The Land of Rajputs is not only home to forts and palaces and a royal historical background but also has a lot to offer in terms of wildlife. National parks in Rajasthan are Ranthambhore, Jawai Sagar, Bharatpur, and Sariska. They are known for unique sightings mainly in Jawai Sagar which home to villagers that once lived inside the forest area.
Ranthambhore
From original hunting ground of the Maharajas of Jaipur to being top visited National parks in Rajasthan, Ranthambore is full of poignant beauty, that makes it a truly beautiful habitat for tigers. This scrubby forest is an ideal tiger country and an abundant prey-base keeps the felines from straying beyond the park. The thorny bush and patches of grassland provide ample cover for the Tigers. Ranthambore’s tigers are legendary – and some of them, like Macchli, have made history all over the world. It’s the perfect addition to the history of Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur and the wilderness act as a perfect balance to the culture that a Golden Triangle itinerary offers.
Jawai Sagar
Both Ranthambore and Jawai have another great predator – the crocodile. Rajasthan’s waterbodies are full of massive crocs who often give the felines a real run for their money! The best-known story of all is when Macchli valiantly fought a massive crocodile and killed it when it tried to attack her cubs.
Leopards at Jawai
Jawai may not have tigers. But this is the one place that you can be almost sure to spot a leopard. These gorgeous big cats love the rugged, craggy rock face that is full of hiding holes and caves. So here these spotted beauties lurk. They say that in Jawai, the leopards roam free among the villagers and tribal. They never harm the humans who live here, who in turn revere them as special creatures. The Jawai reservoir is a super spot for birding as well and hoards of migratory birds make their way here from as far as Europe and Siberia, to roost for the winter. Jawai is just a stone’s throw away from Ranakpur, and within easy reach of both Jodhpur and Udaipur.
Bharatpur
But for bird-lovers, the hotspot that will bring you back, again and again, are the wetlands of Bharatpur. The Keoladeo National Park is full of beautiful wilderness that is an ideal spot for waders and waterfowl. Thousands of rare avians make their way here from far-flung corners of the planet. The swampy region helps in breeding for crustaceans, plankton, and algae that these birds love to feed on. As you drive from Agra to Jaipur, Bharatpur is the perfect segue. Whether you’re a bird lover or not, it makes a terrific segue.
Sariska
Lesser known, but no less lovely, is Sariska. This beautiful forest is hallowed ground and has an ancient temple within it. Sariska’s tiger history has been chequered – an abundant population was hunted to extinction and it’s only recently that the feline has been rehabilitated into this forest. The forest is also full of deer, primates, birds and small animals that are a wonderful habitat for various flora and fauna. Explore the mystic beauty and deep legends associated with several historic sights that are just a short distance away. Wind up the trip with a few days at Amanbagh, an oasis of luxury amid the rugged wilderness.
If big cats are your passion and tigers and leopards feature high on your list, then call us today to plan your Rajasthan safari. We promise it will be the trip of a lifetime. Write to us at [email protected] to learn more about wildlife in Rajasthan!
Born and brought up in New Delhi, it was Sharad’s childhood passion to play cricket for India. While on a holiday in 1990, he saw his first tiger. Little did he know that this one sighting would immerse him into a realm where forests and tigers were all that mattered.
Sharad’s experiences as a wildlife photographer have inspired him to observe the tiger’s behavior for over 30 years and motivated him on his own journey as an entrepreneur. He started Nature Safari India Pvt Ltd, with a focus on “Conservation through Tourism.” to align himself to the mission of saving the regal species and repopulating them in India’s forests. In 2006, he set up one of India’s premier jungle lodges in Kanha National Park.
Sharad believes that there are many lessons to be learned from a tiger that can be applied successfully to leadership—both in business and in life. Here’s a new book by Sharad Vats on management and leadership skills to learn from a Tiger.
