The state of Rajasthan attracts a large number of tourists every year due to its vast history and magnificent palaces but the state is not dominated by the palaces as the state has immense natural beauty apart from the man-made wonders. Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary is one of those natural beauties in the state that draws a large number of tourists every year. Wildlife enthusiasts, wildlife photographers, adventure junkies and nature lovers find this place as a haven. The variety of flora and fauna found in the area with the alluring beauty of the Aravalli Range of mountains.

The Wildlife Sanctuary has the Kumbhalgarh Fort in near proximity from the Sanctuary. The densely forested area of the sanctuary has a large number of species of plants and animals and also provides various other activities for adventure. The place attracts a large number of tourists as it is easily accessible from one of the most popular towns in the state of Rajasthan, Udaipur.

History

The area was declared to be a Wildlife Sanctuary in the year 1971 and since then the place has been one of the major attractions of the city of Udaipur.The boundaries of the Sanctuary also encircle the Kumbhalgarh Fort from which the name of the Sanctuary was derived. The fort was built in 15^th century AD. The magnificent fort is also visited by many tourists visiting the Sanctuary.

Location

The Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Rajsamand District of Rajasthan. The landscape covers a total area of about 578-kilometer sq. and the Sanctuary extends across the Aravalli Range covering parts of Rajsamand, Udaipur and Pali Districts. The altitude ranges from 500 to 1,300 m above the sea level.

The Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary lies at a distance of 65 kilometers from Udaipur on the Pali – Udaipur – Rajsamand Road. Due to no convenience problem from Udaipur, a large number of tourists visiting Udaipur also come to visit this natures’ haven.

Climatic Conditions

The climate of the area marks a comparatively high temperature. The temperature in the summers varies from 37-degree Celsius to 23 degree Celsius. In winters, the temperature goes down from 29-degree Celsius to a minimum of 9-degree Celsius. Although the park is open throughout the year the best time to visit is between the months of November until March when there will moderate temperatures and more possibilities of spotting the animals.

Activities

There are various opportunities for adventure enthusiasts, trekkers, and photographers in the Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary. There is an option for jungle safari in which the jeep will take you through all the major parts of the Sanctuary where you can spot the various animals in the Sanctuary. Apart from jungle safari, the nature tour to Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary has trekking routes to raise the adenine rush in the adventure junkies and trekkers. There is also immense opportunities for wildlife photographers to capture the essence of the in their camera.

Fauna

The Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary is a fauna dominant natures’ hub with a variety of animals. The Sanctuary is famous for wolves as they are rarely found as many as found here. The place is a home to more than forty wolves in number. The other fauna includes leopards, jackal, hyena, flying squirrel, jungle cat, sambhar, the four horned antelope, nilgai, sloth bear and a lot more. The Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary is a home to many endangered species which are being protected in the area.

The Sanctuary is a home to many colorful birds adding to the beauty. There are also some migratory birds that come to the place. Some of the birds in the Sanctuary are white breasted kingfisher; red spurs owls, parakeets, peacocks, golden oriole, doves, etc. Rare birds like gray jungle fowl can also be easily spotted in the Sanctuary.

Reaching Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary

 Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary is located at a distance of 65 kilometers from the city of Udaipur. The Sanctuary is easily accessible from the city of Udaipur where you can easily find buses or book a cab. The city of Udaipur is also connected to all the other major cities like Ahmedabad and Delhi by road.

• By Air: The nearest Airport to Kumbhalgarh is Udaipur Airport which is at a distance of about 24 km from the city center.
• By Train: The nearest railway station from Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary is the Udaipur Railway station.