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 Sanctuaries

DARRAH W.L.S.: The picturesque Darrah Sanctuary is situated 40 kms from Kota in Southern Rajasthan, covering two districts of Kota & Jhalawar and spreads over an area of 274.41 sq km. This area is like one long strip and nowhere  it is wider than 6 kms. The forest area lies between two parallel mountain ranges about 52 to 65 kms long. The forests are of Dry deciduous mixed type having the main species as Dhok, Ronj, Khair, Gurjan, Tendu, Kadaya, Kalam, Dhak and Ber etc.

The sanctuary is surrounded on all sides by the rivers- Chambal, Kalisindh, Amjhar and the Ahu, which forms its natural boundaries. Darrah was a royal hunting preserve of the erstwhile Kota state. There are Hodies (hunting places) made near natural waterfalls and ponds. From Hodi of Bawra Talai, one can observe and photograph the wild fauna.

The leoipard, jackal, hyena, jungle cat, sambar, spotted deer and nilgai are the main attractions of this sanctuary. There are many historical monuments and places near the sanctuary viz. Gagron Fort, Raotha Mahal, Abli Meeni's Mahal and Darrah Temple etc. The sanctuary was notified in 1955 under Rajasthan Wild Animal & Bird Protection Act, 1951. 

How to Reach: - Nearest Airport- Sanganer Airport, Jaipur-310 kms.

Railway Station- Kota-50 kms., By Road-Jaipur-50 kms.

Where to Stay:- Forest Rest House- Darrah.

Best Season:- October to May.

Whom to Contact:- D.C.F. Wildlife, Kota: 0744-2321263 (O), 0744-2321876 (R)

VAN VIHAR W.L.S.: The sanctuary is located in Dholpur district and is about 15 km from the town. A hunting lodge of the erstwhile rulers of Dholpur is an important tourist attraction. The area of the sanctuary is rocky and therefore tree density is less at various places.

The water body at the sanctuary is visited by Cheetals and sloth bears have been reported. The sanctuary has lot of potential for development.This sanctuary was notified in 1955 under Rajasthan Wild Animal & Bird Protection Act, 1951. It covers an area of 25.60 sq km.

How to Reach: - Nearest Airport- Agra-60 kms.

Railway Station- Dholpur-18 kms., By Road-Dholpur-18 kms.

Where to Stay:- Forest Rest House

Best Season:- October to May.

Whom to Contact:- D.C.F. Dholpur; Tel: 05642-220769 (O), 05642-220807 (R)

JAISAMAND W.L.S.: The sanctuary is located 50 kms south of Udaipur and covers an area of 52.34 sq km. Dhok, Dhavda and Salar are the main tree spp. found here.The Jaisamand lake is second largest artificial lake in Asia which is an important tourist attraction.

The lake was built by Maharaja Jai Singh in the 17th century. The ‘Roothi Rani Ka Mahal’ located on a hill in the sanctuary provides a panoramic view of the sanctuary and the water body.

The architecture of the 'Chhatris, Shivalaya and the Elephants built on the Ghat of Jaisamand lake is worth seeing.The leopard, hyena, jungle cat, fox and wolf are among the carnivores of the sanctuary. Other wildlife here includes sambar, Chital, langur and chinkara. The Jaisamand lake is the abode of crocodiles, turtles and a variety of fish.

The sanctuary was notified in 1955 under Rajasthan Wild Animal & Bird Protection Act, 1951. 

How to Reach: - Nearest Airport- Udaipur-72 kms.

Railway Station-Udaipur-50 kms., By Road-Udaipur-52 kms.

Where to Stay:- Forest Rest House

Best Season:- October to June.

Whom to Contact:- Dy.C.W.L.W. Udaipur; Tel: 0294-2453686 (O), 0294-2434150 (R)

NATIONAL CHAMBAL W.L.S. : The Sanctuary is located along the banks of the Chambal river, comprising the area of the 1000 meter wide strip on both sides of the river. It covers Karuali, Sawaimadhopur, Kota, Bundi & Dholpur districts. The area of the sanctuary is 280 sq km. The banks of the river The Chambal sanctuary is famous for its fresh water Gharials. Crocodiles, turtles and variety of avi fauna adds to the beauty of the sanctuary. Fresh water dolphins have also been reported. The tourists can enjoy the Boat ride for seeing the sanctuary. During the winter season the Gharials can be seen basking on the banks of the river. The sanctuary was notified in 1979 under Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

NAHARGARH W.L.S.: Situated about 20 km from Jaipur, it covers an area of 50 sq km. Nahargarh Biological Park is being developed in the Sanctuary area. It supports a wide variety of animals like cheetals, panthers etc. and avi fauna.

The trees found here are mainly Dhok, Babool, Khair, Kumtha, Ronj, Dhak and Ber etc.It was notified in 1980 under Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

How to Reach: - Nearest Airport- Sanganer Airport, Jaipur-25 kms.

