Rajasthan
Wildlife
Kumbhalgarh Wildlife SanctuaryKumbhalgarh
Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the most rugged region of the Aravali Hills in
Pali, Rajsamand and Udaipur districts of Rajasthan. It has been named after the
impressive historic fort of Kumbhalgarh, which come into view over the Park. It
is 578 sq Km in area and at an altitude of 500 to 1,300m. It is home to a very
large variety of wild life, some of which are highly endangered species. The wild
life includes wolf, leopards, sloth bear, hyena, jackal, jungle cat, smabhar,
nilgai, chaisingh (the four horned antelope), Chinkara and hare.
The bird
life at Kumbhalgarh is also gratifying. The normally shy and distrusted grey jungle
fowl can be spotted here. Peacocks and Doves can be sighted regularly, feeding
on grains scattered by the jungle guards. Bird like the red spur owls, Parakeets,
golden Oriole, grey Pigeons, Bulbul, Dove and white breasted kingfisher can also
be seen near the water holes.
Kumbhalgarh's natural beauty attracts many
tourists and is accessible from Udaipur, which is 100 Km from here. Foot tracking
and horse safari organized by local tour operators are quite popular. A typical
safari route enters the sanctuary from the Kumbhalgarh Fort and cutting across
the sanctuary it reaches Ghanerao, and then borders an old abandoned road. On
this road, one can sight Chinkaras, Neelgais, four horned Antelope and many birds.