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Desert National Park

Ardeotis nigriceps in Desert National Park

Location

The Desert National Park is located around 40 km from the city of Jaisalmer

Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit the park is between the period of November to March.

About Desert National Park

Rajasthan is an abode of many wildlife sanctuaries and National Park, however none of them is similar to the Desert National Park. The park is widely different from a usual park and actually for a novice, the park has little importance. Nonetheless, the Desert National Park has an important role to play in maintaining the ecological balance of the region.
It is the largest park in the state of Rajasthan spreading over an area of 3162 sq km. Around one fifth of the park is covered with sand dunes. The rest of the landmass comprises craggy rocks, compact salt lakes bottoms, inter medial areas and fixed dunes.

Desert National Park Attractions

Flora - The vegetation is sparse with only few grasses and shrubs that provide food for the wildlife inhabitants of the park.

Animals - The animals of the park include Desert Fox, Bengal Fox, Desert Cat, Wolf, hedgehog, Black Buck and Chinkara. These animals have live in an extremely difficult terrain, still they have managed to survive.

Reptiles - There is a fair number of reptiles found in the park as well. These are Spiny Tail Lizard, Monitor Lizard, Russel's Viper, chameleons and Sind Krait.

Birds - The bird population of the park is responsible for making it hugely attractive. The Great Indian Bustard which is a protected species in India, finds a safe shelter in this park. These birds eat practically everything, from cereals and berries to grasshoppers and Locusts. Other birds found in this park are Sand Grouse, Partridges, Bee Eaters, Larks, Shrikes, Harriers, Falcons, Buzzards, Kestrel, Vultures, Short-toed Eagles, Tawny Eagles, Spotted Eagles and Lagger. Demoiselle Cranes and Houbara flock to this park in the winter months.

Things to Do

Jeep Safari - This enables visitors to explore a wider area of the park in relatively short span of time. Also, it is highly interesting to see the wide range of flora and fauna from the jeep.

Camping - This is perhaps the best way to enjoy the wildlife of the park. However, visitors must take into consideration the fragile nature of the park and thus refrain from causing any sort of harm to it.

Accommodation

For visitors to the Desert National Park, Jaisalmer has a number of accommodation options catering to all kind of tourists. Khuri, is also at a short distance from the park and has some accommodation option for visitors.