Weather :
24° C
Timings :
Any time of the day
Time Required :
1 hrs
Entry Fee :
INR 100 per person
Jeep Safari :
(excludes jeep cost):
Indian: INR 50 per person,
Foreigner: INR 300 per person
Camel Safari :
Negotiable
Desert National Park, Overview
Animals:
Wildlife found in the park includes spiny-tailed lizards, desert monitors, sandfish, deadly vipers, and kraits. Desert and Bengal fox are a common feature in the park and can be seen munching on the berries near the curry trees. In addition, the blackbuck antelope, the Cervical Rajputana chinkara (mountain gazelle), the gazelle gazelle, the Indian fox vulpes, bengalensis and the desert cat Felis libis can also be found.
Birds:
The birds are indeed the star species of the park, with over 120 species of resident as well as migratory birds living within its parameters. The endangered Great Indian Bustard can be easily seen here in large numbers. Apart from this, other common birds like patridges, falcons, eagles, vultures, bee eaters, shrikes, larks, demoiselle cranes, Mackins bustards, sandgrouse, long-legged and honey buzzards etc. can also be seen. Vultures fly high in the sky and make for a spectacular sight. Larks and wheat can be seen in abundance near water bodies and ponds.
Reptiles:
Many members of the reptile class are found in the park. Some of them are spiny-tailed lizard, monitor lizard, saw-scaled viper, Russell's viper, common krait.
Vegetation:
The vegetation here is sparse and confined to patches of suture grass, oak shrubs and cacti. The landscape includes craggy cliffs, compact Salt Lake bottoms, and lots of fixed and shifting dunes.
Best Time To Visit:
The best time to visit October to March. Considering the climate, it is not advisable to visit the region in summer. Daytime temperatures are very high and usually reach around 42 degrees in summer. The nights are relatively cool, typical of arid desert climates. The winters in Jaisalmer are comparatively cold, the day temperature is around 24 °C and the nights are cold and the temperature drops to 7 to 8 °C. Due to Jaisalmer being situated in the middle of Thar desert, monsoon is almost non-existent.
Stay Near Desert
To visit Desert National Park, you must stay in Jaisalmer, which has a lot of hotels to stay. There are many options in Khuri, but you should make a day trip to Sudashree. It is also a good option to spend a night or two in Sam or Khuri during the high season from October to February. However, you will have to book a jeep from Jaisalmer itself. Devaki Niwas Palace, Gorbandh Palace, Hotel Victoria, Jaisal Castle, etc.
Traveling Around
Local transport in Jaisalmer are auto rickshaws and cycles. Auto rickshaw is a convenient mode of transport. Take a rickshaw while walking on congested roads. Cabs are also available to move around here. Both government and private cabs are available. Go for the government-run ones that have authentic rate cards.
Sightseeing
Sam Sand Dunes:
Situated close to the national park, the dunes are one of the most popular sightseeing spots in the city. The desert is spread as far as the eye can see. The mounds are beautiful and an absolute delight to behold. Watching the sunrise/sunset in the desert is a must. You can also see the local villager dancing and singing to entertain the crowd.
Gadesar Lake:
The wonderful lake is a rain water conservatory built in the 14th to provide water during drought. It is surrounded by intricately carved, beautiful temples. To reach the lake, you have to pass through a magnificent entrance made of sandstone, known as Til-ki-Pol. Many migratory birds also live in the attractive lake.
Activities:
Camel Safari::
Relaxing camel safaris are a very popular way to experience the national park. It is a beautiful experience to sit on top of a gelly-dressed camel, and ride across the rolling dunes and barren plains. When you enter the national park, you will see many different camel owners offering rides at a negotiable price (usually starting from INR 600). You can ride a camel for hours and enjoy the sunset from the back of a camel. Also, the camel ride makes for a really cool picture.
Jeep Safari:
You can sign up for an exciting and adventurous jeep safari ride while cursing the desert dunes, watching the magnificent birds in the sky. As the vehicle accelerates over the huge dunes, hold the jeep tight. The safari runs on a 12 km trail and takes around 30 minutes to complete. Jeeps and vehicles are registered for wildlife safaris, and no outside vehicles are allowed.
Food At Desert Park
As a tourist, you must taste various traditional dishes and food of Rajasthan which are also available in this beautiful desert city. 'Murg-e-Sabz' is tender, boneless strips of chicken fried with chopped vegetables, which is a must try once. You must also try 'Ker Sangri' (desert beans and capers). If you have a strong appetite, then tandoor thali top will be perfect for you. Sensitive stomachs can have kadhi pakoras, flour dumplings cooked in curd chutney, orbhanon potatoes, stuffed with mint paste and potatoes dipped in gravy.
Local Experiences At Desert Park
Jaisalmer district is endowed with art, architecture, culture and traditions full of color and music and thus attracts hordes of domestic and foreign tourists. The folk music of the desert is a remarkable climax of old traditions with an underlying concept of classical music showcasing the various social customs and life of the desert
Tips For Visiting Desert Park
01
As expected, mornings in the area are quite warm even during winter, so a hat and sunglasses are recommended.
02
The desert is very windy, so bring a hat or scarf to protect yourself from the sand.
03
Night time is cold, bring extra sweaters and winter clothes to stay warm.
04
Within the desert itself there are many hotels that offer tent accommodation, tents can be sandy and facilities can be scarce, but spending the night in the desert is a unique experience and should not be missed. You can spend the night here staring at and eating traditional Rajasthani cuisine. Bonfires are also held here at night along with local dances dancing to folk tunes.
05
Take a tour of the different villages near the park to get a better understanding of the life of the people living in the harsh environment.
06
Be on the lookout for a place from where one can have magical views of sunrise and sunset.
07
Listen to tour guides who tell stories about the culture and hardships of the desert people.
