Desert National park-Jaisalmer, Barmer | How to reach?

Desert National park-Jaisalmer, Barmer | How to reach?

Desert National Park of Rajasthan is one of the oldest park in India and is also one of the largest desert national parks in the country. The park is spread over an area of 248 square kilometers and is home to a varied landscape of sand dunes, oases, and forests.

Desert National park

45 kms to south west of Jaisalmer, the desert National park covers 3162 square kilometre of scrub, thorny forest, desert and dunes. The unique ecosystem is home to a wide range of mammals, birds, insects and flowers to a harsh climate with temperature ranging from below freezing to over 45 degree Celsius.

 

The active dunes of semi-contrast with the 180 million years old wood fossils is at a distance of 17 km from Jaisalmer on the Jaisalmer-Barmer road. This fossil park is the proof of the geological categories that have taken place in the Thar Desert. Here 180 million years ago stood a forest of joint deciduous trees whose trunks petrified into fossils litter a bare hillside of of mica and red and yellow stones.

 

The small desert fox is an important carnivore in this desert. The wolf is the main Predator and jackal is the native on the border of park. Many of the villages on the edge of park are of Bishnoi community where the strong religious beliefs of the bishnois ensure protection of living beings. Groups of black bucks, chinkara and Nilgai are found in nearby villages and now thrive on the park areas of sparse arid grasslands lands.

 

The bird life in the desert is wide spread and extensive ranging from large number of birds of Prey to sandgrouse, doves, quails, partiridges, shirkes, flycatchers, bee-eaters, warblers and desert coursers. The most remarkable bird of this desert is the great Indian Bustard weighing about 14 kg and standing up to 45 CM. This reluctant flier, the bustard lives upon omnivorous food consist of locust, grasshoppers, seeds, berries, lizards and snakes. Hunting and destruction of habitat has threatened this majestic bird and its population has now remained to less than 150.The hourbara bustard is also popular in this park.

 

It is an excellent example of the desert ecosystem and the park remains open year-round. The pleasant ecosystem encompasses diverse flora and fauna, as well as abundant wildlife that provides a valuable experience through rugged mountains, fissured earth, and desert sand dunes.

Near the national park, the sand dunes are the city's most popular tourist destination. The desert stretches as far as the eye can see. The sand dunes are magnificent and very pleasant to see. Watching the sunrise/sunset in the desert is a must watch moment that one should not miss. You can see the locals dancing and singing to have fun with the crowd.

 

🚌How to reach?

Reach Jaisalmer and take road transport from there. It is 17 kms from Jaisalmer and lies on Jaisalmer-Barmer road.

Local transportation in Jaisalmer are mainly E-rickshaw, Autos and bicycles. Car, Autos and E-rickshaws are a convenient mode of transportation. Take a rickshaw as you drive through narrow paths. Taxis are also available for transport around the area. There are both government and private taxis. Go to the government vehicles with a real price list.

Best Time to visit: October to March