Famous Wildlife Sanctuaries & National Park in Rajasthan, known for its deserts and heritage, also boasts diverse wildlife sanctuaries and national parks. Ranthambore National Park, one of India’s most famous tiger reserves, is home to Bengal tigers, leopards, and diverse fauna. Sariska Tiger Reserve, located in the Aravalli hills, offers a rich mix of wildlife, including tigers, nilgai, and sambar deer.
Keoladeo National Park (Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, attracting thousands of migratory birds, including Siberian cranes. Desert National Park, near Jaisalmer, showcases the unique Thar Desert ecosystem, with great Indian bustards, desert foxes, and chinkaras.
Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its leopards and wolves, while Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary houses sloth bears and Indian pangolins. Tal Chhapar Sanctuary, famous for blackbucks, is a paradise for wildlife lovers.
These reserves make Rajasthan a remarkable destination for nature and wildlife enthusiasts.

Ranthambore National Park (Sawai Madhopur)
- Famous for: Bengal Tigers, Leopards, Sloth Bears
- Best Time to Visit: October to June
Ranthambore National Park, located in Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan, is one of India’s most renowned wildlife sanctuaries, famous for its thriving population of Bengal tigers. Spanning over 1,300 square kilometers, the park features a mix of dry deciduous forests, open grasslands, and lakes, providing a diverse habitat for various species.
The park is home to a rich array of wildlife, including leopards, sloth bears, sambar deer, nilgai, crocodiles, and over 270 bird species. One of its key attractions is the historic Ranthambore Fort, a UNESCO-listed site offering breathtaking views of the park. Padam Talao, the largest lake in the reserve, often sees tigers cooling off in its waters.
Safari experiences in open jeeps and canters offer visitors a thrilling chance to witness tigers in their natural habitat. The best time to visit is from October to June, with peak tiger sightings between March and May. Ranthambore is a paradise for wildlife lovers and photographers alike.
Sariska Tiger Reserve (Alwar)
- Famous for: Royal Bengal Tigers, Leopards, Sambar Deer
- Best Time to Visit: October to June
Sariska Tiger Reserve, located in the Alwar district of Rajasthan, is a renowned wildlife sanctuary covering 881 square kilometers. Nestled in the Aravalli hills, it was declared a tiger reserve in 1978 under Project Tiger. The reserve is famous for its Bengal tigers, which were successfully reintroduced after local extinction in 2004.
Apart from tigers, Sariska is home to leopards, striped hyenas, jackals, wild boars, nilgai, sambar deer, and numerous bird species. The diverse landscape consists of dry deciduous forests, rocky hills, and grasslands, providing an ideal habitat for wildlife.
Sariska also holds historical significance, featuring the ancient Kankwari Fort, where Mughal emperor Aurangzeb imprisoned his brother Dara Shikoh. The Neelkanth Mahadev Temple and Pandupol Hanuman Temple attract devotees and tourists alike.
Easily accessible from Delhi and Jaipur, Sariska is a popular weekend getaway. Visitors can explore the reserve through safari tours, best experienced in the cooler months between October and March.
Keoladeo National Park (Bharatpur)
- Famous for: Migratory Birds, Siberian Cranes, Pelicans
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
Keoladeo National Park, also known as Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Rajasthan, India. Spanning about 29 sq. km, it is one of the world’s most famous avifauna sanctuaries, attracting bird watchers and nature lovers. Originally a royal hunting reserve, it was declared a national park in 1982.
The park is home to over 370 bird species, including migratory birds such as the Siberian crane, pelicans, and various species of ducks and geese. It also shelters mammals like deer, wild boars, jackals, and reptiles. The park’s marshes, woodlands, and grasslands create a thriving ecosystem.
The best time to visit is between October and March when migratory birds arrive. Visitors can explore the park on foot, bicycles, or cycle rickshaws guided by naturalists. Keoladeo is a paradise for photographers, offering breathtaking views of birds in their natural habitat, making it an essential stop for wildlife enthusiasts in India.
Desert National Park (Jaisalmer)
- Famous for: Great Indian Bustard, Desert Fox, Chinkara
- Best Time to Visit: November to March
Desert National Park, located near Jaisalmer in Rajasthan, is one of India’s largest national parks, spanning over 3,162 square kilometers. It offers a unique ecosystem of sand dunes, rocky terrain, and sparse vegetation, providing a glimpse into the Thar Desert’s fragile biodiversity.
