Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary – Jungle Safari in Kumbhalgarh

Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary

Embraced by the alluring charm of the towering Aravalli Hills, Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary is also among the best wildlife reserves in Rajasthan! Spreading around 578sq.km. in Rajsamand district of Rajasthan, this lush and evergreen forest reserve was once a popular hunting ground and was declared as a wildlife sanctuary in 1971. Though one of the newest wildlife sanctuaries in Rajasthan, Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary boasts of its fascinating range of wildlife species. If you happen to visit this pictorial reserve during your Rajasthan tour, you can easily spot the imposing Asiatic Lions, Leopards, Chinkaras, Sambhars, Nilgais, Hyena, Jungle Cats, and several other predators.

Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary also has a significant population of birds like Parakeets, Bulbul, Grey Pigeons, Spur Owls, White Breasted Kingfisher, and lot more. It also boasts of a wide range of flora. Rich and vibrant biodiversity- Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary: The wildlife sanctuary has exotic wildlife species like leopards wolves, sloth bear, nilgai, deer, jungle cat, and chinkara. The forest is also home to more than 200 bird species as well such as grey jungle fowl, peacocks, dove, parakeets, wild breasted kingfishers, and golden oriole, etc.

The Kumbhalgarh Sanctuary will come as a surprise to those who consider Rajasthan a desert state. The green tracts of the park form the dividing line between the former states of Mewar and Marwar. Once the hunting grounds of royals, this area was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1971. The diverse topography of the park adds to its charms. In its eastern part are ranges that loom over 3,478 ft, as well as the source of the River Banas. The Marwar plains lie to the northwest of the sanctuary. The rainwater on the western slopes flows as small rivers such as Sukdi, Mithdi, Sumer, and Kot, all of which are the tributaries of River Luni that ultimately merge into the Arabian Sea. The sanctuary is known to be home to chausinghas (four-horned antelopes), leopards, panthers, and sloth bears.

The Forest Rest Houses in the sanctuary are located at Thandi Beri, Ranakankar, Sumer, Sadri, and Roopanmata. All have two to three rooms each at ₹200-400 per night. For bookings, contact the Assistant Conservator of Forests, Kumbhalgarh WLS, Sadri, or the DFO Wildlife’s office in Rajsamand. The forest guesthouses don’t provide food. How ever, in the rest houses, the caretaker can arrange food on request. Carry your stove or packed meals.

Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary situated in the Rajsamand District of Rajasthan and surrounds the Kumbhalgarh fortress. The sanctuary spreads across the Aravalli Range, covering parts of Rajsamand, Udaipur, and Pali districts. It is in the region of 105 kilometers from Udaipur city and south of Jaipur. The city of Kumbhalgarh is very well-known for the Kumbhalgarh Fort, the most outstanding Fort out of 84 forts, which stood during the Mewar kingdom of Rajasthan. The city is famous for its forts, palaces, temples, and wildlife sanctuary. Kumbhalgarh city is one of the main tourist spots across the globe.

Location: At a distance of 65 km from Udaipur, In Rajsamand district
Area: 578 square km
How to Reach: One can easily reach Kumbhalgarh Sanctuary from Udaipur city by taking regular Buses or by hiring Taxis

Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary is in the Rajsamand district of Rajasthan. Covering a total surface area of 578 sq km and stretching across the Aravalli ranges, it encircles parts of Udaipur, Rajsamand, and Pali. The wildlife sanctuary encompasses the historic Kumbhalgarh Fort and is also named after the fort. This hilly dense forest of Kumbhalgarh will prove to be a pleasant surprise for those who consider Rajasthan a desert state. The green tract of the park forms a dividing line between the two different parts of Rajasthan; Mewar and Marwar.

