Wildlife Sanctuaries Around Jaipur, Rajasthan, the Jhalana Leopard Reserve, also known as Jhalana Safari Park, is India’s first leopard reserve. The Aravali Hills, India’s oldest mountain range, surround it. Jhalana was declared as a leopard reserve in 2017. The reserve is 20 square kilometres in size and includes a Leopard Safari in Jhalana. Jhalana is about 8-9 kilometres from Jaipur Pink City and is home to a wide variety of flora and animals.
The leopard population and other wildlife of the Jhalana Sanctuary in Jaipur are well-known. The forest was once the hunting grounds of the Maharajas of Rajasthan. Leopards, as well as other animals like common langurs, desert foxes, and others, are frequently spotted in this reserve. This park also provides views of the Aravalli mountain range and one of the most stunning sunrises and sunsets. Because the leopard population has been well-preserved, the park’s leopard population has increased significantly.
Over 30 leopards and five cubs live in the Jhalana Leopard Conservation Reserve right now! In addition to leopards, you can encounter striped hyenas, Indian civets, desert cats, and forest cats, as well as desert foxes, jackals, porcupines, jungle rats, monitor lizards, mongooses, Sambar deer, spotted deer (chital), Blue Bull (Nilgai), and many snakes. You can also go to Shikaar Audhi, the three-story hunting lodge of Jaipur’s royal families. It’s situated in the heart of the leopard reserve! There’s an animal-spotting platform there, as well as views of the sunrise and sunset Wildlife Sanctuaries Around Jaipur.
Jhalana Leopard Reserve Flora and Fauna:
Flora of the Jhalana Leopard Reserve: The Aravallis’ small valleys and sheer cliffs dominate the terrain of the Jhalana Leopard Reserve. The Jhalana forest’s tranquillity and intriguing natural surrounds are incredibly calming and enjoyable to the psyche. This region stands out as a unique and exceptional destination for environment lovers because of its diverse species in such a heavily populated area, Wildlife Sanctuaries Around Jaipur.
Jhalana is a dry-climate deciduous forest. The forest remains dry for the majority of the year because trees shed their leaves in the dry season and turn lush emerald during the monsoons. Jhalana trees are dominated by plants like juliflora (Prosopis juliflora) and khejri (Prosopis cineraria). The fast-growing juliflora was originally planted to provide local villagers with firewood. Other grasslands and forests, on the other hand, are not supported by trees. More local flora varieties, such as dhak (Butea monosperma), salar (Boswellia serrata), dhonk (Anogeissus pendula), and kumta, can be found in the slanting valleys (Acacia Senegal).
Fauna In Jhalana Leopard Reserve: Obviously, the majestic Leopard is the prime and most covered mammal of this Jhalana Leopard Reserve, which is also the top predator of the region and who comes first in the food chain of the Jhalana forest reserve. Although the Leopard is considered to be a nocturnal, solitary, shy, and seldom seen hunter with masterful stealth hunting skills, leopards in the Jhalana National Park are diurnal, similar to tigers in Ranthambore and Sariska, making it one of the most visited reserve forests by Leopard lovers.
Leopards, Indian civets, desert cats, and jungle cats are among the other big cats found at the Jhalana Leopard Park. Other animals such as the Striped Hyena, desert foxes, jackals, porcupines, jungle rats, monitor lizards, mongooses, Sambar deer, spotted deer (chital), Blue Bull (Nilgai), and several snakes find food and shelter in this area.
Jhalana Leopard Reserve is home to a plethora of endangered bird species, making it a birdwatcher’s paradise. Jhalana National Park is home to various birds, including the Indian Pitta, Dusky Eagle, Owl, Spotted Owlet, and others.
Jhalana Leopard Reserve’s Best Time to Visit:
The Jhalana Leopard Reserve (India’s first leopard reserve) is open to travellers for safari trips all year, including during the monsoon season, which runs from January 1 to December 31. Most of the country’s protected areas are closed during the monsoon season, but there’s plenty to make up for it Wildlife Sanctuaries Around Jaipur.
While the Jhalana Leopard Safari may be enjoyed at any time and visitors can marvel at the majestic Leopard, the months of November to April are regarded the finest for visiting Jhalana Reserve since the weather is comfortable and nature is in full bloom, emphasising the forest’s splendour.
