Desert National Park

The Desert National Park of Jaisalmer is a true reflection of the ecosystem and flora and fauna of the Thar Desert. Founded in 1980, it is spread over an area in excess of 3150 sq km and is probably the largest park of India. Due to a minimal leaf cover the Desert Park supports less of herbivorous animals, camels being an exception to this. The topography of the Park also includes less than 20 % of sand dunes which has compact salt lake bottoms and craggy rocks. The rich flora of the forest consists of palm, salai, dhok and ronj trees.

The Desert Park is very rich in avian population as compared to the species of animals. Blue-tailed and Green bee-eaters, Indian rollers, drongos and common and bush-quail are some of the birds commonly seen at the Park. The park also plays host to a number of migratory birds in winters, some of which are Sparrows, Imperial Sand Grouse, Bee-eaters, Shrikes, Bustards, Falcons, Larks, Demoiselle Cranes, Eagles, etc. The great India Bustard which is on the verge of extinction is also an inhabitant of the National Park. Amongst the animals one can spot here the Desert fox, hare, blackbuck, chinkara, wolf and Desert cat. In the winter months between October to March it is ideal to visit the Desert National Park.

The Desert National Park is the only Desert Sanctuary of India. One can enjoy the visit to Desert National Park either in a jeep or take the adventurous camel ride. If visiting the Desert National Park than a visit to Wood Fossil Park, Akal 17 km away from here is also mandatory. Massive fossils of tree trunks as well as about 180 million year old sea shells can be discovered here. At the Desert National Park though one can easily spot the fauna inhabiting here, it is ideal to be at the Sudarshi water hole to spot the same in large numbers. This vast Park is an excellent place if one wants to capture the wildlife in the camera lenses.