12 Famous Bird Sanctuaries in Rajasthan that You Must Visit

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Rajasthan, the state that showcases India's rich culture, heritage, art and brave tales of kingship, is also the home to several wildlife sanctuaries. The state government has stepped up to protect and conserve rare and elusive species of birds and animals, including flora and fauna.

Visiting a bird sanctuary in Rajasthan is a part of the travel wish list for many. Scroll down for details of top bird sanctuaries located in different parts of Rajasthan and more details.

Here is a list of top sanctuaries in Rajasthan that are considered paradises for bird lovers:

1. Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, Shreenagar

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Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, a bird sanctuary in Rajasthan, is a UNESCO world heritage site housing more than 350 bird species. Travellers visiting during winter often notice different migratory birds, mostly originating from Mongolia, Siberia and China. Some popular species that one can notice are tern buntings, larks, Siberian cranes, spot-billed pelicans, herons, etc.

• Area Covered: 2,873 hectares
• Best Time to Visit: October to March
• Average Time to Spend: 4 to 5 Hours
• Operational Hours: 6 AM to 5 PM
• Distance from the Airport: 172 Km
• Entry Fee: ₹50 per person for Indians and ₹400 per person for Foreigners
• How to Reach: Located 5 Km away from Bharatpur railway junction, tourists can reach the spot via train.

2. Ranthambore National Park, Sawai Madhopur

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Being one of the most popular national parks in Northern India and the greatest tiger reserve, it houses more than 300 species of birds. With this thriving bird population, tourists often notice different endangered species of birds like Grey Francolin, Purple Sunbird, Baya Weaver, Red-wattled Lapwing, etc.

Apart from this, Ranthambore National Park is spread across lush green vegetation with rich flora and fauna to rejuvenate your mind and soul.

• Area Covered: 1334 square kilometres
• Best Time to Visit: November to March
• Average Time to Spend: 3 to 4 hours
• Operational Hours: 6 AM to 7 PM
• Distance from the Airport: 180 Km
• Entry Fee: ₹1700 per person for jeep (6 Seater)
• How to Reach: The easiest and fastest way to reach the spot is through a train to Sawai Madhopur railway station.

3. Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary, Mount Abu

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Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the famous bird sanctuaries in Rajasthan, housing over 250 species of birds and several varieties of plants. The rich flora and fauna of this sanctuary, with its location on the lap of Mount Abu, has been a paradise for nature lovers.

The sanctuary stretches across numerous mountains whose heights range from 300 metres to 1722 metres.

• Area Covered: 288 square kilometres
• Best Time to Visit: October to June
• Average Time to Spend: 4 to 5 hours
• Operational Hours: 9 AM to 5:30 PM
• Distance from the Airport: 108 Km
• Entry Fee: ₹300 to ₹600 per person for Jeep Safari
• How to Reach: The best way to reach the destination is by hiring a cab or taxi.

4. Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary, Rajsamand

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Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary has its periphery surrounded by the historical Kumbhalgarh forest and showcases many rich terrestrial landscapes. It houses more than 200 species of birds like grey jungle fowl, parakeets, peacocks, bulbuls, white-breasted kingfishers, etc.

Apart from bird watching, this sanctuary offers its tourists a majestic experience of a 15 km-long safari from Kumbhalgarh to the Thandi Beri Jeep Safari facility.

• Area Covered: 578 square kilometres
• Best Time to Visit: March to December
• Average Time to Spend: 3 to 4 hours
• Operational Hours: 7 AM to 6 PM
• Distance from the Airport: 64 Km
• Entry Fee: ₹10 per person for Indians and ₹80 per person for foreigners
• How to Reach: As the sanctuary is situated 3 Km away from the Kumbhalgarh Fort and 98 Km away from Udaipur city, hiring a cab and reaching via roadways will be ideal.

5. Sariska National Park, Alwar

source: littleaffairsariska

Besides being a stellar spot as a bird sanctuary in Rajasthan, Sariska National Park is famous for being home to several Royal Bengal Tigers. Some of the notable birds that one can spot in this sanctuary are crested serpent eagle, golden-backed woodpecker, Great Indian Horned Owl, bush quail, sand grouse, etc.

Spread over the lush green forest, the park allows you to spot different species of animals like Jungle cats, Golden jackals, Nilgar, etc.

• Area Covered: 866 square kilometres
• Best Time to Visit: October to June
• Average Time to Spend: 2 to 3 hours
• Operational Hours: 10 AM to 5 PM
• Distance from the Airport: 40 Km
• Entry Fee: ₹100 per person for Indians and ₹300 per person for foreigners
• How to Reach: As Jaisalmer is just 40 Km away from this national park, travelling via road in a cab or other vehicles will be the easiest to reach the place.

6. Desert National Sanctuary, Barmer

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Desert National Sanctuary is located near Jaisalmer and is considered one of India's finest national parks. Being home to myriad species of animals, this bird sanctuary in Rajasthan is a paradise for bird lovers and photographers.

Upon visiting this sanctuary, one will be able to spot some of the magnificent species of birds like laggard falcons, buzzards, sand grouse, spotted eagles, and great Indian bustards.

