Desert National Park

Rajasthan is well known for its rich history and heritage. It represents one of most astonishing eras of Rajput Kings and their glorious history. But other than heart-warming sights Rajasthan also boasts The Thar Desert, also known as the Great Indian Desert. All the biodiversity in this ecosystem is reflected in the Desert National Park.

• Introduction:

The Desert National Park is situated near Jaisalmer and Barmer towns in Rajasthan and covers an area of 3,162 sq.km (1,221 sq. mi). To preserve this fascinating and fragile habitat, it was declared as a sanctuary in 1980. It has many sand dunes; actually, out of the total area of this park, 20% have Sam dunes. This place has every feature that an arid dry desert can possibly have. From craggy rocks fixed sand dunes to the intermodal areas and compact salt lakes. Desert national park isn’t famous for just the picturesque scenery. It is home to a variety of wildlife and a safe place for many migratory birds.

If you are a bird watcher, this is a place have to be in your wish list. Various species of eagles, falcons and vultures can be seen here. Other than that, small ponds and lakes always have little ground around it. It is also a safe place for the Great Indian buster that only found in Indiana. This magnificent bird has been a significant interest of Britishers as a top game bird.

• Flora and Fauna:

Desert National Park is rich in its flora and fauna. The chinkara or Indian gazelle, the desert fox, desert cat and blackbucks are the most commonly seen animals. While nilgai, hedgehog and camels can be easily spotted. This place is a haven for various birds like sandgrouse, Demoiselle Crane, bee-eaters, partridges, larks, Macqueen’s Bustard, Sandgrouse, Honey Buzzards, chats, babblers, Long-Legged, kites etc.

Reptiles are an integral part of any desert and Desert National park has no exception. It has a lot of different reptiles from Saw Scaled Viper, saw scaled viper, Spiny-tailed lizard, Spiny Tailed Lizard, Common Krait, Monitor Lizard, Gecko, Persian Gecko, etc. to the most common desert snake Russell’s viper. Even dry and arid with sparse vegetation, Desert National Park supports a descent flora as well. Palm trees, Dhok, Rohira, Khair, Khejri, Ronj, Ber, Aak shrub, Sewan grass etc. are some floras that are found in this region.

• Other Highlights:

If you think this is what all it is, you are mistaken. The vast flora and fauna that can be seen today is proof that this place has been home to even more. 17 km (11 mi) from Jaisalmer is all wood fossils park, which has a collection on unique flora and fauna fossil that are estimated to be 180 million years old!

Another attraction is Gadisisar Sagar Tank that welcomes a lot of migratory birds around the year, thus it is a spot loved by bird watchers. Pokhran is also another visitor spot for those who have an interest in weaponry. It also has a beautiful collection of brocade clothes.

See Also in Jaisalmer: Gadisar Lake Jaisalmer Fort

• Location:

The Desert National park is situated near the districts Jaisalmer and Balmar of Rajasthan. It spreads for a vast expanse of 3,162 square km with its horizon towards the Pakistan border.

• Best Time to Visit:

It is open throughout the year, but November to March is an ideal season for foreign tourists.

• Timings:

It is free on all days. In the morning 7 am – 12 pm and in the evening at 3 pm – 5 pm. It takes approximately 2-3 hours to complete the visit. So, be prepared for that and plan accordingly.

• Entry fees:

For foreign tourists: Rs 200

Guide Fee: Rs 300

Jeep fee: Rs 200

Additional Rs 40 will be applicable to carry a video camera.

• How to Reach:

Desert National Park is located near Jaisalmer which is a well-connected city. Jaisalmer has airport, railway station, and bus depot. Once you reach in Jaisalmer, then you can conveniently reach Desert National Park by taking different transport ways.

Jaisalmer Airport is 10.5 miles far from city in southeast direction and has regular flights for Jaipur, Jodhpur, Delhi, and Mumbai.

Jaisalmer Station is well connected to Delhi and has regular trains between Jaisalmer and Jaipur.

RSRTC buses connects all major and small cities in minimum time.

From Jaisalmer Airport to Desert National Park:

From	To	Mode of Transport	Distance	Duration	Fare
Jaisalmer Airport	Desert National Park	Taxi	18.3 Miles	28 min	INR 800 - INR 1,000
Jaisalmer Airport	Desert National Park	Drive	18.3 Miles	28 min	INR 210 - INR 310

From Jaisalmer Railway Station to Desert National Park:

From	To	Mode of Transport	Distance	Duration	Fare
Jaisalmer Railway Station	Desert National Park	Taxi	10 Miles	16 min	INR 470 - INR 600
Jaisalmer Railway Station	Desert National Park	Drive	10 Miles	16 min	INR 110 - INR 170

From Jaisalmer Bus Depot to Desert National Park:

From	To	Mode of Transport	Distance	Duration	Fare
Jaisalmer Bus Depot	Desert National Park	Taxi	12.6 Miles	20 min	INR 500 - INR 650
Jaisalmer Bus Depot	Desert National Park	Drive	12.6 Miles	20 min	INR 140 - INR 220

Local Transport in Jaisalmer:

Other than above mentioned transport options, in Jaisalmer, you can also travel by autorickshaw. Depending upon the miles and routes, these rickshaw costs from INR 50 to INR 150.

This all about the transport ways and convenient routes to reach at Desert National Park. So, pack your bags to plan your journey to visit desert state- Rajasthan.