Colorful Rajasthan Tours --»
National Parks in Rajasthan --»
Desert National Park
Located in the heart of the Thar Desert at the distance of 40 km away from Jaisalmer, the Desert National Park is one of the largest national parks covering area of 3162 sq km. It is an excellent example of the ecosystem of the Thar Desert (the Great Indian Desert). 20% of the park is sand dunes. There are three major lakes in this park – Milak Talao Lake, Padam Talao Lake, and Rajbaugh Lake. These lakes are served as the watering sources for the various wild species. These lakes are also site for birding. Here tourists can spot sand grouse.
The area of this park is a great haven for resident and migratory birds of the desert. Most commonly seen birds are eagles, falcons, kestrels, short-toed eagles, spotted eagles, harries, buzzards, vultures, tawny eagles, Laggar falcons, sand grouse, etc.
Desert National Park is also home to the endangered Great Indian Bustard. It is a magnificent bird found here in relatively fair numbers. Apart from birds, major animals found at this park are desert fox, desert cats, Bengal fox, wolf, black bucks, chinkara, etc. Spiny-tailed lizards, Russel vipers, monitor lizards, kraits, saw-scaled vipers, etc are major reptiles found at this park. Dhok, palm trees, ronj, etc are flora of the park. The park is very famous for excursion from Jaisalmer, the Golden City of India.
One another attraction of Desert National Park is a collection of fossils of plants and animals (180 millions years old). There are also fossils of Dinosaurs of 6 millions years old.
Jeep safari is the most recommended way to explore Desert National Park. It enables tourists to explore the wider area of the park in most convenient and comfortable way. The camping is the best way to enjoy wildlife and bird viewing of the park. Tourists also have opportunity to visit nearby Sam Sand Dunes.
Best time to visit this park is October to March. Tourists can reach Jaisalmer by train from Delhi. RSRTC buses run regularly from Delhi to Rajasthan.
