Desert National Park

One of the largest National Parks in India, the Desert National Park is the excellent example of the ecosystem of the Thar Desert. It has 20% of its area covered in sand dunes, and the majority of the park’s landform consists of craggy rocks and compact Salt Lake bottoms, intermodal areas and fixed dunes. In addition, the western limit is defined by the fertile plains of the Indus. The vegetation of major part of the arid region of the Thar falls under thorn forest type. The vegetation is sparse with open grassland, thorny bushes, plantation and dunes as the broad habitat types. However, despite of such a fragile ecosystem, there is an abundance of fauna, especially that of birds. There are several important and endangered species that are not just the original inhabitants of the area, but are also found naturally only therein in the world. The region is also a residence of several migratory birds. The greatest attraction of the park is the critically endangered Great Indian Bastard, that are only found in India. The park is the last site where this species is found in good numbers. Another endangered species is the Oriental White-backed vulture. Winter also witnesses varieties such as species such as the demoiselle crane and Macqueen’s bustard. Other varieties such as sandgrouse, partridges, bee-eaters, larks, orioles, warblers, buzzards, kestrel, vultures and shrikes are commonly seen. Among the ones that walk on the land, the Indian Gazelle is the common antelope. Desert fox, wolf and desert cat are also found. Reptiles are an important part of the desert wildlife and the common of these in Thar Desert are the Toad-headed Agama, Sindh Awl-headed Snake, Indian Spiny-tailed Lizard, Desert Monitor and Saw-scaled Viper.

The Desert National Park is located in the Jaisalmer and Barmer District of Rajasthan in India. It extends to an area of 3162 square kilometers and is one of the largest national parks in the country. It is situated upon the Thar Desert. The Aravalli hills mark the eastern-most boundary limit of the Thar desert while the western limit is defined by the fertile plains of the Indus. The Great Rann of Kutch forms a sharp boundary in the south while its northern limits are formed by the riparian sub-Himalayan plains. The reserve is stretched through two districts, and was officially declared in 1980. The park is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Jaisalmer is 40 kilometers away from the park, Jodhpur is 300 kilometers away and Bikaner is 333 kilometers away. State capital Jaipur is 606 kilometers away while New Delhi is 820 kilometers away. The park falls under the military region, therefore, is connected by well-maintained roads. Regular buses run by the Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation (RSRTC) are available from all nearby major cities. Private taxis are also available to be hired. The nearest railway station is the Jaisalmer Railway Station located 42 kilometers from the park. It is well connected with express trains from major cities as Jodhpur, Jaipur and Delhi. Buses and taxis can be hired from the station. The nearest airport is the Jaisalmer airport located 45 kilometers from the Desert National Park. However, this airport is managed by Indian Air Force and thus, is functional only from September to March. So, the next nearby airport is the Jodhpur airport which is located 322 kilometers away, and is well connected via flight to other major cities.

The Desert National Park provides for two kinds of Safari: the jeep safari and the camel safari. Both the safari starts from 10:00 am in the morning and ends at 05:00 pm in the evening from Monday to Saturday. The safaris remain closed on Sunday. A jeep safari through the desert lands is nothing less of enthralling and adventurous. The vehicle speeds up at the sand dunes, making the safari similar to a roller coaster ride. The jeeps run on a defined trail of 12 kilometers and take about 30 minutes to complete. It is an excellent option to spot the desert reptiles, other land animals, and the birds hovering the sky. However, these vehicles are all registered and no outside transport is allowed within the premises. The price for this safari starts at INR 100. The best navigation transport of the desert is undoubtedly the animal that are its original habitants. Therefore, the camel safari at Desert National Park is a memorable experience. On entering the national park, different camels’ herders offering rides at a negotiable price (usually starts at INR 200). This safari is excellent for those who want to gradually drink in the beauty of the landscape as well as enjoy the setting sun. In addition, tourists can also hire guides available there at different rates.

The Thar Desert has indisputably a very hot climate. The weather in Jaisalmer is, therefore, extremely piercing during the summer season, extending from March to June. The temperature reaches as high as 50 ̊C and there is a good chance of getting heat strokes to those who are not suited to the blazing sun. The wildlife too is very much restricted during this time. Nevertheless, the entire city is bustling with tourists throughout the year. The monsoon months, from July to September, sees temperatures drop to around 25-40°C, and brings with it greater birding opportunities. This is a great time to photograph passage migrant birds. The winter months, from October to February, experiences a daytime temperature of 35 ̊C while the early morning and late evenings are as chilly as 5 - 10 ̊C. This is also the best time to see and photograph resident species such as the Great Indian Bustard. Therefore, the best time to visit the park, especially for photography, is from November to February.

The Thar desert, though one of the smallest deserts in the world, harbors a wide array of flora and faunal species. It is only place where Rajasthan State Bird (Great Indian Bustard), State animal (Chinkara) and State tree (Khejri) and State flower (Rohida) are found naturally. It is historically and geologically extremely important because here have been found fossil evidences dating back to the Jurassic Period (180 million years old), that indicated hot and humid climate characterized by dense forests. The park, that is also a UNESCO World Heritage site, witness heavy tourism throughout the year. For all wildlife and panoramic enthusiasts, the Desert National Park is an absolute visit. So, grab the earliest opportunity you get to visit this desert reserve and indulge yourself in the peace and majesty of the Thar Desert.