5 National Parks in Rajasthan & 15 Wildlife Sanctuaries For An Adventure

Known For : Ranthambore Tiger Reserve Jeep Safari Ranthambore Ranthambhore Fort

Ranthambore National Park in Sawai Madhopur is one of India's most prominent tiger reserves, renowned for its significant tiger population. Set against the backdrop of the Ranthambore Fort, the park offers a picturesque canvas of lakes, meadows, and ravines. Apart from tigers, the national park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including leopards, hyenas, and marsh crocodiles.

Location: Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan
Area: Approx. 1,334 sq km
Timings: 6:30 AM to 10:00 AM & 2:00 PM to 6:30 PM (May vary seasonally)
Entry Fee:  approximately INR 1,000 for Indians and INR 2,000 for foreigners for a canter safari.
Major Attractions: Tigers, Leopards, Ranthambore Fort, Padam Talao (lake)

Best Time: October to Apr

20 Ranthambore Attractions

Mukundra Hills National Park in Rajasthan is one of the newest tiger reserves in India, offering breathtaking landscapes with dense forests, deep valleys, and the serene waters of the Chambal River. Home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, it is particularly known for the protection and conservation of the endangered tiger population. The park also plays a significant role in bridging the forested areas of Ranthambore and Chambal.

Location: Kota, Rajasthan
Area: Approx. 759.99 sq km
Timings: 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM (May vary seasonally)
Entry Fee: Approx. INR 100 for Indians, INR 800 for Foreigners (Price may vary)
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Major Attractions: Tigers, Sloth bears, Leopards, Crocodiles

Keoladeo National Park, formerly known as Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, is a world-renowned avian paradise and a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Bharatpur, Rajasthan. The park boasts over 370 species of birds, making it a prime destination for birdwatchers and ornithologists. Its wetlands, woodlands, and grasslands provide a unique habitat mix, attracting migratory birds, especially during the winter months.

Location: Bharatpur, Rajasthan
Area: Approx. 29 sq km
Timings: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Entry Fee: INR 75 for Indians, INR 500 for foreigners; additional charges for cameras and vehicles.
Best Time to Visit: October to March (for migratory birds)
Major Attractions: Migratory birds like Siberian cranes, pelicans, eagles, and more.

Desert National Park in Jaisalmer offers a unique and exquisite desert ecosystem, making it one of the largest national parks in India. The park boasts a rich variety of wildlife, including the endangered Great Indian Bustard, and an array of fossils believed to be around 180 million years old. Sand dunes occupy about 20% of the park area, offering an authentic feel of the Thar Desert.

Location: Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
Area: Approx. 3162 sq km
Timings: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Entry Fee: INR 100 for Indians, INR 300 for foreigners; additional charges for camera and safari.
Best Time to Visit: November to March
Major Attractions: Great Indian Bustard, chinkaras, blackbucks, and desert foxes.

Sariska National Park & Wildlife Sanctuary in Alwar offers a lush green landscape dotted with ruins and historical monuments, presenting a blend of nature and history. Once the royal hunting grounds of the Alwar state, the sanctuary is now a prime tiger territory, with its dense forests home to various wildlife species. It is well known for successfully relocating and reintroducing the majestic Bengal tiger.

Location: Alwar, Rajasthan
Area: Approx. 866 sq km
Timings: Morning Safari: 6:30 AM - 10:30 AM, Evening Safari: 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Entry Fee: INR 80 for Indians, INR 470 for foreigners; Safari costs extra.
Best Time to Visit: October to June
Major Attractions: Bengal tigers, leopards, jungle cats, and various bird species.

Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary wraps around the imposing Kumbhalgarh Fort, covering an expansive area of the Aravalli hills. This sanctuary is home to a rich diversity of flora and fauna, including the endangered Indian wolf, jungle cat, and sloth bear. Its rugged terrains and deciduous forests also make it an ideal spot for trekking and bird-watching.

Location: Kumbhalgarh, Rajasthan
Area: Approx. 578 sq km
Timings: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Entry Fee: INR 100 for Indians, INR 300 for foreigners; Safari costs extra.
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Major Attractions: Indian wolf, chinkara, leopards, and over 200 bird species.

Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary is nestled in the Aravalli Range, offering a refreshing contrast to the arid landscapes of Rajasthan. Covering a significant stretch of the hill station, it's home to diverse flora and fauna, including rare orchids, sambhars, and leopards. The sanctuary's cool climate and verdant surroundings make it an oasis for nature lovers and trekkers.

