Introduction
The Thar Desert may seem to be a desolate and lonely piece of earth.
However, when you arrive at the Desert National Park, you would love to
notice how animals have found a refuge for themselves here. Claiming an area
of 3,100 sq km, the park has the distinction of being one of the largest in
the country. The desert sanctuary represents a delicate eco-system boasting
an exotic flora and fauna of its own. Apart from being home to a number of
flora, the park also harbours a good number of avian species. The sanctuary
lies close to the town of Jaisalmer near the India-Pakistan border.
Conditions in the desert are not easy and the terrain consists of rugged
rocks, salt lake bottoms and vast expanses of sand dunes. To be noticed is
the fact, that sand dunes cover around 20% of the total area of the
sanctuary. The desert does not support a diversified vegetation and most of
the sand expanse is bare. Small grasses, shrubs and xerophytic species are
to be found here and there. Owing to lesser camouflage options, large
herbivores are not to be spotted here, with the only exception of camels.
Wildlife
Attractions
It's a sanctuary where 'how' is more crucial than 'how many'. For, the
climatic conditions are so inappropriate that even a smaller number of
wildlife species is worth appreciation. However, it must be admitted that,
while you are here, you can have an eyeful of various species of animals
including mammals, birds and reptiles. While you fix a gaze on a desert fox
or a desert cat, you are sure to ponder over the conditions under which they
continue to live. Other audacious species include chinkara, black buck and
the Bengal fox.
The
exotic avian population of the sanctuary is a delight to watch and
experience. The Great Indian bustard is the cynosure of all eyes here. Other
species that can be sighted here are sand grouse, spotted eagles, quails,
gray partridges, babblers, buzzards, kestrels, vultures, peafowl bee-eaters,
orioles, warblers etc.
Safaris Provided
To explore the animal inmates of the sanctuary, you can chose an open Jeep
or a canter. Specialised guides and trained escorts are available. Besides
providing you with travel tips, they will also guide you to the sites from
where the sightings are much expected. They are well acquainted with the
routes and courses of the sanctuary. For a close watch and photography, you
can move to the Sudashri forest post, which is the finest spot over the vast
3,162 sq km expanse of the sanctuary. Don't forget your cameras and be
prepared in advance to tackle the unfitting conditions of the desert.
Accessibility
Jodhpur Airport is the closest air-connection from here. The Indian
Airlines and the Jet Airways ply regular flights to cities like Kolkata,
Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Calicut, Agra, Chennai etc. The nearest
railhead lies at Jaisalmer, at a distance of 40 km from the park. Road route
is also well established. There are regular bus services to the park from
Jaisalmer.
