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Sariska Tiger Park, Alwar
Nestling
in a picturesque valley of the Aravallis a forest comes to life.
It pulses a beat of its own. The nature’s rhythm reveals
wildlife in its own natural habitat. This sanctuary established
in 1955, offers an exceptional opportunity to see a variety of
animals at a close range. There are tiger, nilgai (blue bull),
sambar, cheetal, four-horned antelope and wild bear. The thick
forest here are the dry deciduous type and cover on area of 480
sq. km. There is a spectacular palaces here built by Maharaja
Jai Singh in honour of the Duke of Edinburgh when he visited the
sanctuary, recently converted into a hotel. (RTDC Hotel
Tiger Den and Sariska Palace offer comfortable accommodation.)
Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur
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Once royal hunting reserve of the princely family of Bharatpur
today, it is one of the most breathtaking water bird sanctuaries
in India. Migratory birds flock here in July/August on the
marshes and low lying trees. They breed here till
October/November. There are thorny babul trees, their tops above
the water, holding the nests of thousands of birds that come
here. The outstanding species are the open billed stock, painted
stork, egret, pelican, ibis, cormorant, darter or snake-bird,
spoonbill and grey hereon. There are exotic migrants from
Afghanistan, Central Asia, Tibet as well as Grey lag Geese from
Siberia, Siberian Cranes from the Arctic and Bar headed Geese
from China.
Ranthambnore National Park, Sawai Madhopur
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wildlife reserve figures amongst the notable national parks in
the century. Wildlife viewing opportunities are in abundance
here. With extensive flora and fauna, the park is a favourite
for the tourists with special interest in wild life.
The
sprawling dry deciduous forest of Dhok in Ranthambhor is well
known for tigers, numbering over 28. An encounter with this
predator is not rare here. Prominent prey species of tiger
include sambar, cheetal, nilgai, wild bear, chinkara and langur.
Interestingly, the peafowl also forms a major menu item of this
big cat.
Placid water of three lakes- Padam Talab, Rajbagh and Milak
Talab- in the park beckon large numbers of migratory and local
birds. Besides, these lakes supply nutrative food for the sambar.
And it's treat to eyes when you watch fresh water crocodiles
basking in the winter sun for regulating their body temperature.
Though leopard is a co-predator of the tiger yet avoids contact
with it. Hyena and Jackal are its camp followers. The reserve
also harbours a little population of sloth bear and python. For
going around the park, Jeeps are available on hire.
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