Getting to The Jhalana Leopard Reserve:
By Air: The Jaipur International Airport is just 6 kilometers from the Jhalana Leopard Reserve, around a 15-minute drive from the airport. Numerous domestic and international flights link the pink city of Jaipur to cities all over India and the world. To get to Jhalana Safari Park, take a taxi, cab, or bus from Jaipur airport.
By Rail: The Jhalana Leopard Reserve is located near the Jaipur Junction Railway Station. It is approximately 11.7 kilometers from the park. The station is a well-known tourist destination with direct trains from major Indian cities such as Udaipur, Delhi, and Mumbai. You can either hire a taxi or take the local bus to get from the station to Jhalana.
By Road: A direct road passes through the Jhalana forest reserve, linking it to Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Udaipur, Kota, and others, which are further linked to India’s major cities. If you choose a direct road trip from Delhi, Mumbai, or Udaipur, you will have no trouble reaching Jhalana. To get to Jhalana, you can either drive yourself or take the state bus, Wildlife Sanctuaries Around Jaipur.
About Ranthambore national park
It is one of India’s largest and most well-known national parks, as well as a popular wildlife tourism destination in Rajasthan. Ranthambore is located in Rajasthan’s Sawai Madhopur district, around 180 kilometres from Jaipur (Jaipur International Airport is the closest airport) and 110 kilometres from Kota. The nearest railway station to Ranthambore is Sawai Madhopur. Tiger sightings are best in Ranthambore National Park‘s ten zones, with zones 1-5 being the greatest.
The park is regarded as one of the top wildlife reserves in India. It is best described as a tiger-friendly land that proudly preserves India’s most famous tigers, Wildlife Sanctuaries Around Jaipur characterized by distinctive marks on their bodies and ruling territories. The dense vegetation provides the best conditions for the tiger to search for his prey in stealth, and it is the only national park in India where mother and cub tigers can be found in large numbers.
Ranthambore National Park: A Quick Tour
- The reserve was first established by the Indian government in 1955 as the Sawai Madhopur Gaming Sanctuary.
- In 1973, it was designated as one of India’s Project Tiger Reserves.
- Ranthambore became a national park in 1980.
- Sawai Mansingh Sanctuary and Keladevi Sanctuary were established in the nearby forests in 1984.
- Sawai Mansingh and Kaladevi Sanctuaries were added to the tiger reserve in 1991.
The Ranthambore National Park is famous for its tiger population and is one of the best places in India to see these magnificent predators in their natural habitat. It is the only reserve in the area where visitors can easily see tigers at any time. It is one of the reasons why tiger tours are so popular in the region.
Ranthambore’s wildlife
Among the major wild creatures are the leopard, nilgai, wild boar, sambar, hyena, sloth bear, and chital. It also provides habitat for a wide variety of trees, plants, birds, and reptiles. The reserve boasts a thriving bird life, with over 270 different kinds of birds.
In 2005, there were 26 tigers in the reserve, a considerable decrease from the reserve’s projected tiger population of 44 in 1982. In 2008, according to a survey done by non-government resources, 34 adult tigers were registered in Ranthambore. More than 14 tiger cubs have been registered, bringing acclaim for the Ranthambore Tigers‘ well-being to conservation efforts and the wildlife management authorities.
More importantly, tigers in Ranthambore are today’s heroes because they have a name, identity, and distinctive markings. The local pet names for Ranthambore tigers include Machali (T-16), Dollar (T-25), Sitara (T-28), Bina One, Bina Two, and many others. Wildlife scientists, photographers, and jungle officials have all had emotional experiences as a result of their work. Because of the increase in Ranthambore’s population, some tigers have been relocated to neighbouring reserves like Sariska Tiger Reserve. As an example, the tigress sisters (Bina One and Bina Two) have lately relocated.
Ranthambore is an excellent place to live if you want to:
- There are 40 different types of mammals.
- 320 different bird species
- Reptiles (40 species)
- a pair of amphibian species
- Butterflies (50 species)
- 300 different plant species
When is the best time to visit Ranthambore?
