Best 10 National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries in Rajasthan
Home to golden deserts and majestic forts, Rajasthan is also the home of some of India’s most beautiful national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in Rajasthan. Each sanctuary offers a unique glimpse into the state’s rich biodiversity – from the tiger-dense jungles of Ranthambore to the birdwatcher’s paradise of Keoladeo National Park. The vast expanse of Desert National Park unearths breathtaking allure of the Thar Desert, and green oasis of Mount Abu and the old wilds of Kumbhalgarh appeals to adventurous travelers in search of wildlife.
Whether it’s spotting the Great Indian Bustard or walking the ancient paths of the Aravalli Hills, Rajasthan Wildlife offer moments of pure magic, where nature reveals its wild, untamed heart. With lush forests, vast deserts, serene lakes, and vibrant wildlife, Wildlife Sanctuaries in Rajasthan are more than just a retreat—they are a journey into the soul of nature.
These each sanctuary in Rajasthan, have its very own charm, are an invitation for you to be out there, rediscover nature, and leave with the heart full of memories.
In this article, we have attempted to cover the top 10 national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in Rajasthan, where you can encounter rare animals, the perfect beauty of the landscapes of the state, and connect with nature again.
Home to golden deserts and majestic forts, Rajasthan is also the home of some of India’s most beautiful national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in Rajasthan. Each sanctuary offers a unique glimpse into the state’s rich biodiversity – from the tiger-dense jungles of Ranthambore to the birdwatcher’s paradise of Keoladeo National Park. The vast expanse of Desert National Park unearths breathtaking allure of the Thar Desert, and green oasis of Mount Abu and the old wilds of Kumbhalgarh appeals to adventurous travelers in search of wildlife.
How Many Wildlife Sanctuaries in Rajasthan?
There are total 5 national parks and 25 wildlife sanctuaries in Rajasthan. These areas house a wide variety of species and habitats, from the sandy expanses of the Thar Desert to the lush green forests of the Aravalli Hills. Each Park and wildlife sanctuaries in Rajasthan is different from another, representing the incredible features of the natural world in Rajasthan.
Ranthambore National Park – The Tiger’s Kingdom
Ranthambore National Park is one of India’s most renowned Rajasthan National Park Name in terms of the high density of Bengal tigers within its confines. Situated near Sawai Madhopur, 177 kilometers from Jaipur, it was earlier a hunting reserve of the Jaipur royalty. This is a vast wildlife haven that stretches over 1,334 square kilometers and indeed is a haven for many wildlife enthusiasts.
Ranthambore is pretty renowned for its Bengal tiger population, so there is every chance of witnessing some of the best tiger sightings in India here. Site an incredible view of the beast moving freely is awe-inspiring.
Besides tigers, this Rajasthan Wildlife Park has leopards, sloth bears, chital deer, and crocodiles. Birdwatchers will be delighted by the 300+ species of birds in the region. At the heart of the park lies the ancient Ranthambore Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which adds a touch of history to your wildlife experience. The park’s landscape is a mix of dry deciduous forests, rugged cliffs, and lush valleys. Beautiful lakes like Padam Talao and Rajbagh Talao attract wildlife, especially during the dry months. Engagements at Ranthambore National Park comprise tiger safaris, birdwatching, and photography.
Best Time to Visit and Accommodation near Ranthambore National Park
The ideal time to visit Ranthambore National Park is from October to April. From luxury resorts like Oberoi Vanyavilas to budget-friendly options, accommodation near the Ranthambore National Park ensures that you get a stay matching your preference.
Sariska Tiger Reserve – Tigers in the Aravallis
Situated within the Aravalli Hills, 116 km from Jaipur, Sariska Tiger Reserve is a wildlife sanctuary in Rajasthan famous for its blooming tigers but it is also a home for varied species of wildlife in Rajasthan including leopards, striped hyenas, and chital. The Aravalli range – one of the oldest mountain systems in the world – forms a stunning backdrop for this sanctuary.
Sariska is one of the few places where tigers were successfully reintroduced after disappearing in the early 2000s. The sight of a majestic tiger roaming in its natural habitat is truly breathtaking. Apart from tigers, Sariska is home to leopards, striped hyenas, sambar deer, wild boars, and many other species. It’s also a birdwatcher’s paradise with various species of peafowl, crested serpent eagles, and white-throated kingfishers gracing the skies.
