Kumbhalgarh Sanctuary
It is located in the most rugged of the Aravali in Pali, Rajsamand
and Udaipur districts of Rajasthan. It takes name after the
impressive historic fort of Kumbhalgarh, which come into view over
the Park. It is 578 sq Kms in area and at an altitude of 500 to
1,300m. It is home to a very large variety of wild life, some of
which are highly endangered species. The wild life includes wolf,
leopards, sloth bear, hyena, jackal, jungle cat, smabhar, nilgai,
chaisingh (the four horned antelope), chinkara and hare.
The bird life at Kumbhalgarh is also gratifying. The normally shy
and untrusted grey jungle fowl can be spotted here. Peacocks and
Doves can be sighted regularly feeding on grains scattered by the
jungle guards. Bird like the red spur owls, Parakeets, golden
Oriole, grey Pigeons, Bulbul, Dove and white breasted kingfisher can
also be seen near the water holes.
Kumbhalgarh’s natural beauty is attracting many tourists and
especially for its accessibility from Udaipur, which is 100 Kms from
here. Foot tracking and horse safari organised by local tour
operators are proving to be very popular. A typical safari route
enters the sanctuary from the Kumbhalgarh Fort and cutting across
the sanctuary it reaches Ghanerao, and then borders an old abandoned
road. On this road, one can sight Chinkaras, Neelgais, four horned
Antelope and many birds.
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