Desert National Park

Desert National Park,Maru Pradesh Rajasthan, India, is situated in the west Indian state of Rajasthan near the town of Jaisalmer. This is one of the largest national parks, covering an area of 3162 km². The Desert National Park is an excellent example of the ecosystem of the Thar Desert. Sand dunes form around 20% of the Park. The major landform consists of craggy rocks and compact salt lake bottoms, intermedial areas and fixed dunes.

Despite a fragile ecosystem there exists an abundance of birdlife. The region is a haven for migratory and resident birds of the desert. Many eagles, harriers, falcons, buzzards, kestrel and vultures. Short-toed Eagles, Tawny Eagles, Spotted Eagles, Laggar Falcons and kestrels are the most common among these. Sand grouse are spotted near small ponds or lakes. The endangered Great Indian Bustard is a magnificent bird found in relatively fair numbers. It migrates locally in different seasons. The most suitable time to visit the area is between November and January. The Desert National Park has a collection of fossils of animals and plants of 180 million years old. Some fossils of Dinosaurs of 6 million years old have been found in the area.^[1]

Flora and fauna

The black buck is common antelope of this region. The national park's other notable inhabitants are the desert fox, wolf and desert cat. Bird life in this sandy habitat is vivid and spectacular. Birds such as the sandgrouse, partridges, bee-eaters larks and shrikes are commonly seen. Demoiselle crane and houbara arrive in the winter.

The desert park is comparatively rich in avian population. The greatest attractions of Desert park are the great Indian bustards, an endangered species of birds. This large, heavy and graceful birds draws thousands of birds lovers from all corners of the world. Besides, the great Indian bustards the park supports a wide variety of exotic and rare birds.

Thar Desert of Maru Pradesh-rajasthan, which is also called as the 'ocean of sands', covers a large area of western Rajasthan spelled as Maru Pradesh]. It's a wrong mindset of people that the deserts can't support a varied flora and fauna. The fragile ecosystem of the Thar supports a unique and varied wildlife species. In this vast ocean of sands lies the famous Desert National Park, which provides an excellent example of the ecosystem of the Thar Desert and its diverse wildlife adventure.

The vegetation of this desert terrain is sparse, and patches of sewan grass and aak shrub can be seen. The landform comprises craggy rocks and compact salt lake bottoms intermediate areas and fixed and shifting dunes. Around 20 percent of the vast expanse is covered with sand dunes. Padam Talao lake, Rajbaugh lake, Milak lake are the main water sources for the animals dwelling in this harsh habitat.

Flora: Ronj, palm trees, bear, dhok

Fauna: Desert Fox, Bengal Fox, Desert Cat, Wolf, hedgehog, Black Buck and Chinkara.

Reptiles: Spiny-tailed lizard, monitor lizard, saw scaled-viper, Russel viper, krait.

Avian-Fauna Sandgrouse, partridges, bee-eaters, larks and shrikes are endemic, while demoiselle crane and hobard arrive in the winter. Raptors include tawny and steppe eagles, long legged and honey buzzards, falcons and kestrels.

Adventure Sports

Jeep Safari - This enables tourists to explore a wider area of the park in relatively short span of time. Also, it is highly interesting to see the wide range of flora and fauna from the jeep.

Camping - This is perhaps the best way to enjoy the wildlife of the park. However, tourists must take into consideration the fragile nature of the park and thus refrain from causing any sort of harm to it.

Major Attractions

Indian bustard: The endangered Indian Bustard is the major attraction of the Desert national park. Brown and white colour, Bustard is a metre high in height, and has long bare legs and long neck. One can spot this tall and graceful ground dwelling bird near Sudashri water hole.

Sudashri water hole: The best place to spot the congregation of this national park’s most prized species. At times, one can see five to six Indian Bustard near this waterhole. Sudashri forest post offers the best vantage point to spot and observe the wildlife.Tourists can enjoy the adventures camel safari on the sand dunes, which gives an unforgettable experience. These dunes are also famous for their breathtakingly beautiful sunset.

Sam sand Dunes:

These dunes are one of the major tourist attractions near to Jaisalmer. This place is located near to the world famous desert of Rajasthan, the “Thar Desert”. Tourists can enjoy unforgettable camel safari ride over here.

Gadsisar Sagar Tank: This tank is among the best tourist places in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. Thousands of migratory birds come to this place every year. This tank is a perfect picnic place for the nature lover.

Location

Town: Jaisalmer[Maru Pardesh]

Exact Location: Situated in the Indian state of Rajasthan -Maru Pradsh near Jaisalmer.

How to get there

By train: From Delhi to Jaisalmer by train and to Desert National park road transport

By road: RSRTC buses run regularly from Delhi to Rajasthan.

Distance: Delhi to Jaisalmer – 882 km, Jaisalmer to Desert National Park – 40 km

Best Time to visit: October to March.

References

1. ^ Dr Mohan Lal Gupta:Rajasthan Jyankosh, Rajasthani Granthagar, Jodhpur, 2008, ISBN 81-86103-05-8, p.216

External links

• Desert National Park; Nomination as World Heritage Site; Nomination entry - UNESCO World Heritage Centre
• Location in Google maps

www.Maru Pradesh.org