20 Best Wildlife Safaris in Rajasthan

source: tourradar

For a long time, tourists have felt attracted to visit Rajasthan due to its undeniable sociocultural presence. Known for its UNESCO recognised world heritage castles, the state witnesses a substantial footfall of history buffs. Additionally, nature enthusiasts have also been regular here, due to the rich biodiversity of the kingdom Animalia. 

So, if you are planning a wildlife adventure, knowing about the different jungle safaris in Rajasthan is an ideal course of action.

The top 20 major places that you can visit as a part of your wildlife safari tour in Rajasthan are as follows.

1. National Chambal Wildlife Sanctuary

source: cloudinary

This renowned sanctuary in Rajasthan derives its name from the Chambal River, which runs through the place itself. This sanctuary has made a noticeable contribution to the conservation of the endangered gharial, a species of fish-eating crocodile. Additionally, when you drop by this place, you can also witness the Ganges River dolphins and 26 types of turtles. Visitors enjoy boat safari here.  

• Area Covered: 5400 Square Kilometres 
• Best Time to Visit: November to March 
• Average Time to Spend: 4 to 5 Hours 
• Operational Hours: Morning Rajasthan wildlife tours are conducted from 7:00 AM to 10:30 AM, while the evening jungle safari occurs from 2:30 AM to 6:00 PM. 
• Distance from Airport: Kheria Airport in Agra is the nearest airport, around 107 km away from the spot. 
• Entry Fee: A charge of ₹1850 per person has to be paid to enter this facility, plus the necessary taxation fees. 
• How to reach: Fly to Kheria Airport and take a bus or cab to reach this airport.

2. Desert National Sanctuary

source: cloudinary

Known for its expansive sand dunes that perfectly capture a microcosm of biodiversity of desert fauna, the Desert National Sanctuary remains a major crowd-puller in Rajasthan. If you are planning a Rajasthan safari, this sanctuary must be on your radar. From eagles to vultures to Falcons, this place remains an absolute delight for ornithology enthusiasts.  

• Area Covered: 3162 square kilometres 
• Best Time to Visit: In-between October to March 
• Average Time to Spend: Approximately 2 to 3 hours 
• Operational Hours: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM 
• Distance from Airport: The closest airport to this sanctuary is in Jaisalmer, located around 47 kilometres away from here. 
• Entry Fee: You have to spend ₹100 per person to enter this sanctuary. Additionally, a cost of ₹100 for a jeep jungle safari in Rajasthan has to be paid. Moreover, if you are getting a guide for this trip, then you have to spend ₹200 more for him or her. 
• How to reach: Reach the Jodhpur Airport and then take buses or cabs to the sanctuary.

3. Ranthambore National Park

source: adotrip

The world heritage site of Ranthambore Fort is located within the parameters of this iconic safari park, from which it derives its name. If you are planning a wildlife safari in Rajasthan with a target to witness the regal Royal Bengal Tigers in all their glory, this national park should be at the top spot on your bucket list. 

You can also have a glimpse at some of the fascinating creatures of the forest here, like sambars, leopards, hyenas, nilgai, and sloths. 

• Area Covered: 1334 square kilometres 
• Best Time to Visit: November to February 
• Average Time to Spend: One single stretch of jungle safari in your Rajasthan wildlife tour of Ranthambore Park will take around three and a half years. However, if tiger sitting is your primary target, you should plan around a 3-day trip. 
• Operational Hours: The morning safari is done from 7:00 AM to 10:30 PM. Alternatively, the evening safari takes place from 2:30 PM to 6:00 PM.   
• Distance from Airport: The closest airport is in Jaipur, located around 114 kilometres away from this park. 
• Entry Fee: An entry fee of ₹100 per person has to be paid. 
• How to reach: Take a train to the Sawai Madhopur Railway Station or fly to the Jaipur Airport. Then, you can easily get buses or cabs.

4. Sariska Tiger Reserve

source: toiimg

Much like the Ranthambore national park, this reserved area too was originally a hunting ground, belonging to the state of Alwar. This reserve is primarily dedicated to looking after the well-being of Rajasthan's tiger population. 

During a jungle safari in Rajasthan, do not miss out on the Royal Bengal Tiger spotting opportunities here. Additionally, this reserve is also home to numerous animals and bird species so you will not feel disappointed dropping by here. 

• Area Covered: 881 square kilometres 
• Best Time to Visit: In-between the timespan of October to February 
• Average Time to Spend: A jeep safari to explore the majestic aspects of this reserve will take around 3 hours. 
• Operational Hours: The morning safari is done from 7:00 AM to 10:30 AM. On the other hand, the safari scheduled for the evening is done between the hours of 2:00 PM and 5:30 PM. 
• Distance from Airport: Jaipur Airport is the closest one to this reserve, located at a distance of around 108 kilometres.
• Entry Fee: The entry fee is ₹80 per person for Indian citizens here.
• How to reach: Arrive at the Alwar railway station or Jaipur Airport. Then, take buses or cabs.

