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MUKUNDRA PARK -
BLACK BUCK -
CHAMBAL SANCTUARY -
DUSKY HORNED OWL -
CHAMBAL PANTHER -
SLOTHBEAR
Wildlife Protected Areas
The districts of Kota. Bundi, Baran and Jhalawar have five wildlife sanctuaries and one Great Indian bustard hunting closed area. A number of excellent Bird watching sites are suggested for those who wish to see resident and migratory birds in their natural habitat.
Mukundra National Park
Darrah was known as an excellent Tiger country and it became one of the first few wildlife sanctuaries of independent India. It is situated between two parallel running hills of Mukandara range. The flora of the sanctuary is dry deciduous with predominance of Dhok. Flame of the forest, Laburnum, Arjun, Bel, Mahua and Balanites.
The Panther is the top predator surviving in Darrah. The Sloth bear, Hyena, Scaly ant eater, Jungle cat, Four horned antelope, Sambhar Spotted deer, Bluebull and Civets anre frequently sighted. The Paradise flycatcher, Green pigeon, Tree pie, Alexandrine parakeet, Blossom headed parakeet, Woodpecker, Golden oriole, Nightjar, Tits and buntings and frequently sighted in the sanctuary. The ponds of the sanctuary teem with migratory water birds during the winter months. It is situated at a convenient distance from Kota. The permission to stay in the forest guesthouse and to enter the sanctuary may be obtained from D.C.F. at Kota or from R.F.O. at Darrah.
River Chambal Sanctuary
It is a rare riverine sanctuary of India. The length and the bank of the Chambal river between Jawahar sagar dam in Rajasthan and pachnada in Uttar Pradesh were accorded with sanctuary status with express purpose of protecting two of the rarest crocodilian species. The highly endangered Marsh crocodile and endemic Indian Indian Gharial have ever since flourished in the river.
They may be esily sighted between Jawahar sagar dam and Kota barrage by taking a boat ride, which is run by Cygnus Adventure Tours. The luxuriant evergreen river valley flora is impenetrable due to Bamboo thickets and Cypress. The wild plantain has been found in the valley.
The panther, Sloth bear, Hyena, Blue bull, Chinkara, Porcupine are usually seen on the river banks. The bank Great horned owl, Dusky horned owl, vulture species, Storks, Cormorants, Darter, Osprey and many other bird species inhabit the sanctuary. Shares its boundary with Darrah and Chambal Gharial sanctuary and also their flora and fauna.
Sorsan Sanctuary
It is situated in Baran district and can be easily approached from Kota. It has undulating grassland which is ideal for Great Indian bustard, Chinkara and black buck. Jeep Safari takes you in the enclosed area, where one gets to see the herds of Chinkara and Black bucks, Indian Fox and a large variety of migratory birds.
It is a Bird watchers paradise as over 100 species of bird have been recorded from this area besides rare Great Indian bustard and Houbara bustard. You can see over 800- 1000 black buks on any give day.
Shergarh Sanctuary
A visit to Shergarh is enough to transport you back in time. Stuck in some ancient time, the village of Shergarh is an interesting collection of ruins, temples, havelis and a fort.
The age old stone inscriptions confirm the antiquity of the place. Situated on the banks of Parvan river, the Sanctuary is famous for its Panthers, Crocodiles and mighty Mahasher fishe. It may be conveniently reached by a car or a jeep from Kota or Jhalawar.
excursion