The ancient Aravalli range, one of the world’s oldest mountain ranges, adds a dramatic backdrop to this reserve. Its rugged terrain, dotted with valleys, forests, and grasslands, offers picturesque views that are perfect for nature lovers. Sariska isn’t just about wildlife; it also holds historical treasures. The ruins of ancient temples and palaces can be found within the park, telling stories of a bygone era.
Best Time to Visit and Accommodation near Sariska Tiger Reserve
The ideal time to visit Sariska Tiger Reserve is from October to June. Engagements at Sariska Tiger Reserve comprise Jeep safaris, birdwatching, visiting ancient ruins. Luxury to Budget friendly accommodations at Sariska Tiger Reserve is Heritage hotels and camps near the sanctuary.
Desert National Park – Rajasthan’s Desert Wilderness
One of the most celebrated wildlife Sanctuaries in Rajasthan for immersion in the extraordinary ecosystem of the Thar Desert is the Desert National Park, near Jaisalmer. It covers an enormous 3,162 square kilometers of land and affords a very rare opportunity to observe life in one of the world’s most inhospitable landscapes. Here, you might spot the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard and other remarkable species such as the chinkara, the desert fox, and different varieties of eagles.
The park is home to the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard, one of the largest flying birds on Earth. For any bird enthusiast, a close view of this species is nothing short of a dream come true. It is home to numerous desert animals like chinkara (Indian gazelle), desert fox, and the spiny-tailed lizard. Rajasthan famous animal is Camel due to its vast land of deserts.
This park stretches under the vast skies in which one finds eagles, vultures, and falcons soaring. You might take a walk in a park and see beautiful dunes of sand dancing to the gales of winds, ancient fossil beds dating over 180 million years in age which preserve the last record of this area’s paleo pas. The Desert National Park boasts some of the most impressive desert landscapes found anywhere in India, including sweeping dunes, rugged cliffs, and vast salt flats.
Best Time to Visit and Accommodation near Desert National Park
Best time to visit Desert National Park is October to March. You can enjoy Desert safaris, birdwatching, and exploring sand dunes. Desert camps or boutique hotels in Jaisalmer is the option to stay near Desert National Park.
Keoladeo National Park – A Bird Sanctuary in Rajasthan
Keoladeo National Park, earlier known as Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary in Rajasthan, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its rich avifauna. It lies in Bharatpur some 55 km from Agra, this park harbours more than 370 bird species, among which features the Siberian crane. The compact yet biodiverse park covers 29 square kilometers of lush green oasis against the dry background of Rajasthan’s landscape. More than 370 species of birds take up residence in the park, which attracts a stunning variety of avian life, residents and migrants. Every winter hundreds of thousands flock from distant Siberia, including the extremely elusive Siberian crane.
This Bird Sanctuary in Rajasthan offers a mix of wetlands, grasslands, and woodlands, which support not only birds but also mammals like jackals, nilgai (blue bulls), and spotted deer. With painted storks, eagles, kingfishers, and herons in its hordes, Keoladeo is a bird enthusiast’s haven, with perfect conditions to watch birds and photograph them. Keoladeo is not just an abode for avifauna; it teems with mammals, reptiles, and amphibians as well, and under one small roof, it accords the full gamut of wildlife.
Best Time to Visit and Accommodation near Keoladeo National Park
The best time to visit Keoladeo National Park is from November to March. You can do the activities as Birdwatching, cycling tours, photography in Keoladeo National Park. There are several options to stay, like Birding lodges, eco-friendly hotels, and heritage stays.
Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary – The Green Jewel of Rajasthan
Nestled in the Aravalli Range, Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its greenery, which is a rarity in the otherwise arid landscape of Rajasthan. Located about 160 km from Udaipur, the sanctuary is home to species such as leopards, sloth bears, and the Indian wolf. The sanctuary is a haven for leopards, sloth bears, sambar deer, and the rare Indian wolf. Besides, it provides very good birding grounds, supporting avifauna such as grey jungle fowl and partridges. Spread over a vast 288 square kilometers, the sanctuary provides ample space for wildlife to thrive and for tourists to walk along its breathtaking landscapes.