5. Mukundara Tiger Reserve

source: deccanherald

Known previously as the Darrah wildlife sanctuary, this tourist attraction in Kota is one of the biggest tiger preservation centres in Rajasthan. A thick forest located on the banks of the historic Chambal River, this reserve has a quintessential aesthetic appeal. 

Home to the Bengal tiger, this reserve must be at the top spots of your jungle safari in Rajasthan. This reserve also gives shelter to numerous chinkaras, panthers, wolves, and sloths. 

• Area Covered: 780 square kilometres 
• Best Time to Visit: October to June (it remains closed from July to September due to the monsoon)
• Average Time to Spend: 2 hours approximately 
• Operational Hours: This reserve remains open 24 hours
• Distance from Airport: Udaipur Airport, around 300 kilometres away from the reserve, is the closest one 
• Entry Fee: ₹250 per person
• How to reach: Rent a vehicle after arriving at the Udaipur Airport.

6. Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary

source: cloudinary

Located near the UNESCO heritage site of the Kumbhalgarh Fort, this wildlife sanctuary must be a top priority for your wildlife safari tour in Rajasthan. If you are interested in venturing into leopard sitting, this place is one of the best options available. 

Moreover, it is home to grey junglefowl, peacock, parakeet, and red spurfowl among many others. Hence, you can visit this place if bird-watching is one of your passions. 

• Area Covered: 611 square kilometres 
• Best Time to Visit: From March to December 
• Average Time to Spend: Around 3 hours 
• Operational Hours: 7:00 AM to 6:00 Pm 
• Distance from Airport: Located around 96 kilometres away from this sanctuary, the Maharana Pratap Airport in Udaipur is the closest airstrip to this tourist spot. 
• Entry Fee: ₹100 per person on weekdays and ₹75 per person on weekends
• How to reach: Arrive at the Maharana Pratap Airport in Udaipur or Falna Rail station. Take a bus or cab from there.

7. Phulwari ki Nal Wildlife Sanctuary

source: memorableindia

The Phulwari ki Nal sanctuary is especially mentionable for containing 134 villages inside its parameters. Located in Udaipur, the reserve acts as a safe place of habitation for three-striped palm squirrels, four-horned antelopes, and the ever-majestic panthers. 

• Area Covered: 511 square kilometres 
• Best Time to Visit: During the period of September to February 
• Average Time to Spend: 2 hours, approximately 
• Operational Hours: From 9:00 in the morning till 9:00 at night 
• Distance from Airport: Udaipur’s Maharana Pratap Airport is closest to this place, situated around 126 kilometres away from the sanctuary premises. 
• Entry Fee: ₹20 per person with a substantial discount for students  
• How to reach: Fly to Maharana Pratap Airport and take a cab or bus to this sanctuary.

8. Todgarh Raoli Wildlife Sanctuary

source: memorableindia

Surrounded by the Aravalli ranges, a sense of magnanimity had been ingrained in the very presence of this sanctuary. Here, you will be able to observe the everyday habits of several animals such as wolves, leopards, and bears. 

• Area Covered: 475 square kilometres 
• Best Time to Visit: November to May
• Average Time to Spend: 1 or 2 hours 
• Operational Hours: 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM
• Distance from Airport: 145 kilometres from the nearest airport in Jodhpur 
• Entry Fee: ₹65 per person 
• How to reach: Fly to Jodhpur Airport and then take a bus or cab from there.

9. Sitamata Wildlife Sanctuary

source: rajasthantoursoperatorindia

The species of flying squirrels are one of the rare marvels of nature which had fascinated the wildlife-lovers for ages. The sanctuary is home to creatures such as black-dotted leopards, jackals, jungle cats, and wild boars. 

Additionally, here you also get a chance to see the anteater species known as the pangolins. So, suffice it to say, therefore, that you absolutely cannot give this place a miss. 

• Area Covered: 423 square kilometres 
• Best Time to Visit: November to February
• Average Time to Spend: 3 hours, approximately 
• Operational Hours: 10:00 in the morning to 6:00 in the evening 
• Distance from Airport: The Dabok Airport in Udaipur is the closest one to the sanctuary, situated at a distance of 145 kilometres. 
• Entry Fee: ₹10 per person
• How to reach: You can reach Dabok Airport and then take a bus or cab from there.

10. Shergarh WL Sanctuary

source: ranthamborenationalpark

This sanctuary has the potential of a hidden gem for wildlife photography enthusiasts. So, keep your cameras ready during your jungle safari in Rajasthan when you drop by Shergarh. With a striking biodiversity that gives shelter to deer, gazelles, tigers, and leopards, this place is beaming with opportunities. 

