Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary is in Rajsamand district of Rajasthan. Covering a total surface area of 578 sq km and stretching across the Aravalli ranges, it encircles parts of Udaipur, Rajsamand, and Pali. The wildlife sanctuary encompasses the historic Kumbhalgarh Fort and is also named after the fort. This hilly dense forest of Kumbhalgarh will definitely prove to be a pleasant surprise for those who consider Rajasthan a desert state. The green tract of the park forms a dividing line between the two different parts of Rajasthan; Mewar and Marwar.
The area where the Sanctuary is located was once a royal hunting ground and was converted into what it is today in the year 1971. Another charm of the sanctuary is the diverse topography that it boasts of. The eastern part is lined by the Aravalli ranges that looms over an altitude of 3,748 ft. River Banas also graces the sanctuary and is the primary source of water.
Kumbhalgarh wildlife sanctuary is famous for its 40 strong wolf pack, that is rarely found elsewhere. Apart from the wolf it also houses the various variety of endangered and rare animal species and almost 200 different species of birds. The monsoon in the Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary brings on the beautiful flora, and the autumn brings out russet colours. The sanctuary also offers provision for other activities such as jeep safari, horseback safari and trekking. Many Garasia and Bhils tribals can also be seen here, living in their traditional huts. The natural beauty of the sanctuary attracts tourists from far and wide.
Attractions in Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary
Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a very large variety of wild life, and some of them are highly dying out species. The wild life includes wolf, leopards, sloth bear, hyena, jackal, jungle cat, sambhar, nilgai, chausingha or the four horned antelope, chinkara and hare. The bird life at Kumbhalgarh is also enjoyable. The normally shy and untrusting grey jungle fowl can be spotted here. You will also see the peacocks and doves can be seen on a regular basis feeding on grains provided by the jungle guards and caretakers. Bird like the red spur owls, parakeets, golden oriole, grey pigeons, Bulbul, and white breasted kingfisher can also be seen near the water holes. Kumbhalgarh’s natural beauty attracts hundreds of tourists and because of its easy conveyance connectivity from Udaipur, which is 100 km from here. Foot trekking and horse safari organized by local tour operators are proving to be very popular. A typical jungle safari route enters the sanctuary from the Kumbhalgarh Fort and cutting across the sanctuary to reach Ghanerao, and then borders an old abandoned road. On this road, one can sight Chinkaras, Neelgais, four horned Antelope and many birds.
Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary is a well-known tourist attraction counted majorly on Rajasthan Tourism. It attracts not only adults but mostly children as it is an abode to a large number of wild species and birds. In this sanctuary tourist can enjoy exclusive jungle safari and gain a great experience especially in the winters.
How to Reach Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary
Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary is located nearby Udaipur City. And tourist who are plannig for the national park can either reach via buses or can book taxi.
By Air : Udaipur Airport is the nearest airport which is about 85 km from the Wildlife Sanctuary.
By Rail : Falna Railway Station is the nearest Railway Station.
Monuments in Kumbhalgarh Famous for its gigantic snake-like fortress, Kumbalgarh town is yet another feather in Rajasthan’s royal cap. The historic town is renowned for its majestic monuments, extravagant palaces, an array of temples and flamboyant chattris. The Kumbhalgarh fort is the second most important fort of Rajasthan and is a truly magnificent sight. The charming location of the fort at the foothills of pebbly Aravalli hills increases the overall appeal of the place. Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuaries has a Lion Safari to offer too. At the foot of the Aravali, the area is blessed with an interesting terrain and other natural elements. Other than sustaining a rich flora and fauna, the area also sustains a magnificent past made to come alive with monuments flattering the tourists around the city. The wall of Kumbhalgarh Fort is the second longest continuous wall in the world, after the Great Wall of China.