The area where the Sanctuary is located was once a royal hunting ground and was converted into what it is today in the year 1971. Another charm of the sanctuary is the diverse topography that it boasts of. The eastern part is lined by the Aravalli ranges that looms over an altitude of 3,748 ft. River Banas also graces the sanctuary and is the primary source of water. Kumbhalgarh wildlife sanctuary is famous for its 40 strong wolf pack, which is rarely found elsewhere. Apart from the wolf it also houses the various variety of endangered and rare animal species and almost 200 different species of birds. The monsoon in the Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary brings on the beautiful flora, and the autumn brings out russet colors. The sanctuary also offers provision for other activities such as jeep safari, horseback safari, and trekking. Many Garasia and Bhils tribals can also be seen here, living in their traditional huts. The natural beauty of the sanctuary attracts tourists from far and wide.

Attractions in Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary

Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a very large variety of wildlife, and some of them are highly dying out species. The wildlife includes wolf, leopards, sloth bear, hyena, jackal, jungle cat, sambhar, nilgai, causing or the four-horned antelope, chinkara, and hare. The birdlife at Kumbhalgarh is also enjoyable. The normally shy and untrusting grey jungle fowl can be spotted here. You will also see the peacocks and doves can be seen regularly feeding on grains provided by the jungle guards and caretakers. Birds like the red spur owls, parakeets, golden oriole, grey pigeons, Bulbul, and white-breasted kingfisher can also be seen near the water holes. Kumbhalgarh’s natural beauty attracts hundreds of tourists and because of its easy conveyance connectivity from Udaipur, which is 100 km from here. Foot trekking and horse safari organized by local tour operators are proving to be very popular. A typical jungle safari route enters the sanctuary from the Kumbhalgarh Fort and cutting across the sanctuary to reach Ghanerao, and then borders an old abandoned road. On this road, one can sight Chinkaras, Neelgais, four-horned Antelope, and many birds.

Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary is a well-known tourist attraction counted majorly on Rajasthan Tourism. It attracts not only adults but mostly children as it is an abode to a large number of wild species and birds. In this sanctuary, tourists can enjoy exclusive jungle safari and gain great experience, especially in the winters.

How to Reach Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary

Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary is located nearby Udaipur City. And tourists who are planning for the national park can either reach via buses or can book a taxi.

• By Road: For those who want to reach Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary by road, they can take the NH-76 from Udaipur to reach this exotic wildlife sanctuary in Rajasthan.
• By Air: Udaipur Airport is the nearest airport which is about 85 km from the Wildlife Sanctuary. Udaipur has the nearest airport to reach Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary; the distance being only 84km. After reaching Udaipur, visitors can opt for regular buses from Chetak Bus Stand or hire private taxis to reach Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary. December to March is considered as the most ideal time to embark on a wildlife tour in the Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary.
• By Rail: Falna Railway Station is the nearest Railway Station.
• By Train: Falna at a distance of around 80km, serves as the nearest point to reach Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary by train.

Visitor Information

Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary Entry Fees: Rs 100 on Weekdays & Rs 75 on Weekends.
Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary Timings: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Best Time to Visit: October and March

Best Time to Visit Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary

December to March is considered as the most ideal time to embark on a wildlife tour in the Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary.

Safari Timings in Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary

Safaris in Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary are usually conducted between 07:00 AM to 06:00 PM.

Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary is a major attraction for the tourists coming to Udaipur. This Sanctuary falls under the Rajsamand district of Rajasthan. Kumbhalgarh Park lies at a distance of 65 km from Udaipur on Udaipur – Pali – Jodhpur road. If you are a wild-life lover, this is a perfect place for you to visit. Sprawled in an area of 578 sq km, Kumbhalgarh Sanctuary encircles the massive fort of Kumbhalgarh. This wildlife park has imbibed its name from the same fort.

Broadening across the Aravalli Range, Kumbhalgarh sanctuary covers parts of Rajsamand, Udaipur, and Pali districts. The sanctuary makes a home to many endangered species of wild-life. The sanctuary provides natural abode to many creatures like Wolf, Leopards, Sloth bear, Hyena, jackal, Jungle cat, Sambhar, Nilgai, Chausingha (the four-horned antelope), Chinkara and Hare. Kumbhalgarh is the only sanctuary of Rajasthan, where you can trace the wolf engaged in its activities.

