Udaipur : Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary is a beautiful sanctuary located on the outskirts of Udaipur city in Rajasthan, India. It is situated on the Aravalli hill range, covering an area of approximately 5.19 square kilometers. The sanctuary was established in 1987 and is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna.
The sanctuary was named after Maharana Sajjan Singh, who built the Sajjangarh Palace on a hilltop near the sanctuary. The palace, also known as the Monsoon Palace, was built in the late 19th century as a summer retreat for the royal family of Mewar. Today, it is a popular tourist attraction and offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and countryside.
Flora:
Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its diverse flora, which includes a mix of deciduous and semi-evergreen forests. The sanctuary is home to more than 450 species of plants, including many medicinal plants and herbs. The forest is dominated by trees such as teak, mango, neem, jamun, khair, and ber, among others. The sanctuary also has a large number of bamboo groves, which provide an ideal habitat for many animals.
Fauna:
Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a wide variety of animals, including mammals, reptiles, and birds. Some of the animals that can be found in the sanctuary include panthers, hyenas, wild boars, jackals, sloth bears, sambar deer, spotted deer, and four-horned antelopes. The sanctuary is also home to several species of birds, including peacocks, kingfishers, parakeets, and doves.
The sanctuary is particularly well-known for its panthers, which are the apex predators of the area. These elusive cats are rarely seen in the wild, but can occasionally be spotted by visitors who take a jeep safari through the sanctuary. The best time to see panthers is early in the morning or late in the evening, when they are most active.
Activities:
Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary offers several activities for visitors, including jeep safaris, trekking, and bird-watching. Jeep safaris are the most popular activity, and allow visitors to explore the sanctuary and spot wildlife in their natural habitat. The safaris are conducted by experienced guides, who are knowledgeable about the flora and fauna of the sanctuary.
Trekking is another popular activity in the sanctuary, and there are several trails that visitors can follow. The trails offer stunning views of the surrounding hills and countryside, and allow visitors to experience the natural beauty of the area up close.
Bird-watching is also a popular activity in the sanctuary, and there are several species of birds that can be spotted in the area. The best time for bird-watching is early in the morning, when the birds are most active.
Accommodation:
There are several accommodation options available near Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary, ranging from luxury hotels to budget guesthouses. Many of the hotels and guesthouses are located in the city of Udaipur, which is a short distance from the sanctuary. There are also several resorts and homestays located near the sanctuary, which offer a more secluded and peaceful experience.
Best time to visit:
The best time to visit Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary is between the months of October and March, when the weather is cool and pleasant. The sanctuary is closed during the monsoon season, which lasts from July to September.
In conclusion, Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary is a beautiful and peaceful sanctuary that offers visitors the opportunity to experience the natural beauty of Rajasthan. Whether you’re interested in wildlife, nature, or just want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.