Railway Station- Jaipur-20 kms., By Road-Jaipur-15 kms.

Where to Stay:- RTDC Hotel,  Circuit House or Forest Rest House

Best Season:- October to May.

Whom to Contact:- D.C.F.Jaipur (Central); Tel: 0141-2203068 (O), 0141-2359087 (R)

JAMVA RAMGARH W.L.S.: The sanctuary is located in Jaipur district and covers an area of 300 sq km. The terrain is hilly and is a favorite jaunt of the panther. Tigers have also been reported from the area. It was notified in 1982 under Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. DCF Jaipur is the controlling officer.                             

How to Reach: - Nearest Airport- Sanganer Airport, Jaipur-25 kms.

Railway Station- Jaipur-20 kms., By Road-Jaipur-15 kms.

SITAMATA W.L.S.: The sanctuary covers portions of Udaipur and Chittorgarh districts. The area is 422.94 sq km.  Sitamata sanctuary. which is spread over the Aravali and Vindhyachal mountain ranges, is the only forest  region where teak trees of building value are found. The dominant tree specie here is teak and the other trees found here include Salar, Godal, Tendu, Khair, mahua, Bahera, Dhavda, Kalam, Churel, Siras, Dhak, Karanj, Semal, Jamun, Kachnar, Amla and Amaltash etc. Under these trees, are found Bamboos and the bushes of Karonda, Dudhi, Tamat etc. which provide shelter to many wild animals. The Jakham, Sitamata and Karmoi are the perennial rivers flowing through the sanctuary. In addition, there are many dams and natural springs where water remains throughout the year. The sanctuary is very rich in medicinal plants also.

JAWAHAR SAGAR W.L.S.: This sanctuary is spread in portions of Kota, Bundi and Chittorgarh districts and covers an area of 153.41 sq km. Jawahar Sagar Lake is a large water body and supports a wide variety of water birds and crocodiles. Leopards, Hyena, Jackal, Fox, Nilgai and Chital can also be seen in the sanctuary. Dhok, Bamboo, Khair, Kumtha, Siras, and Dhak are found in the sanctuary. It was notified in 1975 under Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

RAMGARH VISHDHARI W.L.S.: The sanctuary is located in Bundi district and covers an area of 252.79 sq km. The lush green Dhok forests interspersed with water bodies adds to the beauty of the sanctuary. The other main species found here are Salar, Gurjan, Ronj, Khair Tendu, Dhak and Ber etc.Panther is the main predator along with Jackal, Hyena and herbivores like  wild boar cheetals rojra etc. The sanctuary was notified in 1982 under Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

BHENSRODGARH W.L.S.: The sanctuary is located in Chittorgarh district at a distance of 140 kms from Chittorgarh on Chittorgarh- Rawatbhata road and covers an area of 229.14 sq km.  The terrain is hilly and supports trees like Dhok, Salar, Gurjan,Khirni, Mahua, Amaltash Ber, Churel and Haldu etc.. It is spread along the rivers Chambal and Brahmini in the form of a Long strip. It supports a wide variety of wildlife like Leopards, Sambhar, Chital, Hyena, Wild boar etc. The water body in the sanctuary provides shelter to a variety of avi- fauna and crocodiles. It was notified in 1983 Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

KELADEVI W.L.S.: The sanctuary is located in Karauli district and covers an area of 676.40 sq km. It forms part of the buffer of Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve. The terrain is hilly and supports trees like Dhok, Khair, Jhinjha and Jamun and Gular near nallahs. There are number of water bodies in the sanctuary. ‘Khos’ provide shelter to a variety of wild animals and birds. The Keladevi temple is an important religious place in the area and each year is visited by lakhs of worshippers. The sanctuary was notified in 1983 under Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

SHERGARH W.L.S.: The sanctuary is located in Baran district and covers an area of 98.70 sq km. There are still some good patches left of Dhok forests in the sanctuary. Other trees found are Khair, Salar, Gurjan, Tendu and Ber etc.The fauna found here includes mainly Leopard, Hyena, Wild boar, Hare, Monitor Lizard etc..It was notified in 1983 under Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

TODGARH RAOLI W.L.S.: The sanctuary covers portions of Rajsamand, Ajmer and Pali districts and spreds over an area of 463.03 sq km. The terrain is hilly and supports mainly Dhok, Salar, Gurjan and Dhavda trees. Bamboos are also found here in sufficient number. The forest becomes lush green after the rains  and  it  is really very pleasant to make a  train journey between Kamli ghat and Goram ghat. The fauna includes a wide variety of wildlife like leopard, Hyena, Jackal, Sambhar, Chital, Jungle fowl Nilgai etc. Dudhaleshwar temple is a beautiful religious place inside the sanctuary. Large number of birds like Egrets, Spoonbills, Cormorants and Saras Cranes etc. can be seen during monsoon season in the pond which is about 15 kms away from Bhim. It was notified in 1983 under Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

