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,
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 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 wildlifetravel packages in India, make sure that you do include above slated three
parks and sanctuaries.
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