Located in the Pratapgarh and Chittaurgarh districts of Rajasthan, Sitamata Wildlife Sanctuary (Sita Mata Abhyaranya) is considered one of the most famous sanctuaries in Rajasthan, attracting tourists from far and wide to enjoy exciting excursions.
If you plan to visit a wildlife sanctuary after the monsoon, then Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary in Pratapgarh, Rajasthan, may be the most suitable option for you. Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary is a beautiful natural site, which is an ideal destination for nature lovers and spiritual travellers.
This sanctuary is not only renowned for its rich biodiversity but also for its historical and religious significance, which is deeply rooted in the Ramayana period. If you are looking for a memorable trip amid nature, wildlife, and mythological stories, then Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary can be a unique experience for you.
Introduction to Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary
Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary spans a vast area of 422.95 square kilometres, covering approximately 40% of the land area of Pratapgarh district. The sanctuary was declared a protected forest area by the Rajasthan government in 1979. The sanctuary is named after the Hindu goddess Sita, and it is believed that this was the ashram of Maharishi Valmiki, where Sita Mata spent time during her exile.
Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary: Natural Beauty and Biodiversity
Sita Mata Sanctuary is known for its dense vegetation and diverse natural beauty. The landscape here is dotted with hills, valleys, and rivers, making it a serene and picturesque place.
This is the only forest area in Rajasthan where more than half of the trees are of high construction value teak. Apart from this, many other trees and plants like Peepal, Bad, Neem, Kachnar, Babul, Amaltas, Ashoka, Mahua, Bamboo, Rudraksh, and Bel are found here. The sanctuary also has 108 types of medicinal herbs, 17 of which are endangered.
The sanctuary is also rich in rivers and reservoirs. Seasonal rivers like Jakham, Karmoi, Sita Mata, Tankia, and Budho flow here, of which Jakham is the largest river. These water sources further enrich the biodiversity of the sanctuary.
Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary: Wildlife and Birds
Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary is a paradise for wildlife lovers. About 50 mammal species, 325 bird species, 40 reptile species, 9 amphibian species, and 30 fish species are found here.
The most attractive creature of the sanctuary is the Flying Squirrel, which can be seen flying between the trees near the Arampura forest post at sunset. Apart from this, creatures like four-horned deer (Chausingha), leopard, bear, wild boar, jackal, hyena, jungle cat, porcupine, nilgai, and pangolin are also found here.
This sanctuary is a special attraction for bird lovers, as it is home to approximately 130 types of resident and migratory bird species. These include peacock, parrot, owl, eagle, white vulture, grey heron, and cattle egret. Especially, in February and March, when the Mahua trees lose their leaves, it becomes easy to see the flying squirrel.
Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary: Religious and Historical Importance
Sita Mata Sanctuary is named after Sita Mata, the heroine of the Ramayana. It is believed that this is the same forest where Sita Mata spent time during her exile. The Valmiki Ashram, where Luv and Kush were born, and the Sita Mata Temple are the main attractions here.
Every year in July, a fair is held at the Sita Mata Temple, which attracts locals and devotees. Apart from this, the sanctuary has a place called Lakhia Bhata, 5 km from Tikhi Magri, where rocks with paintings of prehistoric animals are found.
The Hanuman Temple and other mythological sites also make this sanctuary special for religious tourists. The calm and sacred atmosphere here provides spiritual peace to the travellers.
Best time to visit Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary
The best time to visit Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary is between October to February. In summer (May-June), the temperature can reach up to 43°C, which can make travel uncomfortable. Monsoon (June to September) may restrict access to some areas due to heavy rains, but the forest shines in its greenery during this time.
How to reach Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary
Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary is well connected by road, rail, and air. The following are the options to reach here:
• By Air: The nearest airport is Dabok Airport in Udaipur, which is about 145 km from the sanctuary.
• By Rail: The nearest railway station is Mandsaur (Madhya Pradesh), which is about 28 km from the sanctuary, Chittorgarh 94 km, Udaipur 110 km
• By Road: The sanctuary is well connected by road to Udaipur (108 km), Chittorgarh (about 2 2-hour drive), and other major cities.
Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary Entry Fees and Timings
The following fees are applicable for entry into the sanctuary:
• Indian Adults: Rs 20
• Children (below 5 years): Rs 10
• Foreign Tourists: Rs 80
• School Students (with valid ID): Rs 15
• Camera Fee: Rs 50
• Video Camera Fee: Rs 100
The sanctuary timings are from 9 am to 6 pm, and it is open on all days of the week.
Attractions Near Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary
There are many other places to visit around Sita Mata Sanctuary, which can make your trip more memorable:
• Chittaurgarh Fort: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is located a short distance from the sanctuary and reflects the glorious history of Rajasthan.
• Bassi Wildlife Sanctuary: Around 20 km from the sanctuary, this is another attraction for nature lovers.
• Fort Dhariawad: Located at a distance of 14.7 km from the sanctuary, this heritage hotel offers historical and cultural experiences.
My self Dev Satish. I’m an Author and Founder of tourism-rajasthan.com. I’m from Rajasthan and If I talk about my Education then I’m Law Graduate. I love doing work that makes me happy, that’s why I love traveling. you will find Rajasthan travel ideas & tips on this blog.