Fauna at Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary
The sanctuary is a home to a variety of species of animals and provides a natural abode to creatures like Wolf, Leopards, Sloth Bear, Hare, Jackal, Sambhal Nilgai, Chausingha (four-horned antelope), Chinkara and Jungle cat. It is, in fact, the only sanctuary in the state where you can see a Wolf in its natural habitat. In summers, you can easily spot a pack of wolfs casually strolling in the park. The sanctuary is a home for about 40 such wolfs. Crocodiles and waterfowl can also be located at Thandi Beri Lake.
Kumbhalgarh Wildlife sanctuary also houses an excellent variety of birds. You can see Peacocks, Doves, Grey Jungle Fowl, White Breasted Kingfisher, Parakeets, Red spur Owls, Bulbul, and Golden Oriole. A total of more than 200 species of birds are found in the sanctuary. The sanctuary mainly consists of a variety of herbal flora like Dhok, Salar, Khair and Churel
Jeep Safari at Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary
The 15 km long safari from Kumbhalgarh to Thandi beri is the most popular jeep safari in the Sanctuary. It takes around 3.5 hours to get to Thandi Beri and back. There is a four wheel drive track within the sanctuary. Several hotels at Kumbhalgarh and also in the vicinity at Kotri, Ghanerao, Narlai and Ranakpur organise a jeep or horse safari.
The horse tracks include routes from Kumbhalgarh to Ghanerao via Thandi Beri; Thandi Beri to Sumer, Ranakpur to Thandi Beri; and Roopanmata to Ranakpur. On the way, if one is fortunate, leopards, bears and sambar can be seen roaming around in their natural habitat. You can also visit the Jain Temple at Ranakpur, located at the end of the sanctuary.
Safari Cost: INR 2500 per Jeep for 6 Persons
Trekking at Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary
The hilly terrain of the sanctuary is ideal for trekking expeditions. One popular trail in the sanctuary is the Tirthankar Natural Trail. The 3.7-km long trail is an ode to the Jain Tirthankaras and is also representative of an ideal Aravalli ecosystem. Various plants under which Jain Tirthankaras achieved enlightenment are planted on the sides of the trail.
Other popular trails are Kumbhalgarh to Thandi Beri (14 km), Roopnagar to Sumer (98 km), Ranakpur to Ranakpur (15 km), Ranakpur to Kumbhalgarh (25 km), Malgarh to Magga (8 km), Roopanmata to Ranakpur (30 km) and Ranakpur to Thandi Beri (15 km). The entry permit that you received while paying the entry fee is the only document required to do the trekking in the sanctuary.
Places To Visit Near Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary
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 theChittorgarh 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 famousRanakpur 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
The Sanctuary is open throughout the year, but March to December is the best time to spot animals.
How to Reach Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary
The sanctuary is located at a distance of 3 km from Kumbhalgarh Fort, 51 km fromNathdwara, 48 km from Rajsamand, and 98 km fromUdaipur.
Since the Forest Department does not have its own vehicle, the visitors should hire vehicles from Kumbhalgarh or Kelwara. The sanctuary is easily accessible from Udaipur by bus or private taxi.
Top Tourist Places in Kumbhalgarh
Kumbhalgarh Fort
Badal Mahal
Mammadev Temple
Neelkanth Mahadeo Temple
All Tourist Places in Kumbhalgarh
Where to Stay
Tourists have an option of staying either in the sanctuary or outside. The Forest Rest Houses are located at Thandi Beri, Ranakpur, Sumer, Sadri and Roopanmata. All have two to three rooms each at INR 200 to 400 per night. For bookings, you can contact the Assistant Conservator of Forests, Kumbhalgarh WLS, Sadri or the DFO Wildlife office in Rajsamand.
Best Restaurants Nearby
The hotels at Kumbhalgarh have restaurants the serve delicious Rajasthani as well as multi-cuisine dishes. Facilities for purchasing food are available at the sanctuary.
Tips
1. Entry permit to the sanctuary is required for the trek.2. Forest guards to accompany you on the treks can be hired (INR 200-500), or you can ask your travel agent to arrange a guide.3. Carry your hat, sunglasses, food and water for the safari.4. A few hotels can arrange Jeeps and horses for safari.5. As people visit the place both for the sanctuary and fort, the peak season is very busy. So, it is advisable to make advanced bookings.6. Forest guest house does not provide food, but you can request the caretaker to arrange. It is always recommended to carry your own stove or packed meals.7. You must give a try to authentic Rajasthani thali offered at hotels.
Photos of Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary
Comments on Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary
Post Your Comment