The park is home to diverse wildlife, including the endangered Great Indian Bustard, desert foxes, chinkaras, monitor lizards, and numerous migratory birds. Birdwatchers can spot eagles, harriers, falcons, and vultures soaring over the vast desert landscape.
Visitors can explore the park through jeep safaris, which take them across rolling dunes and semi-arid plains. Fossilized remains dating back millions of years add to its geological significance. Sam and Sudashri are popular points within the park for wildlife sightings.
The best time to visit is between October and March when temperatures are cooler and wildlife is more active. Desert National Park is a must-visit for nature lovers, photographers, and adventure seekers exploring Jaisalmer.
Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary (Rajsamand)
- Famous for: Indian Wolf, Leopards, Sloth Bears
- Best Time to Visit: October to April
Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary, located in the Rajsamand district of Rajasthan, surrounds the majestic Kumbhalgarh Fort. Spanning over 600 sq. km, this sanctuary is home to diverse flora and fauna, making it a paradise for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.
The sanctuary is known for its rich biodiversity, including species like leopards, sloth bears, wolves, hyenas, and the rare four-horned antelope (Chousingha). It also hosts a variety of bird species such as peacocks, parakeets, and golden orioles. The sanctuary’s dense forests, comprising dry deciduous and evergreen trees, offer a serene escape into nature.
Visitors can explore the sanctuary through thrilling jeep safaris and nature treks. The sanctuary is also famous for its Ranakpur Jain Temple, adding a cultural aspect to the visit. The best time to visit is from October to March when the weather is pleasant. Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary provides a perfect blend of adventure, wildlife, and heritage, making it a must-visit destination in Rajasthan.
Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary (Mount Abu)
- Famous for: Indian Leopard, Sambar Deer, Pangolin
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
The Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary is a picturesque sanctuary located in the Aravalli Range of Rajasthan. Spanning around 288 sq. km, it is one of the oldest sanctuaries in the state, established in 1960 to protect the region’s diverse flora and fauna.
The sanctuary is home to over 112 plant families, including rare orchids and medicinal plants. It features a mix of dry deciduous forests, semi-green forests, and subtropical thorn forests, creating a unique ecological habitat.
Wildlife enthusiasts can spot animals like leopards, hyenas, sloth bears, sambar deer, wild boars, and porcupines. The sanctuary is also a paradise for bird watchers, with over 250 bird species, including the rare Green Avadavat.
With its stunning landscapes, rich biodiversity, and panoramic viewpoints, the Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary offers a perfect escape for nature lovers and adventure seekers. The best time to visit is October to March, when the weather is pleasant for exploring its scenic trails.
Jhalana Leopard Safari Park (Jaipur)
- Famous for: Leopards, Hyenas, Nilgai
- Best Time to Visit: October to April
Jhalana Leopard Safari Park, located in Jaipur, Rajasthan, is a premier destination for wildlife enthusiasts seeking an up-close encounter with leopards in their natural habitat. Spread across 23 square kilometers, this park is home to around 30-35 leopards, making it one of the best places in India to spot these elusive big cats.
The park offers guided safari tours in open gypsies, providing visitors with an opportunity to witness leopards along with other wildlife such as striped hyenas, desert foxes, golden jackals, and various species of birds. The safari experience is divided into morning and evening slots, enhancing the chances of sighting wildlife during peak activity hours.
Unlike traditional national parks, Jhalana’s close proximity to Jaipur allows for a quick and thrilling wildlife experience without long travel times. The best time to visit is between October and March when the weather is pleasant. Jhalana Leopard Safari is a must-visit for adventure seekers and nature lovers exploring Jaipur.
Jawai Leopard Conservation Reserve (Pali)
- Famous for: Leopards, Crocodiles, Indian Wolves
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
Jawai Leopard Conservation Reserve, located in the Pali district of Rajasthan, is a unique wildlife sanctuary known for its thriving leopard population. Nestled amidst the rugged granite hills and surrounded by the scenic Jawai River, this reserve offers one of the best opportunities to spot leopards in their natural habitat. Unlike traditional wildlife sanctuaries, Jawai’s leopards roam freely in harmony with the local Rabari shepherds, who have coexisted with them for generations.
Apart from leopards, the reserve is home to hyenas, sloth bears, crocodiles, and over 150 species of migratory and resident birds, including flamingos and cranes. The area’s dramatic rocky terrain, ancient temples, and serene water bodies create a mesmerizing landscape for nature lovers and wildlife photographers.
