The Desert National Park is situated in the west Indian state of Rajasthan near Jaisalmer. This is one of the largest national parks, covering an area of 3100 sq. km. The desert sanctuary being a fragile ecosystem has its own flora and fauna.
General information:
Total Area: 3162 sq. kms
Best time to visit: All the year
Accommodation: Hotels & Restaurants
Nearest Town: Jaisalmer
How to get the; Air-Jodhpur, Rail -Jodhpur:
Species found: Great Indian bustard, blackbuck, chinkara, desert fox, bengal fox, wolf , desert cat etc.
Desert National Park:
The Desert National Park is an excellent example of the ecosystem of the Thar desert and its diverse fauna. Sand dunes form around 20% of the park. The major landform consists of craggy rocks and compact salt lake bottoms intermediate areas and fixed dunes.The black buck is another common antelope of this region. Its 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 birds of prey seen here are tawny and steppe eagles long legged and honey buzzards, falcons and kestrels. But the most outstanding of the fauna is the great Indian bustard. This tall heavy bird is an epitome of confidence and grace. It is common to see five or six bustards near Sudarshi water hole.18 kms. from Jaisalmer is the Akal Wood Fossils Park which is about 180 million years age. Sea shells and massive fossilized tree trunks in this park record the geological history of the desert.
Prime Attractions of Jaisalmer:
Jaisalmer Fort:
The golden - yellow sandstone of Jaisalmer Fort, over 800 years old, crowns the Trikuta Hill. Within its walls, defended by 99 turrets, lies the old city, nearly a quarter of modern Jaisalmer.
Desert Festival:
Held in the months of January-February, the Desert Festival exudes a delightful spirit. For three days, the otherwise barren land of Jaisalmer comes to life and is clustered with hordes of colourfully dressed people.
Havelis:
The beautiful mansions built by Jaisalmer's wealthy merchants are known as 'havelis' and several of these fine sandstone buildings are still in beautiful condition. Patwon ki Haveli is the most elaborate and magnificent of all the Jaisalmer havelis.
Sam Sand Dunes:
Any trip to Jaisalmer is indeed, incomplete, without a trip to the most panoramic dunes of Sam where the wind is unceasingly carving out scenic patterns, on the sand! Situated 42 kms from Jaisalmer, the sun-soaked Sam Sand Dunes bring to light a glided mirage. Truly the essence of the desert, the ripples of the wind-caressed dunes create an enchanting mirage.
Gadsisar Lake:
Gadsisar Lake in Jaisalmer, the rainwater fed reservoir, was built in 1156 AD and rebuilt in 1367AD by Maharwal Garsisingh.
Govt Museum - Jaisalmer:
The Government Museum in Jaisalmer is situated on Police Line Road near Moomal Hotel. It was opened in 1984. The large collection of wood and marine fossils in the museum gives an insight into the geological past of the area.
Manak Chowk:
Outside the fort is the main market place called Manak Chowk, which is the centre of local activity. From Manak Chowk, one can walk into the lanes where the famous carved havelis are to be found. Each haveli's facade differs from other. Built mainly during the 18th and 19th centuries, the carving in the havelis of Jaisalmer is of a very superior quality.
Wood Fossil Park
Wood Fossil Park at Aakal, is 17-kms from the city of Jaisalmer. Lying on the Barmer Road, this park transports you back to the Jurassic period, when the whole Thar region lay under the sea. The park with 180 million-year-old fossils that are the geological landmarks for the study of the Thar Desert is any geology enthusiast?s delight.