Location: Mount Abu, Rajasthan
Area: Approx. 288 sq km
Timings: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Entry Fee: INR 30 for Indians, INR 40 for foreigners; Additional charges for vehicles.
Best Time to Visit: February to June and November to December.
Major Attractions: Orchids, leopard, sloth bear, wild boar, and sambar.

Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary in Kota was once the royal hunting ground of the Maharajas of Kota. This sprawling sanctuary, located along the southeastern border of Rajasthan, is a haven for various animal species including wolves, nilgai, cheetahs, and deer. Its dry deciduous forests and rivers create a unique ecosystem that draws both wildlife enthusiasts and tourists.

Location: Kota, Rajasthan
Area: Approx. 250 sq km
Timings: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Entry Fee: INR 20 for Indians, INR 30 for foreigners.
Best Time to Visit: October to March.
Major Attractions: Wolf, nilgai, cheetah, and deer.

Machia Biological Park in Jodhpur is a popular destination offering a glimpse into the diverse flora and fauna of Rajasthan. Positioned near the Kaylana Lake, the park is home to a variety of animals, including the majestic lion. Additionally, it offers an incredible viewpoint named "Machia Fort" that provides panoramic views of the Blue City, Jodhpur.

Location: Near Kaylana Lake, Jodhpur, Rajasthan
Timings: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM (Closed on Tuesdays)
Entry Fee: INR 30 for Adults, INR 15 for Children (Indian Nationals); INR 300 for foreign tourists.
Best Time to Visit: October to March.
Major Attractions: Lions, desert plants, Machia Fort viewpoint.

Tal Chappar Sanctuary, located in the Churu district of Rajasthan, is a refuge for the unique blackbuck amidst vast grasslands. Characterized by its flat saline depressions and grassy fields, it's a haven for bird-watchers, especially during the monsoon when many migratory birds arrive. The sanctuary, situated on the fringes of the Thar Desert, is enriched with a variety of flora and fauna, offering visitors a glimpse of Rajasthan's rich biodiversity.

Location: Churu District, Rajasthan
Timings: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Entry Fee: INR 60 for Indian Adults, INR 10 for Indian Children; INR 450 for foreign tourists.
Best Time to Visit: September to March.
Major Attractions: Blackbucks, migratory birds, native flora.

Bassi Wildlife Sanctuary is located near the historic city of Chittorgarh in Rajasthan and offers a diverse range of flora and fauna. Spread over an area of 288 sq. km, it is home to animals like panthers, wild boars, and mongoose, as well as various avian species, making it an appealing destination for wildlife enthusiasts.

Location: Near Chittorgarh, Rajasthan
Timings: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Entry Fee: INR 50 for Indians, INR 300 for foreigners.
Best Time to Visit: October to March.
Major Attractions: Panthers, wild boars, mongoose, migratory birds.

Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary surrounds the famous Sajjangarh Palace in Udaipur and is located on the Bansdara hill. It offers a panoramic view of the surrounding landscapes and lakes and is home to a variety of wildlife including sambhar, wild boars, and hyenas. The sanctuary provides a serene backdrop to the Monsoon Palace, enhancing the grandeur of the hilltop royal residence.

Location: Udaipur, Rajasthan
Timings: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Entry Fee: INR 30 for Indians, INR 80 for foreigners. Vehicle charges are separate.
Best Time to Visit: July to March.
Major Attractions: Sambhar, wild boars, hyenas, and the view from the Monsoon Palace.

Sita Mata Sanctuary is situated in the Pratapgarh district and is famed for its rich variety of flora and fauna. Believed to be the place where Sita, the wife of Lord Rama, stayed after being exiled from Ayodhya, the sanctuary is home to a variety of animals including the flying squirrel. Dense forests, deep valleys, and rivulets enhance the natural beauty of this protected region.

Location: Pratapgarh, Rajasthan
Timings: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Entry Fee: INR 20 for Indians, INR 70 for foreigners.
Best Time to Visit: October to March.
Major Attractions: Flying squirrel, leopards, and the historic associations with the Ramayana.

Chambal Wildlife Sanctuary is a serene habitat located along the Chambal River, sheltering an impressive array of endangered animals and bird species. Established to protect the pristine river ecosystem, it is especially known for its critically endangered gharials, red-crowned roof turtles, and the Ganges river dolphins. The sanctuary's ravines and pristine waters paint a picturesque landscape that contrasts with the rough reputation of the Chambal region.

