Desert National Park

The Thar Desert, which is known as the 'ocean of sands', covers a large portion of western Rajasthan. It's a wrong notion of people that the deserts can't support a varied flora and fauna. The fragile ecosystem of the Thar supports a unique and varied wildlife species. In this vast ocean of sands lies the famous Desert National Park, which provides an excellent example of the ecosystem of the Thar Desert and its diverse wildlife.

The Desert National Park is situated in Jaisalmer district of Rajasthan close to the India- Pakistan border. Spread over an area in excess of 3150 sq km, this is probably the largest park of India. The topography of the park comprises of craggy rocks, compact salt lake bottoms and vast sand dunes, which form about 20% of the Park. As the desert only supports a few type of small grasses, shrubs and xerophytic trees, the leaf cover is limited and not suitable for large herbivorous, camel being an exception. The wildlife here include the spiny- tail lizard, desert monitors, sand fish, chameleons, and snakes that include the deadly viper and krait. Other important wilds found here are chinkara, blackbuck, the desert fox, and Bengal fox among many others.

But, the desert park is comparatively rich in avian population. The greatest attractions of the park are the great Indian bustards, an endangered species of bird. This large, heavy and graceful bird draws thousands of bird lovers from all corners of the world. Besides, the great Indian bustards the park supports a wide variety of exotic and rare birds. While in the park you can spot birds such as sand grouse, spotted eagles, gray partridges, shrikes, demoiselle crane, quails, peafowl bee-eaters, larks, eagles, harriers, falcons, orioles, warblers, babblers, buzzards, kestrel and vultures to name a few with.

Sudashri, a forest post located in the park, is the best place for spotting the wildlife of the Desert National Park and provides ideal conditions for snapshots. It is a good sight for bird lovers to see five or six bustards near Sudashri water hole.

Fascinating Rajasthan offers you Rajasthan Wildlife Tours. Visit and explore the rich and varied wildlife of Rajasthan with Fascinating Rajasthan.

Rates & Fees
Vehicle Entrance Fee: $20.00 for 7 Days
This permit allows all persons traveling with the permit holder in one single private, non-commercial vehicle (car/truck/van) to leave and re-enter the park as many times as they wish during the 7-day period from the date of purchase.
Individual Entrance Fee: $10.00 for 7 Days
This permit allows a single individual traveling on foot, motorcycle, or bicycle to leave and re-enter the park as many times as they wish during the 7-day period from the date of purchase. If the motorcycle or bicycle has more than one rider, each rider is charged the $10.00 fee.

Location : 40 K.M. from Jaisalmer
When to Visit : From November to March
How to Reach : Hire a cab or take a Bus ride
Activities : Jeep safari, Camping, Bonfire and bird watching