The Desert National Park, the second-largest national park in India, unfolds across the enchanting towns of Jaisalmer and Barmer in the heart of Rajasthan, nestled within the vast expanse of the Thar Desert. It’s a place where sandy splendor meets stark beauty, and it’s worth adding to your travel itinerary if you’re ever in the area. It stretches over 3162 square kilometres, nearly half of that area covered in those majestic dunes. But it’s not just a sea of sand; it’s a thriving ecosystem as fragile as it is fascinating. One of the most incredible things about Desert National Park is the Jurassic fossils scattered around. So, if you ever find yourself in Rajasthan, don’t miss out on Desert National Park. It’s a place full of beauty, hidden in the middle of what might seem like nothingness.
Flora and Fauna In Desert National Park
Image Credit: Raman Kumar for Wikimedia Commons
Let’s look at the flora and fauna of the Desert National Park, the coolest part of the Thar Desert. It has this unique combination of flora and fauna that have adapted to live in a region like a cousin of the desert, the Sahara. The flora of Desert National Parl is not precisely very healthy, but it is unique and intriguing. This tree, called the Khejri tree, is more like the king of your desert. It is all over the place, and its survival doesn’t require much water. It also has a feature that makes it a snack bar for the animals, which is convenient on certain occasions. There is, of course, this one called Babool Tree, soon to be known as the Indian gum Arabic tree if you’re fancy. It has its uses in the medical field, meaning its sole purpose is not aesthetics. Another big deal here is the cacti; they have prickly pear and barrel cacti all over the place. Trees and shrubs such as Acacia Senegal, Prosopis Cineraria, Ziziphus nummularia, and Salvadora Persica grow naturally in the desert.
Now, for fauna, the animals here are like the VIP guests of the desert. For instance, consider the Chinkara. It is this beautiful gazelle that you could easily describe as being the epitome of desert living. It barely needs to sip on water, which is quite interesting! The Great Indian Bustard is another excellent bird that is relatively scarce now but can still be seen here. It’s pretty crucial because it is one of the most giant-flighted birds out there, and the males do this weird and rather spectacular courtship display. Just because the desert is home to sand and hot rolling dunes does not mean there is no love. Meet the Desert Fox. It is a small nocturnal predator which feeds on any of its prey it can get a hold of. We have desert cats whose fur is so dense that one would think they are dressed in coats during the cold nights in the desert. But wait, there’s more! Then you have your Indian Wild Ass (Ghudkhur), Blackbuck, Desert Gerbils, Indian Hedgehogs and various types of cool lizards like the Spiny-tailed Lizard and the Desert Monitor Lizard.
Must Read: Desert Safari In Jaisalmer
Things To Do At Desert National Park
Image Credit: SweetCanadianMullet for Wikimedia Commons
The pleasant ecosystem comprises varied flora and fauna, along with the rich wildlife that offers a cherished experience through the desert’s rugged mountains, cracked land, and sand dunes.
Camel Safari: It is best described that Camel is also known as ‘Ship of the Desert’, and the non-demanding camel safari is by far one of the most common ways of touring through the national park, perched on top of the Gailey dressed Camel and negotiating over the sun-scorched plains and the undulating dunes is a beautiful and unforgettable.
Jeep Safari: You can also do dune bashing in the desert or an adventurous and exciting jeep safari in the middle of the desert jungle to see grand birds flying and gliding in the open sky. Holding on to the jeep tightly is safer when it is moving at a high speed over huge dunes.
Sightseeing: There are no additional tourist attractions, but sightseeing in the Desert National Park, with some beautiful dunes and Gadisar Lake to stop and admire, is its favourite. The last scene does not leave anyone indifferent, and the audience can see the ease of the villagers dancing amid the sand hills just at the bank of the Gadisar Lake. Having been protected by the large gateway popularly referred to as talon-ki-pol, made of sandstone, one approaches the Gadisar Lake.
Food Safari: Besides the sightseeing and desert wilderness in the Desert National Park as a tourist, there is also some traditional Rajasthani food that you can try in this beautiful desert city. Among the non-meat preparations, the ‘Murgh-e-Subz’, which are tender boneless strips of chicken stir-fried with shredded vegetables, must be ordered with the traditional dish ‘Ker Sangri’, the desert beans and capers.
Timings, Entry Fees And Location
Image Credit: لا روسا for Wikimedia Commons
Desert National Park works on all seven days of the week between 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
The entry charges for the Desert National Park are the following –
Indian – Rs. 50/- per head
Non-Indian – 300 INR per head
Location – Myajlar Road, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan 345001
Suggested Read: Jaisalmer Resorts
How To Reach
Desert National Park of Jaisalmer can be approached by aeroplane, rail, bus, and road transport. Below are the most suitable modes of transportation.
By Air: The nearest airport to this park is Jodhpur Airport, which is about 300 km away. Hiring a taxi from the airport to the national park is not a problem.
By Train: Jaisalmer train station is slightly more than 30 kilometres away from the park, so it is also easily accessible. There are many routes from this station to other cities in the country; therefore, you will not struggle to find a train to suit your schedule. When you are in the city, it is a short distance to the park by taking a ride.
By Road: For those interested in taking a bus trip to Desert National Park Jaisalmer, there are affordable options available. Several bus companies operate daily trips to the park from other cities close to the park. These buses are usually cheaper than flying or taking a train, so they’re perfect for thrifty tourists.
Last, those who want to take more risks and explore new destinations can drive to the Desert National Park. This site is situated in a very isolated area of India, so it will be great to explore it by car. If you have your preferred vehicle, you can use it or hire one from the many car rental services in Jaisalmer. There are many good roads that you could take to get to the park.
Further Read: Shopping In Jaisalmer
Don’t miss the opportunity to witness the unparalleled beauty of Desert National Park. Plan your visit today and embark on a journey through one of India’s most extraordinary natural treasures. Book your trip to Jaisalmer and prepare to be amazed! Come along for a once-in-a-lifetime journey through the stunning Desert National Park. This guide is here to assist you in planning every little thing for your desert safari so you can have a blast while staying safe and sound.
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Cover Image Credit: Michael Gäbler for Wikimedia Commons
Frequently Asked Questions About Desert National Park
What is the recommended time to visit Desert National Park?
Due to the scorching hot weather throughout most of the year, the ideal time for visiting the Desert National Park is during the periods of November to March. The other advantage of this season is that the spotting of wildlife is easier and at the right time for carrying out safari activities.
Is it possible to go camping in Desert National Park?
Yes, camping is permitted in some parts of the Desert National Park which gives tourists a feeling of being in the desert with a bonus of night sky viewing. In light of this, it is recommended to get permission and abide by the park and forest rules as a way of safeguarding individual; experience while in the camping process.
What other related activities besides Wildlife Safari can be done in Desert National Park?
The tourists can, therefore, engage in camel riding, watch birds, enjoy photo shoots of the desert, visit abandoned desert villages like Kuldhara, and watch local dances and performances.
Are there self-drive tours allowed to Desert National Park or is it more advisable to hire a tour guide?
To go to all of these places single-handedly is possible but it is advised to be included in the guided tour for a much more educational and systematic visit. Some well-explained and well-meaning guides shall also complement the chances of seeing wildlife and also the history and physical environment of the park.
What are the general restrictions or any limitations regarding the travelling or visiting of the Desert National Park?
All the rules concerning the park are observed, including those regarding littering, wildlife and vegetation, and pathways and camping grounds. Thus, it is crucial to preserve the populations of different species that inhabit the desert environment.
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