From November to March, the peak tourist season in Ranthambore National Park, when all of the safari gates are open. Ranthambore Park is closed during the monsoon season, which runs from July to mid-October, but people can still visit since a few gates are partially open. Summer is the best time to visit Ranthambore for wildlife photographers, as tigers emerge from their caves in search of water, increasing the chances of seeing a Wildlife Sanctuaries Around Jaipur.
How do you get to Ranthambore?
By Air: The closest airport to Ranthambore is Jaipur, which is 180 kilometers away from the reserve.
By Rail: Sawai Madhopur railway station, on the Delhi-Mumbai trunk line, is approximately 11 km from Ranthambore National Park.
By Road: Ranthambore is easily connected by road. To get to Sawai Madhopur, it is best to hire a car or taxi. Just 1.5 kilometers separate you from the Kota-Ranthambore mega highway.
Ranthambore’s Tourist Attractions
- Trinetra Ganesh Temple is the oldest Ganesh shrine in Rajasthan, and it is located within the famous Ranthambore Tour Package. King Hammeer, who dreamed of Lord Ganesha before discovering an idol of him with three eyes (Trinetra) in the fort, founded this famous temple in Ranthambhore.
- Ranthambore Fort is a 13-kilometer drive from Sawai Madhopur Railway Station and is an ancient fort. The Ranthambore Fort, which was established in 944 AD and was originally known as “Ranath Bhawar Garh,” which means “a place of Rajput warriors,” was the home of the most famous Ranthambore tigress, Machali, who died a few years ago. Tiger fans, especially those who admired Machali, the “Queen of Ranthambore,” came to this fort in particular to see her mighty and royal movements. She was renowned for her courage and for extending her territories by beating the other Ranthambore tigers.
- The Kachida Valley is situated on the reserve’s outskirts and features various outcrops and low hills. Tourists will go on a Jeep Safari to explore the Kachida Valley area and have a great time. It is the only place where the Panther population of Ranthambore National Park can be identified. They avoid going into the main area of the jungle to avoid encountering tigers. Aside from that, there are a lot of beers here.
- The Jogi Mahal is a fort that is considered one of the must-see attractions in Ranthambore National Park.
About the Sariska Wildlife sanctuary
Sariska National Park, Rajasthan, is one of the most visited national parks in the world, located in the Alwar region of Jaipur. The Rajasthan government manages this national park, which is located about 107 kilometres from Jaipur and spans an unfathomable 800 square kilometres of territory. The park is separated into deciduous forest, farmland, harsh terrain, and cliffs portions.
The ‘Siliserh Lake’ and the ‘Jai Samand Lake,’ which are home to different crocodiles, water snakes, and other land and water wildlife, are surrounded by the Sariska National Park. Despite the fact that there are few tourist attractions in the Sariska area, the National Park serves as an unspoiled retreat for visitors looking for peace and endless stretches of diverse vegetation in Wildlife Sanctuaries Around Jaipur, Rajasthan.
The sanctuary also contains the ruins of ancient Garh-Rajor temples dating from the 11th century. A 17th-century fort on Kankwari’s hilltop also offers a beautiful view of soaring vultures and eagles. Several carnivores live in Sariska Park, including the Wild Dog, Jungle Cat, Hyena, Jackal, Leopard, and Tiger. Sambar, Nilgai, Chausingha, Chital, Wild Boar, and Langur are among the herbivorous species they eat, Wildlife Sanctuaries Around Jaipur.
Safari Times in Sariska National Park
In the Sariska Tiger Reserve, safaris are performed in two different time slots, with different timings in the winter and summer.
- A Winter Safari
Safari is conducted twice a day, in the morning and evening. The safari timings for both slots in the winter are as follows:
- Morning Safari: 6.30 a.m. to 10.30 a.m.
- Evening Safari: 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- A Summer Safari
During the summer, the safari is also held twice a day, in the morning and evening. The following are the summer safari times in Sariska National Park:
- Morning Safari is: 6 a.m. to 10 a.m.
- Evening Safari is: 2.30 to 6.30 p.m.
When is the best time to go to Sariska National Park?
The best time to visit Sariska National Park is in October and continues through June. Apart from that, the Sariska National Park is closed to tourists from July to September. However, if you want to go for wildlife photography or anything similar, the area is open all year Wildlife Sanctuaries Around Jaipur.
