Occupying an expansive enclave near the India- Pakistan border lays a space in Rajasthan that is solely devoted to the states natural treasures. Tipped as one of the largest national parks in the state and the country, the Desert National Park of Jaisalmer is a popular attraction that is frequented by visitors from across the globe. Located just 40km from the heart of the city among the never-ending sand dunes of the Thar Desert this sprawling sanctuary spreads out over an impressive 3,150 square kilometres of land in western Rajasthan.
Renowned for its extensive collection of the greatly endangered Great Indian Bustards and other rare species the desert park offers guests the unique experiencing of encountering wild flora and fauna via jeep and camel safaris that have become signature tours within the enclave. Highlights of a visit to the national park include sightings of desert foxes, desert wolves, blackbucks, desert hares and Bengal foxes while chinkaras, desert gerbils, desert cats and hedgehogs are also frequently spotted.
Ideal for bird watching enthusiasts the park also encompasses an impressive bird population which also includes certain rare bird varieties. Gray partridges, Houbara bustards and eagles are a common sight at the park which also has a significant population of spotted sand grouses, peafowl bee-eaters, Isabelline shrikes, desert wheatear demoiselle cranes and falcons. Visitors might also run in to the occasional Stoliczka's Bushchat, kestrel and quail in addition to vultures, orioles, larks, buzzards, warblers, babblers and harriers. The best spot for bird watchers and photographers is of course the Sudashri Forest Post within the park where guests can leisurely witness the animals loitering near watering holes.
The period between November and March are said to be the best time to visit the sanctuary whose unique geography makes it a hotspot for desert monitors, kraits, vipers and spiny-tail lizards. Chameleons and sand fish are also found within the desert park which is also home to a variety of snakes.
Mainly composed of weathered rocks and salt lake crevices almost 20% of the total area of the park is taken up by permanent sand dunes. This intriguing topography is known to be ideal for rapidly roaming chinkaras although the parks sparse leafy vegetation means that camels are the only large herbivores that inhabit the space.
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