This wildlife sanctuary in Rajasthan houses over 800 species of plants, including rare medicinal herbs, orchids, and what not. The serene beauty it offers is in the form of breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Aravalli Hills, valleys, and the very heart of Mount Abu- Nakki Lake. Ideal for those who love trekking, with well-marked trails through dense forests and rocky terrains. The famous Dilwara Temples are also located here, so spirituality can be added to your visit as well.
Best Time to Visit and Accommodation near Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary
Ideal time to visit Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary is from March to June and September to December. Enjoy the activities like Nature walks, wildlife spotting, and trekking in Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary. You can stay in hotels and guesthouses available in Mount Abu.
Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary – A Historic Wilderness
Surrounding the famous Kumbhalgarh Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary is around 100 km from Udaipur. The sanctuary is home to leopards, hyenas, and wolves, as well as a variety of birds. This wildlife sanctuary in Rajasthan covers an excellent area of 578 square kilometers with wide forests, steep hills, and great sceneries. The presence of leopards, hyenas, wolves, sloth bears. Chinkaras and sambar species of deer is found also found here.
Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary is indeed a haven for bird enthusiasts, featuring a variety of species from parakeets to peacocks and red spurfowls. Trekking has gained popularity for its trails that meander through picturesque forests, revealing breathtaking views of the fort along the way. Surrounds the Kumbhalgarh Fort, which has a 36-kilometer-long wall, one of the longest in the world.
Best Time to Visit and Accommodation near Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary
Best time to visit Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary is between October to March. Enjoy the activities like Jeep safaris, trekking, birdwatching in Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary. Heritage hotels and jungle lodges are the main accommodation options near Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary.
Jaisamand Wildlife Sanctuary – Rajasthan’s Lakeside Paradise
Located near Jaisamand Lake, one of Asia’s largest artificial lakes, this wildlife sanctuary is just 45 km from Udaipur. The sanctuary is known for species like the chinkara, leopards, and crocodiles. The sanctuary covers an area of 160 square kilometers and is surrounded by lush green forests, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts alike. Sheltering a diverse array of species such as leopards, chinkara, or Indian gazelles, crocodiles, and numerous bird species. The heart of the sanctuary, it forms a habitat for various migratory and local bird species. The lake adds a kind of ethereal beauty to the sanctuary.
The sanctuary unveils breathtaking vistas of undulating hills, the expansive lake, and lush forests, establishing it as a tranquil haven for nature photography. Boat safaris are one of the most exceptional ways of experiencing the sanctuary, offering intimate views of the wildlife and birds that live in the surrounding areas. The lake is a haven for many crocodiles, and spotting these magnificent creatures can be thrilling.
Best Time to Visit and Accommodation near Jaisamand Wildlife Sanctuary
You can best enjoy Jaisamand Wildlife Sanctuary between November to February. Enjoy the activities like Boat safaris, wildlife spotting, birdwatching in Jaisamand Wildlife Sanctuary. Lakeside resorts and luxury tents is the best option to stay near Jaisamand Wildlife Sanctuary.
Tal Chhapar Sanctuary – Grasslands of Blackbuck
Located in the Churu district, about 218 km from Jaipur, Tal Chhapar Sanctuary is famous for its flat grasslands, which are home to the blackbuck, a stunning antelope, as well as migratory birds. Tal Chhapar is a Rajasthan forest name famous for its golden grassland that spreads over the territory like great carpet. Open flat grasslands provide views of an uninterrupted landscape with wildlife, particularly with elegant blackbuck. The blackbuck is famous for its leaping and spiral of antelopes: Home to Blackbucks. Nothing can be more awesome than viewing these creatures in a natural habitat.
As the migration season unfolds, Tal Chhapar transforms into a sanctuary for avid birdwatchers. Majestic harriers, soaring eagles, and elegant demoiselle cranes grace the skies, infusing the air with vibrant life. The sanctuary extends over 8 square kilometers. The small area is very lively and nurturing with varieties of species. The tranquil surroundings of Tal Chhapar offer a quiet escape from city life, perfect for those looking to connect with nature without the usual crowds.
Best Time to Visit and Accommodation near Tal Chhapar Sanctuary
The best time to visit Tal Chhapar Sanctuary is between September to March. Wildlife spotting, birdwatching, photography is the main activity in Tal Chhapar Sanctuary. Guesthouses and eco-camps in Churu are the staying option near Tal Chhapar Sanctuary.
