Desert National Park, Jaisalmer Overview
Situated near the town of Jaisalmer, Desert national park is among the largest of its kind in the country, encompassing an area of 3162 sq kms. The park covers a huge area extending from Jaisalmer/Barmer all the way to the India-Pakistan border. In spite of being right in the middle of an arid, dry, and sandy desert, the desert national park presents a wonderful opportunity to see the wildlife such as camels, desert fox, Bengal fox, chinkara, wolves, desert cat, and the Blackbuck. The intriguing landmark offers everything one can expect from a desert ecosystem, craggy rocks and compact salt lake bottoms, intermedial areas and fixed dunes. The dunes consist of about 20% of the park. The entire area is covered with thorny bushes, cacti and a few desert plants. If you want to explore the majestic wildlife at the Desert National Park, then the best way to do so is by going for an adventure-filled jeep safari which will be an entirely new exciting experience.
It is located close to the mighty Thar desert and defies all stereotypical notions of the non-existence of flora and fauna in the deserts. As, even though the ecosystem is harsh and fragile, it houses an abundance of birdlife and is a haven for a variety of migratory and resident desert birds. One of the rarest species of birds, The Great Indian Bustard is found here.
Apart from that various eagles, harriers, falcons, buzzards, kestrel, vultures, Short-toed eagles, tawny eagles, spotted eagles, laggar falcons and kestrel can also be seen here. One can see the life forms continuously fighting with the harsh environment to survive and prevailing to create yet another marvel of nature. Apart from the magnificent birds, the desert park also has a collection of fossils of animals and birds, some of which are more than 180 million years old. Some 6 million-year-old fossils of dinosaurs have also been found in the area. Visiting the desert national park to witness the mighty birds soaring in the sky while marvelling the changing landscape of the desert is definitely one of the best ways to spend holidays.
Situated at a distance of around 40 km from Jaisalmer (Rajasthan), Desert National Park is counted amongst the largest parks of India. Geographically, this park covers an area of 3162 sq. km extending from the borders of Jaisalmer, the park boundary reaches close to the Indo-Pak border.
You can expect everything here that a Desert ecosystem has to offer you. There are craggy rocks, intermedial areas, compact salt lake bottoms, and fixed dunes. In fact, the dunes makeup to almost 20% of the area under this park.
Amongst the wild flora of the Desert region, you get to see Desert plants, cacti, and other thorny bushes. An adventure-filled safari will be the best way to take a 360-degree tour of the Desert ecosystem here.
Besides jeep drive, if you are really adventurous, you can indulge in camping and bonfire activities here.
Being located within the close proximity of the Thar Desert, the park re-defines all parameters of stereotypical transitions exhibited by flora and fauna there. Even though the Desert ecosystem at the Desert National Park is harsh and fragile, it shelters a plethora of wildlife.
In fact, bird researchers tag this place as a haven for migratory birds. If you are an avid lover of the rare bird species, get your binoculars and DSLRs on as you have The Great Indian Bustard to spot here. If you take a keen interest in exploring the Desert National Park, you will come across some remnants dating back to the era of Jurassic times. So, be ready to stare at the remnants of the dinosaurs dating back to around 6 million years.
The park has also got animal and bird fossils dating back to 180 million years. So, get set and go as you and your DSLR has got a lot of hard work here.
Flora and Fauna at Desert National Park –
Excited to know more about the Desert National Park? Let’s peep into its flora and fauna first –
1. Animals –
Desert monitors, deadly vipers, spiny-tailed lizards, Krait, and sandfish are the prominent members of the wildlife family.
If you are fortunate enough to be there on time, you can even spot on Desert and Bengal foxes munching on some fresh berries. Apart from these key animals, the Desert National Park also shelters Vulpes, Blackbuck Antelope, Gazelle gazelle, Desert Cat Felis Libyes, and Cervicapra Rajputana Chinkara.
2. Birds –
As stated early, this park is never-ending heaven for all bird lovers. Desert National Park of Jaisalmer is known to house 150 different varieties of residential and migratory birds. It is a common phenomenon to locate endangered species of The Great Indian Bustard.
Amongst the other common species you have – Demoiselle, Eagles, Falcons, Partridges, Bee-Eaters, Vultures, Larks, Shrikes, Macqueen’s Bustard. As you move on to the next section of the park, you will come across some ponds and waterholes. Larks and wheatears are common species to be located here.
3. Reptiles –
Not all, but Desert National Park has surely got several reptile species to exhibit before you. Monitor lizard, Spiny-tailed lizard, Russell’s viper, Saw-scaled viper, common krait are few of the reptile species to be traced here.
4. Vegetation –
Although a sparse one, you still can find a variety in the vegetative species at the Desert National Park. Prominent amongst the vegetative species are aak shrub, sewan grass, and cacti.
It has got a well-diversified desert type of landscape where you have small salt lake bottom, fixed and shifting dunes, and craggy rocks.
While strolling through the park, do not forget to raise your head high above the sky. You will be surprised by the number of vultures soaring high to present a delightful sight.
How to Reach Desert National Park
Here are the three best ways to reach the Desert National Park –
By Air –
Jaisalmer has no airport of its own. The nearest airport to reach the Desert National Park is the Jodhpur Airport situated at a distance of 300 km. Once you get down, you can easily make your next move either by boarding a train to Jaisalmer or by a direct cab ride. It will take around 4 hours and 46 minutes to get transferred between the two points via road.
By Rail –
Jaisalmer Railway Station is the nearest railhead to reach the Desert National Park. You can opt for the famous ‘Exotic Palace on Wheels’ ride to enjoy your Desert National Park safari. The Jaisalmer railhead is situated at 13 km distance from the Dessert National Park and will require only 20 minutes for you to travel between two points.
By Road –
Jaisalmer shows decent connectivity to other states by road. You have the options of both deluxe and ordinary bus service from Jodhpur, Bikaner, Jalore, Jaipur, Barmer, Ahmedabad, etc.
Best Time to Visit Desert National Park
Although you can visit anytime, October to March is the most preferred period.
Desert National Park in Summers –
The summers tend to be sweltering hot, and it is advisable not to plan your visit in summers. In summer, you may find the daytime temperatures rising as high as 40 degrees. Nights tend to be a bit on the cooler side.
Desert National Park in Monsoons –
As this place is located within the heart of Thar Desert, rainfall is almost equivalent to negligible. In fact, the Jaisalmer region of Rajasthan witnesses extreme dryness for a significant part of the year.
Desert National Park in Winters –
Desert National Park is a part of Jaisalmer where the winters are generally pleasant and appealing. You can expect the daytime temperature to be around 22 to 24 degrees. The winter nights in Jaisalmer are cold with temperature level dropping as low as 7 to 8 degrees. Thus, the winter temperature and the climatic variations makes your Desert National Park outing an easier one.
