain that comprises forests and hills. It covers an area of 881 sq. km and one can have sight of animals like Jungle Cats, Hyenas, Civets, and unique birds such as Sand Grouse and Indian Peafowl. The best time to visit this reserve is from October to June. The entry fee is around ₹20 (Indian) and ₹100 (Foreigner).
2. Ranthambore National Park: Sawai Madhopur
When people talk about wildlife in Rajasthan, Ranthambore National Park is usually the first place that comes to mind. It is one of the biggest and most famous spots in India to see tigers. Moreover, this national park is located in the Sawai Madhopur district of Rajasthan and covers a huge area of 1334 square kilometers. Apart from the majestic tigers, you can also spot animals like leopards, wild boars, mugger crocodiles, rhesus macaques, gray langurs, sloth bears, striped hyenas, and sambar deer. More and more tourists come to this famous wildlife sanctuary in Rajasthan from all over the world.
3. Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary: Kota
Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary deserves to be on the Rajasthan Wildlife Sanctuary list as it comes across as one of the best spots for a short trip to enjoy nature and wildlife. It is located close to Kota and was once the royal hunting place for the Maharajas of Kota. It became a protected area in 1955. By visiting here, one can have a sight of beautiful and peaceful surrounding forest areas, and animals like tigers, leopards, antelopes, nilgai, and sloth bears. The best time to visit this place is from October to March for a short 3-hour trip.
4. Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary: Pratapgarh
The Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary is another famous wildlife sanctuary in Rajasthan that is spread across 423 sq. km in the Pratapgarh district. It is one of the important protected areas in Rajasthan. Several rivers, such as Budho, Tankiya, Karmoi, Sita Mata, and Jakham, flow through its dense green forest. This sanctuary is also known as a Bird Paradise because people can find several bird species here. Some of the expected birds include the little egret, cattle egret, Indian darter, tawny eagle, little grebe, grey heron, white-eyed buzzard, little cormorant, and black-winged stilt. But the main attraction is the flying squirrel. It is a plant-eating mammal. People should definitely visit this place.
5. Keoladeo National Park: Bharatpur
Keoladeo Ghana National Park is recognized across the globe for its birds. Around 366 bird species are found here, which has also made this place a World Heritage Site. One of the significant facts about this park is that it is a man-made and well-managed wetland and became a protected sanctuary in the year 1971. Along with birds, you can also find 7 types of turtles and amphibians, 5 species of lizards, 13 species of snakes, and 379 species of flowering plants here. The founder of the World Wildlife Fund, Peter Scott, also once said that Keoladeo is one of the best places for bird-watching in the world.
6. National Chambal Wildlife Sanctuary: Kota
The National Chambal Wildlife Sanctuary is spread over 5,400 square kilometers in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh. It is a large area that is protected adequately. It is placed near the Chambal River and is home to some of the most endangered species in India. You can find the rare Ganges river dolphin, red-crowned roof turtle, and gharial during your visit here. Besides these animals, you can also spot many common birds and mammals found in other parts of Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. That is why it is listed among the top 10 wildlife sanctuaries in Rajasthan.
7. Jaisamand Sanctuary: Udaipur
The Jaisamand Wildlife Sanctuary is near Jaisamand Lake. This lake is the second-largest artificial lake in India. It is spread across 162 square kilometers and serves as a peaceful spot to watch wildlife closely in the Rajasthan state. The area is part of the Kathiawar-Gir dry deciduous forest, which enables the sight of migratory birds. You can also see animals like mongooses, four-horned antelopes, deer, wild boars, and panthers. It is a famous wildlife sanctuary in Rajasthan due to its combination of land and water wildlife.
8. Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary: Bikaner
The Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary is another important place on the Rajasthan Wildlife Sanctuary list. It was once used as a royal hunting ground by the Maharajas of Bikaner. Now, it is slowly becoming popular with nature lovers and wildlife fans. Here, you can find animals like blackbucks, wildfowl, antelopes, nilgai, deer, chinkara, and desert foxes.
9. Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary: Kumbhalgarh
The Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the top tourist spots near the Kumbhalgarh Fort. It covers an area of 578 square kilometers. This sanctuary is very famous for protecting many endangered species. Animals like chinkaras, hares, four-horned antelopes, sambhars, nilgais, jungle cats, sloth bears, hyenas, wolves, and leopards can be found here in large numbers.
10. Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary: Mount Abu
Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the beautiful Aravalli Hills. It is situated at a height of 300 to 1,722 meters above sea level. This famous wildlife sanctuary in Rajasthan is full of greenery and has 112 plant families. You will see many kinds of trees, shrubs, climbers, and tuber plants. Some rare types of orchids can also be found in this sanctuary. It also has around 250 bird species, and the grey jungle fowl is a major attraction here.
Conclusion
Rajasthan is more than just grand forts, festivals, or cultural experiences, it is also a heaven for wildlife lovers. With these Top 10 Wildlife Sanctuaries in Rajasthan, the state offers a glimpse into India’s rich flora and fauna. Therefore, nature lovers, wildlife photographers, and adventure seekers must visit this place.
Ready to explore the wild side of Rajasthan? Let Rajasthan Tours India plan your wildlife adventure. As a trusted member of A hospitality club, we offer cheap, comprehensive, and quality packages for your Rajasthan trip that cover the best wildlife sanctuaries and national parks across the state. Begin your journey with us and discover Rajasthan’s natural wonders in the best way possible. Book your wildlife tour today!