Sorsan Wildlife Sanctuary – A Hidden Gem
Sorsan Wildlife Sanctuary in the Baran district is one of Rajasthan’s lesser-known treasures. Known for its blackbucks and a variety of migratory birds, this sanctuary offers a peaceful retreat away from the tourist crowds. The Sorsan Wildlife Sanctuary covers around 41 square kilometers. Sorsan is known for its large population of blackbucks, those elegant antelopes roaming effortlessly over vast grasslands. Besides these, one is likely to spot chinkaras, Indian foxes, and a variety of smaller mammals.
The sanctuary is a paradise for birdwatchers because many migratory birds come during the winter months. Peacocks, partridges, and many other species give life to the landscape. The vast stretches of grasslands, interspersed with wood patches, are a magnificent visual mosaic which presents an ecological haven for wildlife to grow. Among other crowded sanctuaries, Sorsan provides a quiet and intimate experience with nature, great for linking again with the wilderness in calm.
Best Time to Visit and Accommodation near Sorsan Wildlife Sanctuary
October to March is the best time to enjoy Sorsan Wildlife Sanctuary. Wildlife and birdwatching is the main activities in Sorsan Wildlife Sanctuary. Modest lodges and guesthouses is
Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary – A Blend of History and Nature
Located near Kota, Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary is rich in history and biodiversity. This sanctuary was once a royal hunting ground and now protects species such as leopards, wolves, and the Indian fox. The sanctuary covers an area of 250 square kilometers, offering plenty of space for wildlife to thrive. The sanctuary has a royal legacy, once being the hunting grounds for the Kota kings. You can spot animals like leopards, sloth bears, wolves, sambar deer, and the Indian fox.
Birdwatchers will enjoy the sight of several bird species that make their home here. The sanctuary is a mix of dry deciduous forests and dense foliage, creating a lush landscape amidst Rajasthan’s arid surroundings. Darrah offers scintillating panorama of hills, rivers, and forests that makes it the right destination for nature walks and photography. The reserve is located very near the tiger reserve called Mukundara Hills situated in its proximity, which further adds to the thrill.
Best Time to Visit and Accommodation near Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary
October to March is the best time to visit Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary. Jeep safaris, nature walks is key activities to enjoy in Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary. Hotels in Kota or forest lodges is option to stay near Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary.
Best Resorts in Rajasthan for Wildlife Enthusiasts
Rajasthan is home to luxurious wildlife resorts that offer an immersive experience. Some of the best resorts in Rajasthan for nature lovers include Oberoi Vanyavilas, Aman-i-Khas, Taj Sawai Madhopur Lodge, and Suján Jawai Leopard Camp. These resorts blend comfort with adventure, making your wildlife trip unforgettable.
Conclusion:
Rajasthan’s national parks and wildlife sanctuaries are a testament to the state’s commitment to preserving its natural heritage. Whether you’re looking for the thrill of spotting a tiger or the serene beauty of a bird sanctuary, Rajasthan’s wild spaces have something magical to offer.
FAQ
How many national parks are there in Rajasthan?
Rajasthan has 5 national parks.
Which is the largest national park in Rajasthan?
The Desert National Park is the largest, covering 3,162 square kilometers.
What animals can I see in Rajasthan’s national parks?
You can see tigers, leopards, blackbucks, chinkaras, and a wide variety of birds, including the Great Indian Bustard.
What is the national animal of Rajasthan?
The Camel is the state animal of Rajasthan.
Which is the best wildlife sanctuary in Rajasthan for birdwatching?
Keoladeo National Park is a paradise for birdwatchers.
What is the best time to visit Ranthambore National Park?
The best time is between October and April.
Which of the following is a bird sanctuary in Rajasthan?
Keoladeo National Park (formerly Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary) is the most famous bird sanctuary in Rajasthan.
What is the state bird of Rajasthan?
The Great Indian Bustard is the state bird of Rajasthan.
Which are the top wildlife resorts in Rajasthan?
Oberoi Vanyavilas, Aman-i-Khas, and Suján Jawai Leopard Camp are some of the top wildlife resorts.
How can I reach Sariska Tiger Reserve?
Sariska is about 120 km from Jaipur and can be reached by road.
What endangered species can be seen in Rajasthan’s wildlife sanctuaries?
The Great Indian Bustard and snow leopards are among the endangered species found here.