This sanctuary inhabits more than forty wolves in number. In the summers, one can easily find a pack of wolves strolling around water sources in the sanctuary. If you find your interest in birds, then here you can see a nice variety of birds too. In the park, you can see Grey Jungle Fowl, which is usually inhibited. Peacocks and Doves also gain attention from their charm. Apart from this, birds like Red Spur Owls, Parakeets, Golden Oriole, Bulbul, Dove, Grey Pigeons, and White Breasted Kingfisher are traceable near the water holes.

Kumbhalgarh spreads across 610 sq km of the Aravalli Ranges. Since the Forest Department does not have its vehicles, it’s best to hire your vehicle from Kumbhalgarh or Kelwara (about 6 km before Kumbhalgarh). Kumbha Castle Hotel arranges jeeps to take their guests around the sanctuary. Ganpath and Ajit Singh from Narlai (Cell: 09414523037) arrange horse safaris around the sanctuary. Park Entry Indians ₹20; Foreigners ₹160 Vehicle Entry Two-wheelers ₹20; jeep, car and minibus ₹130; Timings Sunrise-sunset, Closed July-September Videography ₹400

The thing to See and Do at Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary

Kumbhalgarh has many options for tourists – apart from jeep safaris, you can also go trekking here. There are points of historic interests in the sanctuary too. Kumbhalgarh Sanctuary also enjoys a variety of flora including many trees and plants having herbal qualities. You can also take a safari trip to enjoy the natural habitat of these birds and animals. Every year, Kumbhalgarh draws many tourists towards itself for its natural beauty. Moreover, Kumbhalgarh is easily accessible from the city of Udaipur. You can take the services of regular buses that start from Udaipur, if you are not interested in a bus ride, you can also hire private taxis to visit this sanctuary.

This hilly, densely forested sanctuary extends over some 600 sq km. It’s known for its leopards and wolves, although the chances of spotting antelopes, gazelles, deer, and possibly sloth bears are higher, especially from March to June. You will certainly see some of the sanctuary’s 200-plus bird species. There’s a ticket office for the sanctuary right beside where the bus drops you off for the Ranakpur Jain temples. Adjacent to the ticket office you can hire a 4WD from Evergreen Safari. The nearest of the sanctuary’s four entrances is 2km from here. Kumbhalgarh in Rajasthan is a key attraction for tourists who love to dig deep into history or venture into the wild. With the rugged Aravali Range at the backdrop, the Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary encompasses the colossal Fort of Kumbhalgarh as well.

The sanctuary houses a good assortment of fauna and avian species. Several endangered animals can be admired within its premises as well. Wolfs, leopards, sloth bear, hyena, jackal, jungle cat, Sambhar, Nilgai, Chausingha, Chinkara and hare along with avian species like Red Spur owls, Parakeets, peacocks, doves, Golden Oriole, bulbul, Grey Pigeons, and White-breasted Kingfisher make the complete list of wildlife delights that can be widely admired.

Jeep Jungle Safari – Jungle Safari in Kumbhalgarh

The 15-km long drive from Kumbhalgarh to Thandi Beri is the most popular jeep journey in the sanctuary. In the 3.5 hours that it takes to get to Thandi Beri and back, you can see leopards, bears, sambar – if you are fortunate that is. You can also visit the famous 15th-century Jain temples at Ranakpur, located at one end of the sanctuary.

• A jungle-safari would help you to explore the place better.
• Regular buses or private taxis can be hired from Udaipur to the sanctuary.
• It was declared a wildlife sanctuary in the year 1971.
• Though it remains opened all-the-year-round, yet the months from December through March is preferred for spotting animals.
• Trekking is another entertainment-option for tourists.