• Area Covered: 423 square kilometres 
• Best Time to Visit: October to April 
• Average Time to Spend: 2 hours+
• Operational Hours: 7:00 AM to 10:30 AM is scheduled for the morning safari, while the evening safari takes place between 2:30 PM and 6:00 PM.
• Distance from Airport: Sanganeer Airport, the nearest one, is 213 km away
• Entry Fee: ₹10 per person
• How to reach: There are trains to Baran from various cities of India. From Baran, you can book a cab to reach Shergarh Sanctuary.

11. Jamwa Ramgarh WL Sanctuary

source: rajasthantourplanner

Surrounding the artificial lake of Ramgarh, this sanctuary works as a major tourist attraction spot. As numerous birds and animals drop by this lake to quench their thirst, you have an increased scope of siting these faunae while being part of a wildlife safari in Rajasthan. 

• Area Covered: 300 square kilometres
• Best Time to Visit: October to February 
• Average Time to Spend: 2.5 hours, approximately 
• Operational Hours: 6:00 in the morning till 6:00 in the afternoon 
• Distance from Airport: Jaipur National Airport, 43 kilometres away 
• Entry Fee: Entering this sanctuary is free
• How to reach: Visit Jaipur National Airport and then take a bus or rent a vehicle.

12. Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary

source: tourismindia

Amidst its desert ecology, the presence of a hill station in the form of Mount Abu remains pivotal in showcasing Rajasthan’s diverse natural phenomenon. Here, you will be able to witness animals such as tigers, pangolins, foxes, leopards, mongooses, and around 250 different species of birds. 

You will also be able to spot rare species and bamboo in the surroundings of the Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary. 

• Area Covered: 288 square kilometres 
• Best Time to Visit: Anytime from October to June 
• Average Time to Spend: Around 2:30 hours to 3 hours 
• Operational Hours: This place remains open from 9:00 in the morning to 5:30 the evening
• Distance from Airport: The Maharana Pratap Airport in Udaipur is the closest airport to this wildlife sanctuary, about 146 kilometres away. 
• Entry Fee: ₹300 per person
• How to reach: Take a bus or cab from the Maharana Pratap Airport to reach this sanctuary.

13. Bhensrorgarh Wildlife Sanctuary

source: toiimg

A journey into the wild can also feel like a much-required break from the routine city buzz. Foxes, jackals, boars, and antelopes frequent this forest land, making it an absolute treat for visitors who have ventured for a jungle safari in Rajasthan. 

Numerous resident and migratory birds have come to make this place their home, including flamingos, Red-crested Pochards, owls and many more.

• Area Covered: Around 201 square kilometres
• Best Time to Visit: September to January
• Average Time to Spend: In-between 1 to 2 hours 
• Operational Hours: 10:00 AM to 5: PM
• Distance from Airport: Maharana Pratap Airport, at a distance of 54 kilometres 
• Entry Fee: ₹20 per person for Indian citizens 
• How to reach: Arrive at the Maharana Pratap Airport and then take a bus or hire a cab to reach this sanctuary.

14. Bandh Baretha Wildlife Sanctuary

source: scontent

Located nearby the historic Fatehpur Sikri, this sanctuary remains a place of special interest for ornithology experts. There are around 200 different species of birds that you can encounter here as part of your wildlife safari tour in Rajasthan. 

Notably, the reserve remains a home for the Black Bittern, a type of heron which are otherwise famously difficult to spot. You can also witness animals like leopards, wolves, nilgais, and chitals among others. 

• Area Covered: Around 199 square kilometres 
• Best Time to Visit: October to March can be an ideal time to plan a trip 
• Average Time to Spend: More or less 2 hours
• Operational Hours: The safari facility remains operational in-between 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
• Distance from Airport: Agra Airport is the closest one, located around 56 kilometres away from this sanctuary. 
• Entry Fee: ₹20 per person 
• How to reach: Take a bus or cab from Agra Airport.

15. Bassi Wildlife Sanctuary

source: bhilwarahalchal

Located in the iconic Chittorgarh district in Rajasthan, the Bassi Wildlife Sanctuary is renowned for its avian habitats, attracting bird watchers from different corners of the world. Moreover, porcupines, jackals, wild boars and horses, or panthers are some of the other attractions of this place. 

• Area Covered: Approximately 134 square kilometres 
• Best Time to Visit: October and November 
• Average Time to Spend: Around 1 to 2 hours
• Operational Hours: 6:30 in the morning to 5:00 in the evening 
• Distance from Airport: Dabok Airport in Udaipur is the nearest airstrip that this sanctuary has. The distance between the two spots is around 70 kilometres. 
• Entry Fee:  ₹10 per person is required to enter this facility
• How to reach: Arrive at Dabok Airport and then take a bus or cab.