Safari experiences in Jawai are conducted in open 4×4 jeeps, offering thrilling encounters with leopards at dawn and dusk. With luxury camps and eco-lodges available, Jawai is a perfect blend of adventure and tranquility for wildlife enthusiasts.
Sitamata Wildlife Sanctuary (Pratapgarh)
- Famous for: Flying Squirrels, Leopards, Nilgai
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
Sitamata Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Pratapgarh district of Rajasthan, is a rich biodiversity hotspot spread over 422.95 sq km. The sanctuary is named after Goddess Sita, and local legends associate it with her stay during exile. It is known for its dense forests, which include teak, bamboo, and tendu trees, providing shelter to diverse wildlife.
The sanctuary is home to the rare flying squirrel, spotted at night gliding between trees. Other wildlife includes leopards, hyenas, jackals, four-horned antelopes (chousingha), sambars, nilgai, and wild boars. It is also a paradise for bird watchers, with over 100 species of birds, including grey hornbills, peacocks, and owls.
The Jakham and Sitamata rivers flow through the sanctuary, enhancing its scenic beauty. The best time to visit is from October to March when the weather is pleasant. Sitamata Wildlife Sanctuary is a must-visit for nature lovers, offering a peaceful escape into Rajasthan’s lesser-explored wilderness.
Tal Chhapar Wildlife Sanctuary (Churu)
- Famous for: Blackbucks, Desert Foxes, Harriers
- Best Time to Visit: September to March
Tal Chhapar Wildlife Sanctuary, located in the Churu district of Rajasthan, is a hidden gem for wildlife enthusiasts and bird watchers. This sanctuary is renowned for its large population of blackbucks, which gracefully roam its vast grasslands. It is also a paradise for bird lovers, especially during the migratory season when harriers, eastern imperial eagles, and demoiselle cranes visit the area.
Spread over approximately 7.19 square kilometers, Tal Chhapar has a unique ecosystem with open grasslands interspersed with acacia and salt-resistant vegetation. The sanctuary was once a hunting ground for the Maharajas of Bikaner but was later declared a protected area.
The best time to visit is from October to March when the weather is pleasant, and migratory birds arrive. Visitors can explore the sanctuary through guided safaris and spot various species, including desert foxes and jungle cats. Tal Chhapar offers a serene retreat into nature, making it a must-visit for wildlife lovers in Rajasthan.
Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve (Bundi)
- Famous for: Tigers, Leopards, Sloth Bears
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve, located in Bundi, Rajasthan, is India’s 52nd tiger reserve, covering approximately 1,501 sq. km. Declared a tiger reserve in 2022, it serves as a crucial corridor between Ranthambore and Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserves, supporting tiger movement and biodiversity conservation.
The reserve features diverse landscapes, including dry deciduous forests, grasslands, and riverine ecosystems, making it a haven for wildlife. Apart from tigers, it is home to leopards, striped hyenas, sloth bears, jackals, wild boars, chinkaras, nilgais, and various bird species. The Chambal River and seasonal streams enhance the ecological richness of the region.
Ramgarh Vishdhari also has historical and cultural significance, with ancient temples and ruins scattered across the reserve. Visitors can explore its scenic beauty and wildlife through safaris and nature trails. With its strategic location and rich biodiversity, it plays a vital role in Rajasthan’s conservation efforts, promoting eco-tourism and wildlife protection in the state.
Nahargarh Biological Park (Jaipur)
- Famous for: Asiatic Lions, Tigers, Panthers
- Best Time to Visit: October to April
Nahargarh Biological Park, located on the Jaipur-Delhi highway, is a popular wildlife attraction in Rajasthan. Spread over 720 hectares, it is a part of the Nahargarh sanctuary, which falls within the Aravalli range. The park is home to a variety of flora and fauna, making it an excellent destination for nature and wildlife enthusiasts.
One of the key attractions of the park is the lion safari, where visitors can spot majestic Asiatic lions in a natural habitat. Apart from lions, the park houses leopards, tigers, deer, sloth bears, and numerous bird species, making it a haven for birdwatchers.
The park also features a rescue and rehabilitation center for injured and orphaned wildlife. With its lush greenery, tranquil environment, and well-maintained enclosures, Nahargarh Biological Park offers an educational and adventurous experience.
It is an ideal getaway for families, photographers, and wildlife lovers seeking a refreshing retreat amidst nature, just a short drive from Jaipur city.