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Rajasthan
offers a rich variety of flora and fauna. Some of the finest national parks and sanctuaries are found
here. The majestic predators, assured of protection, roam freely during
daytime and can be seen at close encounter with tigers, black bucks,
chinkara, the rare desert fox, the endangered caracal, the great Indian
bustard, gavial, monitor lizard, wild boars, Porcupine. Migratory birds like
the common crane, ducks, coots, pelicans and the rare Siberian cranes,
imperial sand grouse, falcons, buzzard's flocks to this state during the
winter months. The state is
enriched with two National Parks and over a dozen Sanctuaries
Keoladeo
Ghana National Park
Once
the royal hunting preserve of the princes of Bharatpur, this 29 kms park is
one of the finest bird sanctuaries in the world, inundated with 400 species
of water birds. Exotic migratory birds from Afghanistan, Central Asia, Tibet
as well as Siberian cranes from
Arctic, graylag geese from Siberia and bar headed geese from China, Colonies
of cormorants,
spoon
bills, storks, egrets, herons, pelicans, ebis and grey herons can be spotted
all over the park.
Ranthambhor
National Park
The
park is one of the finest tiger reserves in the country under the project
tiger. The 392 sq. km. Park
comprises of dry deciduous forests sprawling over undulating terrain of
hills. Home of an expansive variety of other animals. One can spot sambhar,
chital, wild boar, leopard, sloth bear, jackal, hyena
among others. The park is
enriched with its beautiful lakes, attracting large number of migratory and
local birds. The best time to visit between November and April.
Sariska
Tiger Reserve
Another
excellent tiger sanctuary in a huge and thickly wooded reserve cradled in
the picturesque valley of the Aravali.
The forest is 765 sq. kms. Discovered
in 1955 is an excellent tiger sanctuary under the Project Tiger.
The forest of the reserve are noted for their population of rare
breed of tigers, 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 and October to
April.
Kumbhalgarh
Sanctuary
The
586 sq. km. sanctuary sporting a rich variety of wild life like the panther,
sloth bear wild boar, four horned antelope and scientifically bred
crocodiles in the lake are the major attractions.
The sanctuary is also known for flamingoes, cormorants, spoonbills
and egrets usually seen in the winter.
The majestic fort of Kumbhalgarh overlooks the sanctuary. Best time
to visit is March to May and September to November.
Darrah
Sanctuary
An
erstwhile royal hunting preserve, established in 1955, lying along the
south-eastern border of Kota adjacent to the mountain range. The sanctuary
covers an area of 266 sq Kms. This hilly Sanctuary with its thick
forests is worth a visit. The wildlife variety includes panther, wolf, sloth
bear, chinkara and leopard. The best time to visit is between February and
May.
Desert
National Sanctuary
The
sanctuary is dominated by rolling sand dunes and scrub covered hills. It is
colossal park sprawling on 3162 sq. kms.
The prominent fauna of the park includes black buck, chinkara, desert
fox and the great India bustard, comprising sand fish, sparrows, imperial
sand grouse, falcons and eagles migrate here during the winter. Best time to
visit is September to March.
Jaisamand
Sanctuary
The
sanctuary allows a close encounter with the rich wildlife in their natural
habitat. Established in 1957 in a area of 260 kms ad joining the Jaisamand
Lake. The wild home of panther, sloth bear, mongoose, chital, chinkara, wild
boar and various species of migratory birds. . Best time to visit is between
November and January
Mount
Abu Sanctuary
Located
at the highest peak (1722 mts above the sea level) of Aravali, the Guru
Shikhar lies in this 289 sq Kms sanctuary. Established in 1960, provides
shelter to the wild boar, Sambhar and leopard.. The gray jungle fowl can
also be spotted here. Besides, a number of flowering trees enhance the
beauty of this place. Best time to visit between March and April
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