Oblivious to most of the tourists, Bikaner boasts of a rare collection of species that have been kept under protection in none other than the Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary. Thus, situated in the desert, this wildlife sanctuary offers much to tourists interested in a particular region’s flora and fauna. Hence, this Sanctuary is slowly gaining popularity among travellers who are getting the experience of a lifetime. We’ve curated a list of all you need to know about the Sanctuary when you visit Bikaner on your next trip to Rajasthan.
Why To Visit The Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary?
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Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary in Bikaner is a natural haven on the shores of a lake near Gajner Palace. Located about 32 km from Bikaner, the sanctuary was earlier used as a hunting ground by the Maharaja of Bikaner. Today, the grounds are home to many birds, animals and trees. Many species, like the wildfowl, deer, antelope, chinkara, blackbuck, etc., are found in the Sanctuary and a diverse variety of avifauna. There is a beautiful lake in the sanctuary, which, apart from complementing the beauty, is used by the animals living here to quench their thirst.
The sanctuary has also been selected as a site for the Cheetah Reintroduction project in India. The trees of the sanctuary are home to birds like Demoiselle Cranes, Waterfowls, Indian Houbara Bustards, etc. For wildlife safaris, one can book a jeep from an exclusive fleet of vehicles. Jungle safaris are available for visitors interested in exploring the sanctuary. You can also hire the company of a highly knowledgeable guide with years of experience in Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary. The pleasant weather from November to February is the best time to visit the Sanctuary.
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What To Expect In Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary
Image Credit: Daniel VILLAFRUELA for Wikimedia Commons
Some of the most well-known wild animal species in the Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary, Bikaner, are deer, wild fowls, nilgai, antelope, black buck, chinkara, wild boars and desert foxes. Many people from across India visit this sanctuary to get a glimpse of the region’s wildlife. There is a lake within the premises of the Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary in Bikaner. This water body adds to the natural beauty of the place. Several animals that dwell in the sanctuary come to this lake for water in the summertime. Other than providing relief to the wild animals of the sanctuary in summer, this lake also attracts many species of birds to the refuge in winter.
For tourists who are hardcore bird lovers, this lake is an ideal place to visit. Visiting the Sanctuary allows tourists to see and gaze at various wild animals in their natural habitat. Some species include black buck, chinkara, deer, wild fowls, antelope, wild boars and desert foxes. This sanctuary is a perfect way to take a peek into the rich diversity of the region’s wildlife. For nature lovers and bird watchers, this place is a real treat. Apart from animals, this Sanctuary has various exotic birds as tourists can savour their sights. Inside the sanctuary is a lake, and the water body makes the place even more beautiful. The lake is a water source for all the animals and birds in this sanctuary; it’s why migratory birds flow in here and add to the place’s charm.
Things To Do In Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary
From the thrill of a Jeep Safari to reconnecting with wildlife through trekking, there are some fantastic things to do in Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary.
1. Jeep Safari
One of the best ways to explore the sanctuary is through a jeep safari. Visitors can book a guided tour and explore the sanctuary’s rugged terrain while keeping an eye out for the diverse wildlife that calls the sanctuary home. So on your trip to Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary, embark on the exciting Jeep Safari and experience some of the animals up close.
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2. Bird Watching
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Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary is a birdwatcher’s paradise; visitors can spot various bird species here. The best time to go bird watching is during the winter months when migratory birds such as the Siberian crane, demoiselle crane, and bar-headed goose visit the sanctuary. So if you are a birdwatching enthusiast, the many species of birds at the Sanctuary are perfect for you.
3. Trekking
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Visitors can explore the sanctuary on foot and enjoy a scenic trek through the sanctuary’s rugged terrain. This is a great way to experience the sanctuary’s natural beauty up close and reconnect with nature once again. On your journey, you will also witness some of the most beautiful views in all of Rajasthan.
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How To Reach Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary
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The Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary is located 37 km from the city of Bikaner. One can take public transit to reach the palace easily. Here are various ways you can reach Bikaner
By Flight: The nearest airport is the Nal Airport, around 13 km from Bikaner. However, it is still under construction and has not started operating yet. The next nearest airport is the Jodhpur Airport, which is well-developed and connected to major cities.
By Road: Bikaner is well connected to many other cities by road. Regular bus services and taxis are available. The streets are considerably smooth. Depending on your budget, you can board a government or a private bus.
By Train: Bikaner has two railway stations, Bikaner Junction and Lalgarh Railway Junction, located 6 km from the city. These are connected to many major cities, such as Jaipur, Punjab, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Mumbai. You can easily find a taxi from either of these two stations to reach the city or your hotel.
Further Read: Monsoon In Bikaner
Now that you have a list of things to keep in mind for your next vacation, you must include seeing the beautiful Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary in Bikaner. Make sure you plan your trip to Rajasthan to these fabulous spots for the experience of a lifetime. Don’t miss out on these opportunities, and book your tickets now!
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Cover Image Credit: Daniel VILLAFRUELA for Wikimedia Common
Frequently Asked Questions About Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary
Where is Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary located and how can I get there?
Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary is located about 30 km from Bikaner in Rajasthan, India. The nearest airport is Bikaner Airport, while the closest railway station is Bikaner Junction. From Bikaner, you can reach the sanctuary by taxi or private vehicle in about 45 minutes.
What wildlife can I expect to see at Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary?
The sanctuary is home to various wildlife species, including Nilgai (blue bull), Chinkara (Indian gazelle), Blackbuck, Wild boar, and Desert fox! Migratory birds like imperial sand grouse and demoiselle cranes.
What is the best time to visit Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary?
The best time to visit is from October to March when the weather is pleasant and migratory birds are present. Summers (April to June) can be extremely hot, while monsoon season (July to September) may limit outdoor activities.
Are there accommodation options near the sanctuary?
Yes, the historic Gajner Palace, now converted into a heritage hotel, is located within the sanctuary premises. There are also various hotels and resorts in nearby Bikaner to suit different budgets.
What activities are available at Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary?
Activities include Jeep safaris to explore the wildlife, Boat rides on Gajner Lake, Bird watching, especially during winter months, Nature walks and photography, Visiting the adjacent Gajner Palace for its architectural beauty
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