PHULWARI KI NAL W.L.S.: This beautiful sanctuary, having very rich bio0diversity, is located, at 83 kms from the district headquarters, in Udaipur district and covers an area of 492.68 sq km. The rocky terrain and mixed deciduous forests provides a scenic view to the visiting nature lovers. Teak, Mahua trees and Bamboos are found in abundance in the sanctuary. Other commonly found trees here are Dhok, Dhavda, Salar, Gurjan, Khair, Mango, Jamun, Karaunda and Behera etc. and the medicinal plants like Vajradanti, Aonla, Brahmini and Bel patra etc The leopard is the main predator here and other wildlife includes Wolf, Hyena, cheetal,  Chinkara, Fox,  Pangolin and the rare Four horned antelope etc. The sanctuary has reptiles like Crocodile, Cobra, Banded Crait, Russel's Viper, Monitor Lizard Python and around 22 species of birds e.g. Jungle fowl, Pea fowl, Indian Tree Pie Grey Hornbill etc. The sanctuary is very rich as far as water bodies are concerned. Mansi Wakal, Som and Wakal rivers originate from here.It was notified in 1983 under Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

SAWAI MANSINGH W.L.S.: The sanctuary is located in Sawai madhopur district and covers an area of 103.25 sq km. The Aravali and the Vindhyachal mountain ranges meet here. The area supports mainly Dhok forests but surprisingly Rohida trees are also found here.The area of this sanctuary is spread adjacent to the Ranthambhore National Park and supports a wide variety of wild animals. It can be developed as an important eco-tourism center. It was notified in 1984 under Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

BANDH BARETHA W.L.S.: This sanctuary is located in Bharatpur district and covers an area of 199.50 sq km. The Dhok trees found here are not of good quality. Other trees which are present here are Ber, Semal and Ronj etc. The Bandh Baretha dam supports a wide variety of water birds like Egrets, Cormorants, Painted Storks, Snake birds Spoon bills etc. as resident birds and Pintails, Shovelers, Pochards and Teals etc as migratory birds. and other animals. It was notified in 1985 Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

SAJJANGARH W.L.S.: This beautiful compact sanctuary is located in Udaipur district and covers an area of 5.19 sq km. The majestic Sajjangarh fort situated on top of the hill attracts thousands of visitors to this sanctuary. One can have a panoramic view of the sanctuary and Udaipur town from the fort. The area supports mainly Dhok, Salar, Dhavda, Ronj, Kumtha, Gurjan, Guggal, Chandan and Bamboos etc. A wide variety of animals like Leopards, Hyena, Jackal, Sambhar, Chital, Wild boar Nilgai etc, reptiles like Cobra, Krait  Monitor Lizard and Python etc. and birds like Pea fowl, Partridge, Bush quail Bulbul etc. can be observed in the sanctuary. There is a beautiful big lake known as ' Tiger Lake' near the sanctuary which is a place of tourist's attraction. The sanctuary was notified in 1987 under Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

BASSI W.L.S.: The sanctuary is located in Chittorgarh district and covers an area of 138.69 sq km.  The area supports beautiful Dry deciduous mixed forests having mainly Dhok, Khair, Khirni, Tendu, Salar, Dhavda, Gurjan, Ber, Bel patra Bamboos etc. The leopard is the main predator and Hyena, Wolf, Jackal, and Jungle Cat are other carnivores found here.The herbivores include Chital, Nilgai, Chinkara, Wild boar,hara etc. The Orai and Brahmini rivers originate from here. The dam constructed on the Orai river retains water for almost whole of the year. Variety of resident birds like Egrets, Cormorants, Spoonbills, Snake birds, White ibises etc and the migratory birds like Pintails, Shovellers, Teals and Pochards can be seen here. It was notified in 1988 under Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

RAMSAGAR W.L.S.: The sanctuary is located in Dholpur district and covers an area of 33.40 sq km. The terrain is undulating and supports mainly Dhok, Khair Kumtha and Jhinjha etc. Juliflora trees can also be seen here and there. The wildlife found here is mainly Jackal, Wolf, Hyena, Nilgai and Chital etc Large water body in the area, the Ramsagar lake supports a wide variety of water birds also. It was notified in 1955 under Rajasthan Wild Animal & Bird Protection Act, 1951.

KESARBAGH W.L.S.: The sanctuary is located in Dholpur district and covers an area of 14.76 sq km. The terrain is hilly and ravenous and supports mainly Dhok, Kumtha and Ronj etc as tree species and Wolf, Hyena, Fox, Chital and Nilgai etc as the animal species. The Leopard and the Bear can also be seen occasionly. It was notified in 1955 under Rajasthan Wild Animal & Bird Protection Act, 1951.