Desert National Park

Overview

The Desert National Park is among India’s largest sanctuaries and a home to a number of endangered species. Situated close to Jaisalmer, it occupies a large part of the Thar Desert and sand dunes form nearly 20% of its topography.

History

Desert National Park is a stunning area with ample of nature. The Desert protected sanctuary was declared as a National park in 1980. It remains one of the largest national parks in India with a total area of about 3162 km2.

Desert National Park Attractions

Craggy rocks, compact salt lake bottoms, intermedial areas and fixed dunes are common here and the fauna and flora is according to these landforms. Chinkara, Black Buck, Fox, Bengal fox, wolf and desert cat are found in good numbers. Reptiles like the deadly viper and kraits besides spiny tail lizards and desert monitors are also found here.

Tawny and steppe eagles, long legged and honey buzzards, falcons and kestrels are the birds of prey in the Desert National Park. Sand grouse, partridges, bee-eaters larks and shrikes are quit common. Demoiselle crane and houbara are the winter birds here. The highlight of Desert National Park however, is the Great Indian Bustard, a rare bird species.

A forest post called Sudhashri is an excellent place to get a close view of the birds and also to shoot fantastic pictures. While here at the Desert National Park, enjoy a safari (camel, horse or jeep). Carry light cotton clothes for summer and woolens for winter season. Trained guides as well as forest staff are able to provide all information. There are several government run guest houses as well as heritage hotels available to stay inside the park.

Best Time to Visit

Months from September to May are the ideal time to visit here.