Rajasthan is home to some of the most famous and highly
visited wildlife sanctuaries as well as national parks. Those who have interest
in visiting wildlife sanctuaries can now make the most of wildlife travel packages
in Rajasthan which also takes you to some of the offbeat destinations. There
are many underrated national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in Rajasthan. Here
you will learn about three off beat wildlife sanctuaries and national parks.
Ranthambore Tiger Reserve
Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, before a princely game conserve
is the scene where the celebrated Indian Tiger is best seen. Ranthambore Tiger
Reserve lies on the junction of Aravali and Vindhyas just 14 Kms from Sawai
Madhopur in Eastern Rajasthan. It sprawls over a varying and undulating
landscape. The scenery changes dramatically from gentle and steep slopes of the
Vindhyas and sharp and conical hills of the Aravali. A tenth century fort also
blends amicably with the background. Pure sands of Dhok (Anogeissus pendula)
interspersed with grasslands at the plateaus, meadows in valleys and luxuriant
foliage around the canals make the jungle. Three big lakes – Padam Talab
(meaning Lake), Malik Talab and Raj Bagh – are similar turquoises studded in
the vast forest that abounds with aquatic vegetation including duckweeds,
lilies and lotus.
A significant geological feature within the park is the
'Great Boundary Fault' where the Vindhaya plateau meets the Aravali range. The
Rivers Chambal in the South and the Banas in the North bound the National Park.
The park is dotted with steep rocky hills and the dominating architecture of
Ranthambhor Fort (built in the 10th century), adds to its landscape. The rugged
park terrain alternates between dry deciduous forest, open grassy meadow,
dotted by several lakes and rivers that are only made passable by rough roads
built and maintained by the Forest Service.The tiger is not the only attraction
at Ranthambore although it is the one park resident that people come to see. A
variety of birds including Owlets, the ubiquitous Langur (monkey), Leopard,
Caracal, Hyena, Jackal, Jungle Cat, marsh Crocodiles, Wild Boar, Bears and
various species of Deer are the other attractions.
Sariska Tiger Reserve
Sariska Tiger Reserve 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 park is home to numerous carnivores including Leopard,
Wild Dog, Jungle Cat, Civets Hyena, Jackal, and Tiger. These feed on species
such as Sambar, Chital, Nilgai, Chausingha, Wild Boar and Langur. Sariska is
also well known for its large population of Rhesus Monkeys, which are found
around Talvriksh.
So, while choosing wildlife travel packages in India, make
sure that you do include above slated three parks and sanctuaries.