• Area Covered: 3162 square kilometres
• Best Time to Visit: November to March
• Average Time to Spend: Around 3 hours
• Operational Hours: 10 AM to 5 PM
• Distance from the Airport: 40 Km
• Entry Fee: ₹100 per person for Indians and ₹300 per person for foreigners
• Note: Additional charges will be required for jeep safari and photography
• How to Reach: By hiring a cab or other vehicle from the nearest airport or city area 

7. Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary, Bikaner

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Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary in Bikaner presents its tourists with unique flora and fauna. This sanctuary has a touch of historical legends of being the private hunting grounds of Maharajas of Bikaner.

In today's date, the sanctuary has been open to commoners to experience the surreal species of birds and other animals. Some notable birds you may spot here are wildfowl, golden oriole, bulbuls, kingfishers, etc.

• Area Covered: 19.20 square kilometres
• Best Time to Visit: November to February
• Average Time to Spend: 1 to 2 hours
• Operational Hours: 10 AM to 5 PM
• Distance from the Airport: 23 Km
• Entry Fee: ₹100 per person
• How to Reach: One can reach the spot by vehicle or cab from the city centre area.

8. Khichan Bird Sanctuary, Phalodi

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The Khichan Bird Sanctuary, also known as Demoiselle Crane Village, is a marvellous place for bird lovers and other wildlife enthusiasts. This sanctuary has been home to several Indian and migratory birds.

Upon visiting during winter, tourists often notice different species of birds hailing from countries like Kazakhstan, North and South Africa, Mongolia, etc.

• Area Covered: NA
• Best Time to Visit: October to March
• Average Time to Spend: 1 to 2 hours
• Operational Hours: Open 24*7
• Distance from the Airport: 150 Km
• Entry Fee: Free of cost
• How to Reach: Taking a bus or taxi from Jodhpur will be the fastest to reach the sanctuary.

9. Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary, Udaipur

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Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary in Udaipur City is home to more than 200 rare species of birds and is a beholder of rich flora and fauna. This bird sanctuary in Rajasthan is famous for being home to long-billed vultures and pied Tits.

In addition to this, tourists encounter different types of magnificent animals ranging from spotted deer and Indian Pangolin to porcupines.

• Area Covered: 5.19 square kilometres
• Best Time to Visit: August to October
• Average Time to Spend: 3 to 4 hours
• Operational Hours: 10 AM to 6 PM
• Distance from the Airport: 31.3 Km
• Entry Fee:
  • ₹30 per person for Indians
  • ₹300 per person for Foreigners
  • ₹15 per student
  • Free per child below five years of age

Note: Additional costs for carrying cameras or taking a car will be applicable.

• How to Reach: As the sanctuary is located just 10 Km from Udaipur city, taking roadways by a local cab, taxi, bus or auto-rickshaw to reach this place will be easiest.

10. Baretha Wildlife Sanctuary, Mahmadpura

source: cornell

Band Baretha Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the ancient wildlife reserves belonging to the rulers of Bharatpur. Established in 1985, the Band Baretha Wildlife Sanctuary is a paradise for bird watchers and photographers.

One of the primary factors that attract tourists around the globe is the sight of the elusive Black Bittern and other 200 species of birds.

• Area Covered: 200 square kilometres
• Best Time to Visit: November to February
• Average Time to Spend: 2 to 3 hours
• Operational Hours: 6 AM to 6 PM
• Distance from the Airport: 180 Km
• Entry Fee: NA
• How to Reach: The sanctuary can be visited via roads from Bharatpur by hiring a cab or public transport.

11. Ramgarh Vishdhari Sanctuary, Bundi

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Near the Ramgarh of Bundi District, Ramgarh Vishdhari Sanctuary offers spectacular bird-sighting views from the famous Ramgarh lake. Taking a walk from this scenic lake and experiencing the tranquillity of nature will allow one to spend quality time with their family.

Some of the exquisite species of birds that you will notice here are exotic Spoonbills and Siberian cranes.

• Area Covered: 1505 square kilometres
• Best Time to Visit: May to September
• Average Time to Spend: 2 to 3 hours
• Operational Hours: 7 AM to 6 PM
• Distance from the Airport: 192 Km
• Entry Fee: NA
• How to Reach: One can reach the spot via roadways and railways. The nearest railway stations are Bundi, Srinagar Rajasthan and Thalera, and the nearest city area is Kota.

12. Machia Biological Park, Jodhpur

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Machia Biological Park, located near Kaylana Lake, is an astounding spot, offering a different bird-watching place to spot a myriad species of birds. Apart from this, this biological park is home to hundreds of wild animals and houses a vast flora and fauna where tourists can encounter the tranquillity of nature.

The natural park consists of an exhibition gallery-cum-museum that consists of essential herbs.

• Area Covered: 0.39 square kilometres
• Best Time to Visit: October to March
• Average Time to Spend: 1 to 2 hours
• Operational Hours: 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM; Closed on Tuesday
• Distance from the Airport: 11 Km
• Entry Fee: ₹30 per person for Indians, ₹300 per person for foreigners, ₹15 per student and ₹5 per child
• How to Reach: The park is located 13 Km from the city, which makes taxis or auto-rickshaws a primary mode of transportation. In addition, you can board a bus to reach the spot.