Rajasthan, the land of majestic forts is also home to some of India’s most diverse and breathtaking national parks.
Beyond its deserts and palaces, the state houses rich ecosystems teeming with wildlife and natural beauty. From tiger reserves to bird sanctuaries, each park offers a distinct experience of Rajasthan’s unexplored side. Here’s a detailed look at the major national parks in Rajasthan that every nature enthusiast should explore.
5 Must Visit National Parks in Rajasthan
1) Ranthambore National Park
One of the most famous national parks in Rajasthan, Ranthambore National Park and Tiger Reserve is a captivating blend of natural and historical wonders.
- Its landscape is dotted with streams, rocky hills, tranquil lakes and dry deciduous forests.
- It is known for its thriving tiger population, while the park also shelters sambhar deer, sloth bears, blue bulls, leopards, foxes, hyenas, and hundreds of bird species.
- Adding to its charm is the Ranthambore Fort, a 10th-century monument that narrates tales of valor and royal romance. Wildlife safaris here are a must for anyone seeking close encounters with the Bengal tiger in its natural habitat.
How to Reach:
Ranthambore lies around 14 km from Sawai Madhopur, which is well-connected by train from Delhi, Mumbai, and Jaipur. From Sawai Madhopur, taxis and local buses are easily available to the park.
Timings:
Open from October to June, the best time to visit Ranthambore is between November and March, when the weather is pleasant. The official website may be checked for exact timings while making the bookings.
2) Sariska Tiger Reserve
Located near the Aravalli hills in Alwar district, the Sariska Tiger Reserve offers a fascinating mix of wildlife and history.
- Once known for lack of tigers, the reserve regained its population under the successful Project Tiger initiative, which relocated tigers from Ranthambore.
- Apart from tigers, Sariska is home to several species of fauna and numerous bird species. The reserve also features ancient structure, adding a cultural touch to your wildlife experience.
How to Reach:
Sariska is 37 km from Alwar, the nearest railway station. It’s around 107 km from Jaipur and 200 km from Delhi by road.
Timings:
The park is open from October to June, operating daily between 8 am to 6:30 pm. The ideal visiting period is October to March.
3) Keoladeo National Park
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Keoladeo National Park, which was formerly known as the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, is one of the world’s most celebrated bird reserves.
- It hosts over 370 species of birds and serves as a migratory site for species from across the globe, including the rare Siberian crane.
- Visitors can explore the park on foot, by bicycle, or via eco-friendly rickshaws.
- For a truly magical experience, try a boat ride at sunrise or sunset when the park is alive with bird calls and reflections on the water.
How to Reach:
The Bharatpur railway station is just 5 km away, while the nearest airport is Agra, about 56 km from the park. Delhi is approximately 185 km from Bharatpur.
Timings:
Open all year round from 6 am to 6 pm, the best time to visit is between October and March, during the migratory bird season.
4) Desert National Park
Stretching across the golden sands near Jaisalmer, this beauty of Rajasthan is a must-visit national park and is one of the world’s largest and most unique ecosystems.
- Its stunning expanse features sand dunes, rocky outcrops, salt lakes, and desert scrublands, offering a glimpse into Rajasthan’s rugged beauty.
- The park is best known as the habitat of the endangered Great Indian Bustard, one of India’s rarest birds. Besides birdwatching, visitors can spot desert foxes, wolves, blackbucks, chinkaras, and hedgehogs.
- The Desert National Park also preserves fossils dating back 180 million years, making it a site of immense geological importance.
How to Reach:
Located about 40 km from Jaisalmer, the park can be reached easily by cab or local bus.
Timings:
Open throughout the year, the best time to explore is from the months of November to March. The park remains open between 12 pm and 5 pm.
5) Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary
Encircling the famous Kumbhalgarh Fort, this wildlife sanctuary showcases a refreshing contrast to Rajasthan’s desert terrain.
- It is covered with dense forests and hilly region and once served as the royal hunting ground of Mewar rulers.
- Today, it houses an impressive range of wildlife, including leopards, sloth bears, wolves, jackals, sambhar, nilgai, and chinkaras.
- The sanctuary is also a paradise for bird lovers, where you can spot unique fauna varieties that are native only to this area.
How to Reach:
The sanctuary is accessible by road from Udaipur, and the nearest railway station is Falna, about 80 kms away. The closest airport is Maharana Pratap Airport in Udaipur.
Timings:
The park is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm, the sanctuary is especially beautiful during the monsoon months, when its greenery is at its peak.