The Kailadevi Wildlife Sanctuary (KWS) is the northern extension of the Ranthamboree National Park and falls within the buffer zone of the Ranthamboree Tiger Reserve. The sanctuary is located in the Karauli district of Rajasthan and falls within the Karauli and Sapotra blocks. It is spread over a total area of 674 sq km, falling within the longitudes 76°37’ E to 77°13’ E and latitude 26°2’ N and 26°21’ N. The sanctuary is bounded on the west by the river Banas and on the south by the river Chambal.
Even prior to the declaration of the sanctuary in 1983, the forest area that now comprises the sanctuary has been home to several pastoral and agricultural communities who are dependent substantially on its resources for their livelihood.
Kailadevi Wildlife Sanctuary, otherwise a little-known PA, has become a popular reference among environmentalists and conservationists for the community-initiated forest protection committees (referred to as kulhadi bandh panchayats) that are operational in the area. These forest protection committees prevent the carrying of axes into the forests, a symbol of protecting the forests. Following these initiatives there have been several measures by the FD to collaborate with the people.
This case study reflects on these organised efforts that the communities in and around the sanctuary have made towards protecting their forests and those of the sanctuary. The research on which this case study is based was conducted in two phases: one in which the area had a number of self-initiated community conservation efforts and the second in which the forest department intervened for promoting community-based conservation. This case study is thus a comparative one, analysing the functional dynamics of the community-based conservation efforts over a period of time. In the span of three years between the first phase (1996) and the second phase, several changes and developments took place. These include changes in the management, more active NGOs, consistently poor rainfall and the people in the villages becoming outwardly mobile. The changes have had a significant bearing on the existence and operation of the community initiatives in this area.
Best Time to Visit Kailadevi Wildlife Sanctuary
According to me as a local, you must visit here in the Rainy season & in the winter season. Between September to February month. Karauli is a backward area but it is the most beautiful area of Rajasthan with no famous tourist places.
How to Reach Kailadevi Wildlife Sanctuary
By Railway : The nearest railway station to reach Kailadevi sanctuary is Gangapur City Railway Station. The station is about 60 km away from Keladevi sanctuary. Buses are available from the city bus stand at any time. Contact me if you visit here, I’ll arrange home and food for you.
By Airway : The nearest airport to reach the Kailadevi wildlife sanctuary is Jaipur International Airport. It is about 183 km away from Karauli district of Rajasthan. I suggest you take rest in Jaipur than find a rental car or bike service. Then explore Rajasthan in your way.
By Roadway :
Karauli is well connected by National Highway 23 (Kothun to Dholpur district in Rajasthan). Bus services are started at 4:00 AM and end at 9:00 PM but few buses and taxies are available all time. Distance between Kailadevi Wildlife Sanctuary from major cities of Rajasthan