Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary is a major attraction for the tourists coming to Udaipur. This Sanctuary falls under the Rajsamand district of Rajasthan. Kumbhalgarh Park lies at a distance of 65 kms from Udaipur on Udaipur – Pali – Jodhpur road. If you are a wild-life lover, this is a perfect place for you to visit. Sprawled in an area of 578 sq km, Kumbhalgarh Sanctuary encircles the massive fort of Kumbhalgarh. This wildlife park has imbibed its name from the same fort.
Broadening across the Aravalli Range, Kumbhalgarh sanctuary covers parts of Rajsamand, Udaipur and Pali districts. The sanctuary makes home to many endangered species of wild-life. The sanctuary provides natural abode to many creatures like Wolf, Leopards, Sloth bear, Hyena, jackal, Jungle cat, Sambhar, Nilgai, Chausingha (the four horned antelope), Chinkara and Hare. In fact, Kumbhalgarh is the only sanctuary of Rajasthan, where you can trace wolf engaged in its activities.
This sanctuary inhabits more than forty wolves in number. In the summers, one can easily find pack of wolves strolling around water sources in the sanctuary. If you find your interest in birds, then here you can see a nice variety of birds too. In the park, you can see Grey Jungle Fowl, which is usually inhibited. Peacocks and Doves also gain attention by their own charm. Apart from this, birds like Red Spur Owls, Parakeets, Golden Oriole, Bulbul, Dove, Grey Pigeons and White Breasted Kingfisher are traceable near the water holes.
Jeep Jungle Safari – Jungle Safari in Kumbhalgarh
The 15-km long drive from Kumbhalgarh to Thandi Beri is the most popular jeep journey in the sanctuary. In the 3.5 hours that it takes to get to Thandi Beri and back, you can see leopards, bears, sambar – if you are fortunate that is. You can also visit the famous 15th-century Jain temples at Ranakpur, located at one end of the sanctuary.
- A jungle-safari would help you to explore the place better.
- Regular buses or private taxis can be hired from Udaipur to the sanctuary.
- It was declared a wildlife sanctuary in the year 1971.
- Though it remains opened all-the-year-round, yet the months from December through March is preferred for spotting animals.
- Trekking is another entertainment-option for tourists.
Covering a total area of 578 kilometers of the desert landscape, the Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary in Rajasthan is unique in that it displays the activities of the wolf which is rarely found anywhere else. The sanctuary functions as a home to about 40 such wolves. The best time to visit the sanctuary is between October to June. But if you can bear the heat, come during the summer months. Because of the scarcity of water, it will be easier to spot the wolves nearby the water holes.
A wide variety of animals can be observed in the Kumbhalgarh Sanctuary. It houses some endangered and rare species as well. The animals that inhabit the sanctuary include wolf, nilgai, jackal, jungle cat, leopards, four-horned antelope, sloth bear, hyena, chinkara, sambhar, and hare.
Places To Visit Near 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.
Kumbhalgarh Fort: Apart from the sanctuary you can visit the Kumbhalgarh fort, about 2 km away. It happens to be the second most impressive fort in all of Mewar, after the Chittorgarh Fort. The magnificent fortress houses many palaces and temples which are of great antiquity and interest. One of the important among them is Badal Mahal or Cloud Palace at the top of the fort which offers a scenic beauty of the countryside.
Joba Wolf Point: Another point of interest in the Sanctuary is the Joba wolf point. It is situated about 7 km from Sadri near Joba Village. This is a wolf habitat. It is set in the foothills near the Muchala Mahaveer Temple.The 500 hectares of the forest here is home to the Indian wolf.
Ranakpur Jain Temple: The sanctuary is near the famous Ranakpur Jain Temple. The glorious temple complex is one of the largest and most important of all Jain temples in India. This temple is dedicated to Jain guru Adinath. There are two other Jain temples and a Sun temple nearby.
Best Time to Visit Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary
December to March is considered as the most ideal time to embark on a wildlife tour in the Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary.
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.