You may do the same by booking a ‘hide’ in one of the water holes, which provides an excellent opportunity to see Sariska National Park‘s wildlife. However, you must first obtain permission from the Forest Reception Office.
Flora
The forests of Sariska National Park are dry deciduous, with Dhok being the most common tree type, with mild to direct inclines accounting for more than 90% of the tree cover. The edges on steep dry slants bolster Salar. In valley beds, Khair and Cheela can be found. Bamboo only grows to a limited extent in wet and cool areas. Aam, Jamun, Arjun, and Bahera, which grow in clammy despondency on nallah banks, grow to enormous proportions.
Ber and Adusa make up the majority of the land distribution. Great grain species include Zizyphus and Grewia. Dhok’s dried and fallen leaves aid herbivores in surviving the summer months when the grain is scarce. The woods turn a dark green color during rainstorm months and are fully dry by late spring Wildlife Sanctuaries Around Jaipur.
Fauna
The National Park is home to a diverse range of wildlife. Forest carnivores include the Jaguar, Hyena, Jackal, and Jungle Cat. Caracals and wild dogs are seldom seen. Sambhar, Chital, Wild Boar, Nilgai, Hare, and Porcupine are among the prey population. In terms of creature distribution, Sariska National Park is special. The wild animals in this area seem to have chosen their territories – their boundaries. Kundli for Chitals, Sambhar, and Tarunda and Kalighati for Nilgai are best observed from Slopka. The Pondupole Nallah is home to four-horned antelopes known as Chausingha. Chausingha is the only Indian buck with four horns on the planet.
Sariska is also known for the Sariska National Park Safari, which allows visitors to see Langurs and Rhesus monkeys daily. Talviksh is the center of Rhesus’s basic population, and it is possible to see many of them at once. Pandupole, Slopka, and Kalighati all have large populations of langurs.
Wildlife Sanctuaries Around Jaipur When it comes to bird species, you can see grey partridge, sand grouse, crested serpent eagle, woodpecker, horned owl, tree pie, bush quail, and several others, totaling 225 species.
History of the Sariska National Park Safari
The forest of Sariska, which the Aravallis surround, is mentioned in the Mahabharata. It is where the Pandavas spent their final year of exile, according to the epic. It was also here that Lord Hanuman defeated the great Bhima. There is a shrine devoted to Lord Hanuman here as evidence Wildlife Sanctuaries Around Jaipur.
Sariska has attracted the attention of many rulers over the years, and Maharaja Jai Singh II constructed the Kankwari Fort here. The Maharaja of Alwar used the Sariska jungles as a hunting ground until hunting was outlawed in 1955. It was designated as a wildlife reserve, and the Sariska Tiger Reserve was established in 1978.
What is the best way to get to Sariska National Park?
- Air: The Jaipur Airport is the closest airport to Sariska National Park. The distance between the airport and the Park is 122 kilometers, and it can be traveled by road or train. There are direct bus and taxis from the airport to Alwar, where the Park is situated.
- Rail: The closest rail station is Alwar railway station, which is 37 kilometers away from the Park. This railway station has direct connections to several major cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, and Wildlife Sanctuaries Around Jaipur.
- Road: Sariska National Park is well-connected by road, with several bus and taxi services operating along the route. Private and government buses or taxis are available from all of Rajasthan’s major cities.
Jeep Safari
A jeep safari is the only way to see Sariska National Park. It is a 3-hour expedition led by knowledgeable guides. Each trip can accommodate at least six people and will run from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. and from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Jeep safaris are perfect for exploring the Park’s vast expanse as well as seeing the magnificent wildlife that calls it home. It is also the perfect way to get some of the best photos of these magnificent creatures.
Canter Safari
A Canter Safari, which takes place in open vans called canters, is another way to see the Park. It is the best way to see all of the Park’s zones, particularly if you’re traveling in a large group.
This safari takes about 20 people and takes them to all four zones of the Park. The hours are 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
It is suggested that you book your safari ahead of time, as demand for these safaris is strong, especially during peak seasons. Safaris are timed differently depending on the season Wildlife Sanctuaries Around Jaipur.