16. Sawai Mansingh WL Sanctuary

source: cloudinary

This sanctuary is one of the leading ecotourism sites in India, so you cannot give it a miss during your jungle safari in Rajasthan. The spectacular mountain ranges surrounding this place give it a serene aesthetic that can leave a lasting impact on you. When it comes to wildlife, here you will be able to see sloths, panthers, hyenas etc. Moreover, peacocks, parakeets, sparrows, and vultures are some of the bird species that frequent the trees here. 

• Area Covered: 113 square kilometres
• Best Time to Visit: October to June 
• Average Time to Spend: Around 2 hours
• Operational Hours: 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM; 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM 
• Distance from Airport: Jaipur Airport is the closest, being located at 180 km away
• Entry Fee: ₹20 per person
• How to reach: Fly to the Jaipur Airport and then take a bus or rent a vehicle to reach this sanctuary.

17. Jaisamand Wildlife Sanctuary

source: udaipurtimes

The historic Jaisamand Lake remains one of the major attractions of this sanctuary. Located in Udaipur, this is one of the largest artificial water bodies present anywhere in Asia. Additionally, the reed beds of this sanctuary enable a wide array of birds to safely build their nests here. These species of avifauna include the common coot, bar-headed and greylag goose among others. 

• Area Covered: 52.34 square kilometres 
• Best Time to Visit: From June to November 
• Average Time to Spend: Approximately 3 hours can be a comfortable estimation 
• Operational Hours: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• Distance from Airport: Maharana Pratap Airport (Udaipur), around 57 kilometres away
• Entry Fee: ₹10 per person, an additional amount of ₹80 per person is required for a boat ride in the eponymous lake
• How to reach: You can take buses or cabs from Maharana Pratap Airport to reach this sanctuary.

18. Nahargarh WL Sanctuary

source: cloudinary

This biological park, which shares its name with the monumental fort in Rajasthan, is one of the prime examples of how this state had succeeded in safeguarding the growth and development of its indigenous animals. 

For instance, the Asiatic lion remains the key attraction for wildlife enthusiasts here. Additionally, deers, crocodiles, and the famous Himalayan black bears populate this place. 

• Area Covered: 52 square kilometres
• Best Time to Visit: October to March 
• Average Time to Spend: One and a half hours 
• Operational Hours: 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM
• Distance from Airport: This place is close- to the Jaipur International Airport, a mere 8 kilometres from the airbase.
• Entry Fee: The ticket prices are charged as ₹50 per person, although students can get a discount
• How to reach: Arrive at the Jaipur International Airport and then take a bus or cab.

19. Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary

source: adotrip

The Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary is one of the proudest accomplishments of the state of Rajasthan which makes it such a sociocultural touchstone in India. This bird sanctuary is the largest of its kind in the continent of Asia. 

Therefore, you must include a trip here to complete your wildlife safari tour in Rajasthan. Known also as the Bharatpur Sanctuary, this man-made wetland becomes a common habitat of approximately three hundred and seventy different species of avifauna. 

• Area Covered: Around 29 square kilometres 
• Best Time to Visit: August to November 
• Average Time to Spend: You can cover this park in around 3:30 to 4 hours. 
• Operational Hours: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM in summer seasons, 6:30 AM to 5:00 PM in winter seasons 
• Distance from Airport: At a distance of 56 kilometres, the Agra airport is the closest one where you can make a landing when visiting this sanctuary. 
• Entry Fee: ₹75 per person for Indian citizens
• How to reach: Fly to the Agra airport and then book a cab or take a bus to this sanctuary.

20. Kesarbagh WL Sanctuary

source: memorableindia

Located in Sawai Madhopur, this sanctuary should be one of your highest priorities while visiting Rajasthan. From hyenas to jackals or from boars to sloths, the diversity of the kingdom Animalia here is sure to leave you searching for words! 

• Area Covered: 18 square kilometres 
• Best Time to Visit: November to March 
• Average Time to Spend: 2 to 2.5 hours 
• Operational Hours: Opens at 10:00 AM
• Distance from Airport: At a distance of 144 kilometres, Jodhpur Airport is the closest one 
• Entry Fee: ₹10 per person for Indian visitors
• How to reach: Reach Jodhpur Airport and take a bus or cab from there. 

In India, almost 81 million hectares of area are covered by forests, giving shelter to a plethora of different animal species and maintaining the ecological balance. Rajasthan has played a crucial role in ensuring these diversities can be adequately safeguarded with its reserves and national parks. 

So, whenever you plan a trip to this state, a jungle safari in Rajasthan should always be at the top of your wish list.