Desert National Park (Information)
Location | Thar Desert, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan |
Timings | 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
Entry Fee | INR 100 per person for Indians INR 300 per person for Foreign tourists |
Time Required | Approximately 2-3 hours |
Jeep Safari | Indian: INR 50 per person, Foreigner: INR 300 per person |
Best Time to Visit | From October to March |
The Desert National Park is an excellent example of the ecosystem of the Thar Desert and its rich fauna. The Sudashri forest post is the most ideal place for observing wildlife in the Desert National Park. Sand dunes form less than 20 percent of the Park, which consists of craggy rocks, pavements and compact salt lake bottoms, intermedial areas and fixed dunes.
Its inhabitants include the blackbuck, chinkara, wolf, Indian fox, desert fox, hare and desert cat. Flights of sandfrouse start coming to waterholes from sunrise onwards. One also hear the morning call of the grey partridge. Blue tailed and green bee-eaters, drongos, common and bush quail and Indian rollers are birds, which are commonly found around waterholes. The park is also home to the great Indian Bustard which is peril of extinction.
Flora and Fauna at Desert National Park Jaisalmer
In the Desert National Park, one can find both fauna and flora in abundance. More than 40 species of mammals can be found in the area, along with 250 species of birds and several species of reptiles. Some of the notable creatures you can spot here include the Blackbuck, Chinkara, Desert Fox, and Great Indian Bustard.
Activities At Desert National Park
Camel Safari: Laid-back Camel safaris are a very popular way to experience the national park. Sitting atop a Gailey dressed camel, and riding across rolling dunes and barren plains is a beautiful experience. When you enter the national park, you will see many different camels herders offering rides at a negotiable price (usually starts at INR 200). You can ride the camel rides for hours and enjoy the sunset from the camel’s back. Also, the camel rides make up for a really good picture.
Jeep Safari: You can also sign up for an enthralling and adventurous jeep Safari ride, bashing the dunes of the desert, while watching the magnificent birds in the sky. Hold on to the jeep tightly as the vehicle speeds over huge dunes. The Safari runs on a 12 km trail and takes around 30 minutes to complete. The jeep and vehicles for the wildlife Safari are registered, and any outside vehicle is not allowed.
Best Time To Visit Desert National Park
The best time to visit the park is from October to March. Given the climate, it is not advisable to travel to the region in summers. The daytime temperature remains very high and usually touches around 42 degrees in summer. Nights are relatively cooler, typical of the arid desert climate. Winters in Jaisalmer are comparatively cooler with day temperatures remaining pleasant at around 24 degrees Celcius and the nights are chilly with the temperature falling as low as 7 to 8 degrees Celcius. As Jaisalmer is situated in the middle of Thar Desert, the monsoon is almost negligible. Jaisalmer remains dry for most parts of the year.
How to reach Desert National Park
The Desert National Park is located approximately 40 kilometers west of Jaisalmer in Rajasthan, India. It is well-connected by road and can be reached by various modes of transportation. Here are the different ways to reach the Desert National Park:
By Road: The most convenient way to reach the Desert National Park is by road. Jaisalmer, a major city in Rajasthan, is the nearest city to the park. From Jaisalmer, you can hire a taxi or take a private vehicle to reach the park. The park is about a 1-hour drive from Jaisalmer, and the route is well-marked.
By Train: Jaisalmer is the nearest railway station to the Desert National Park. It is connected to major cities like Delhi, Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Ahmedabad. Once you reach Jaisalmer, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to reach the park.
By Air: The nearest airport to the Desert National Park is Jaisalmer Airport, also known as Jaisalmer Civil Airport. However, this airport has limited connectivity and operates only a few domestic flights. The nearest major airport is Jodhpur Airport, which is well-connected to major cities in India. From Jodhpur, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Jaisalmer, and then proceed to the Desert National Park.
Local Transportation:
Once you reach the Desert National Park, there are no specific public transportation options available within the park. It is recommended to hire a guide or take a jeep safari offered by authorized tour operators to explore the park and its attractions.
It's advisable to plan your visit in advance, especially during the peak tourist season (October to March), as the park attracts a significant number of visitors during this time. Additionally, carry water, sunscreen, hats, and comfortable walking shoes, as the park is located in an arid desert region with hot and dry weather.
Remember to respect the park's rules and regulations, and maintain the utmost care for the fragile desert ecosystem while visiting the Desert National Park.
Jaisalmer Tourism
When planning for Jaisalmer, you must decide on the time when you would want to visit it. Jaisalmer Travel Guide & Tips!
People Also Ask About Jaisalmer
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How many days are sufficient for Jaisalmer?
In general, 3 days are sufficient to cover all the attractions in and around the city of Jaisalmer. After arriving on day 1, you can take some rest and cover the major tourist attractions like Amar Sagar, Ludharwa temple, Bada Bagh, and Gardisar lake on the second day and stay overnight at one of the desert camps and enjoy safaris. The third day is for minor sightseeing and departure.
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What is famous in Jaisalmer?
Jaisalmer is mainly famous for its golden desert and sand dunes. People come here every year to enjoy desert safaris and camping. Jaisalmer is also famous for the grand golden fort situated on top of the Meru hill. The city also holds several Jain temples as well as museums. Close to Jaisalmer lies the Bada Bagh where you can see some historic dome-shaped pavilions.
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What is a desert safari in Jaisalmer?
A desert safari is the best way to experience the magnificent beauty of Jaisalmer. This involves you riding through the sand dunes on the back of a traditionally adorned camel. It will take you to some remote areas where you can witness amazing flora and fauna. The chief attraction of the safari is of course the picturesque sunset.
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What is the famous food of Jaisalmer?
Mutton Saag is one of the most famous dishes in Jaisalmer, featuring mutton mixed with spinach and spices. Other popular dishes include Gatte ki Sabzi, a dish featuring gram flour or besan sausages with yoghurt and spicy gravy, as well as the famous Dal Baati Choorma.
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Is Jaisalmer safe for tourists?
Jaisalmer is safe for tourists as maintenance of law and order is strictly executed by the government. You can enjoy a wonderful trip by booking one of the Jaisalmer tour packages which includes all the important tourist destinations of the city.
But taking basic safety measures viz. not loitering till too late at night, trusting touts or using unlit lavatories is a prerequisite of a pleasurable trip. However, tourists are not allowed to go near the Pakistan border which is close to Jaisalmer.