Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary, Kumbhalgarh - Timings, Safari Cost, Best Time to Visit

At a distance of 3 km from Kumbhalgarh Fort, 48 km from Rajsamand, 51 km from Nathdwara, and 98 km from Udaipur, Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the lush green environs of Aravalli ranges in Kelwara tehsil of Rajsamand district, Rajasthan. It is a major attraction for the tourists coming to Udaipur and also one of the top tourist places in Kumbhalgarh.

Spread across an area of 578 sq. km, the Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary surrounds the Kumbhalgarh Fort and is named after the impressive historic fort that overlooks the park. Once the hunting grounds of royals, this area was declared as a wildlife sanctuary in 1971. The sanctuary lies at an altitude of 500 to 1,300 m, covering parts of Rajsamand, Udaipur, and Pali districts. A number of Garasia and Bhils tribals can be seen here, living in their traditional huts.

The sanctuary houses many wildlife species like chausinga or four-horned antelope, panther, wild boar, wolf, sloth bear, jackal, sambar, chinkara, leopards, hyena, jungle cat, nilgai and hare. Kumbhalgarh reserve has the distinction of being the only sanctuary where wolf breeding has been successfully conducted. More than forty wolves inhabit the Joba area of the sanctuary. In the summers, one can easily find pack of wolves strolling around water sources in the sanctuary.

Apart from its vibrant wildlife, the sanctuary is also home to various birds like flamingos, spoonbills, cormorants, egrets, grey jungle fowl, doves, peacocks, parakeets, grey pigeons, golden oriole and white breasted kingfisher. The flora of this sanctuary consists of various plants and trees having herbal qualities. Dhok, Salar, Khair, Churel are other flora species found in the park.

Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its high hills and narrow valleys that add to the scenic beauty of the area. The sanctuary offers exciting jungle safaris and horseback tours. A typical safari route enters the sanctuary from the Kumbhalgarh Fort and cutting across the sanctuary it reaches Ghanerao, and then borders an old abandoned road. It is a 10 km safari in open jeep from a place near the fort and it takes 2 hours.

Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM

Entry Fee: Rs. 20 for Indian, Rs. 180 for Foreigner, Rs. 150 for Car

Safari Cost: Rs. 2500 per Jeep for 6 Persons