Location: Situated near the tripoint of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh.
Timings: 6:00 AM - 7:00 PM (Safaris are generally held during this time)
Entry Fee: Varies depending on the activities; boat safaris usually range from INR 500-1000.
Best Time to Visit: November to March.
Major Attractions: Gharials, river dolphins, migratory birds.

Keladevi Wildlife Sanctuary is an extension of the Ranthambore National Park, located in the Karauli district of Rajasthan. Spread over a vast expanse, this sanctuary is a haven for various species of flora and fauna, including leopards, bears, and a multitude of indigenous birds. The sanctuary's dry deciduous forests and grasslands create a diverse ecosystem that thrives alongside the Chambal River.

Location: Karauli district, Rajasthan.
Timings: 6:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Depending on the season)
Entry Fee: Varies, but generally around INR 500 for Indians and INR 1000 for foreigners.
Best Time to Visit: October to March.
Major Attractions: Leopards, sloth bears, jackals, hyenas, and various bird species.

Machiya Biological Park is a popular biodiversity spot located near Jodhpur, Rajasthan. Home to an assortment of wildlife, this park serves as an educational and awareness center on Rajasthan's rich flora and fauna. With the park's beautiful setting and a fort in the backdrop, visitors can enjoy the serene environment alongside spotting animals like lions, desert cats, and various bird species.

Location: Near Kaylana Lake, Jodhpur, Rajasthan.
Timings: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Entry Fee: INR 30 for adults; INR 15 for children.
Best Time to Visit: October to March.
Major Attractions: Lions, desert cats, mongoose, monitor lizard, and a plethora of bird species.

Ramgarh Vishdhari Sanctuary is nestled in the Bundi district of Rajasthan, acting as a vital buffer for the Ranthambore National Park. Covering an expansive area, this sanctuary is home to a plethora of wildlife, including various species of deer, leopard, and sloth bear. The serene environment, lush green forests, and abundant water sources make it an ideal habitat for both flora and fauna.

Location: Bundi District, Rajasthan.
Timings: Sunrise to Sunset.
Entry Fee: Varies (typically minimal for Indian nationals, slightly higher for foreign tourists).
Best Time to Visit: October to March.
Major Attractions: Leopards, sloth bears, deer species, and various birds.

Baretha Wildlife Sanctuary is a tranquil reserve located near Bharatpur in Rajasthan. Established primarily as a waterfowl refuge, it has become a habitat for numerous bird species, particularly during the migratory season. The sanctuary is also home to various species of deer, making it a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts and birdwatchers.

Location: Near Bharatpur, Rajasthan.
Timings: Sunrise to Sunset.
Entry Fee: Minimal fee for Indian nationals, slightly higher for foreign tourists.
Best Time to Visit: November to February for birdwatching.
Major Attractions: Waterfowls, deer species, and migratory birds.

Nahargarh Biological Park is a sprawling green expanse located in the Aravalli mountain range, near Jaipur. The park, spread over 720 hectares, is home to a variety of flora and fauna including several endangered species, offering a rich biodiversity amidst a setting of natural beauty. It's a vital component of the Nahargarh sanctuary, which plays an active role in conserving the wildlife of Rajasthan.

Location: Near Jaipur, Rajasthan.
Timings: 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM (Closed on Tuesdays).
Entry Fee: Varied for Indian nationals and foreigners, with separate charges for jeep safaris.
Best Time to Visit: October to March for pleasant weather and optimal wildlife spotting.
Major Attractions: Various animal species including tigers, leopards, Asiatic lions, and a diverse birdlife.

Tal Chhapar Sanctuary is a refuge in the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan, known predominantly for its thriving population of blackbucks. Spanning a flat saline depression, this sanctuary offers a unique savannah-like setting and acts as an important breeding ground for various bird species during the monsoon. Its unique ecosystem supports various flora and fauna, making it an essential stopover for migratory birds.

Location: Churu district, Shekhawati, Rajasthan.
Timings: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Entry Fee: Nominal fee for Indians and a slightly higher charge for foreign nationals; additional charges apply for camera and video equipment.
Best Time to Visit: September to March when the climate is cooler and migratory birds are present.
Major Attractions: Blackbucks, migratory birds like harriers, and unique flora.