Covering a total area of 578 kilometers of the desert landscape, the Kumbhalgarh Sanctuary in Rajasthan is unique in that it displays the activities of the wolf which is rarely found anywhere else. The sanctuary functions as a home to about 40 such wolves. The best time to visit the sanctuary is between October to June. But if you can bear the heat, come during the summer months. Because of the scarcity of water, it will be easier to spot the wolves nearby the water holes. A wide variety of animals can be observed in the Kumbhalgarh Sanctuary. It houses some endangered and rare species as well. The animals that inhabit the sanctuary include wolf, nilgai, jackal, jungle cat, leopards, four-horned antelope, sloth bear, hyena, chinkara, sambhar, and hare.

An equally vivid birdlife exists at the Kumbhalgarh sanctuary. Birds that can be seen in the sanctuary include the grey jungle fowl, dove, parakeets, peacocks, golden oriole, grey pigeons, bulbul, and white-breasted kingfisher. The natural beauty of Kumbhalgarh attracts tourists from far and wide. Because of its easy accessibility from Udaipur, Kumbhalgarh Sanctuary has become a favorite tourist destination. Trekking on foot and horse safaris organized by the tour operators are quite popular.

Kumbhalgarh Safari

Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary is a major attraction for the tourists coming to Udaipur. It surrounds the fort and is spread over an area of 586 km. Spreading across the Aravalli Range, Kumbhalgarh sanctuary covers parts of Rajsamand, Udaipur, and Pali districts. The sanctuary makes a home to many endangered species of wildlife. The sanctuary provides natural abode to many creatures like Wolf, Leopards, Sloth bear, Hyena, Jackal, Jungle cat, Sambhar, Nilgai, Chausingha (the four-horned antelope), Chinkara and Hare. Kumbhalgarh is the only sanctuary of Rajasthan, where you can trace the wolf engaged in its activities.

This sanctuary inhabits more than forty wolves in number. In the summers, one can easily find a pack of wolves strolling around water sources in the sanctuary. If you find your interest in birds, then here you can see a nice variety of birds too. In the park, you can see Grey Jungle Fowl, which is usually inhibited. Peacocks and Doves also gain attention from their charm. Apart from this, birds like Red Spur Owls, Parakeets, Golden Oriole, Bulbul, Dove, Grey Pigeons, and White Breasted Kingfisher are traceable near the water holes at Hotel Fateh Safari Lodge, Kumbhalgarh.

Fauna at Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary

The sanctuary is home to a variety of species of animals and provides a natural abode to creatures like Wolf, Leopards, Sloth Bear, Hare, Jackal, Sambhal Nilgai, Chausingha (four-horned antelope), Chinkara and Jungle cat. It is, in fact, the only sanctuary in the state where you can see a Wolf in its natural habitat. In summers, you can easily spot a pack of wolfs casually strolling in the park. The sanctuary is a home for about 40 such wolfs. Crocodiles and waterfowl can also be located at Thandi Beri Lake.

Kumbhalgarh Wildlife sanctuary also houses an excellent variety of birds. You can see Peacocks, Doves, Grey Jungle Fowl, White Breasted Kingfisher, Parakeets, Red spur Owls, Bulbul, and Golden Oriole. A total of more than 200 species of birds are found in the sanctuary. The sanctuary mainly consists of a variety of herbal flora like Dhok, Salar, Khair, and Churel.

Jeep Safari at Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary

The 15 km long safari from Kumbhalgarh to Thandi Beri is the most popular jeep safari in the Sanctuary. It takes around 3.5 hours to get to Thandi Beri and back. There is a four-wheel-drive track within the sanctuary. Several hotels at Kumbhalgarh and also in the vicinity at Kotri, Ghanerao, Narlai, and Ranakpur organize a jeep or horse safari.

The horse tracks include routes from Kumbhalgarh to Ghanerao via Thandi Beri; Thandi Beri to Sumer, Ranakpur to Thandi Beri; and Roopanmata to Ranakpur. On the way, if one is fortunate, leopards, bears, and sambar can be seen roaming around in their natural habitat. You can also visit the Jain Temple at Ranakpur, located at the end of the sanctuary.

Safari Cost: INR 2500 per Jeep for 6 Persons

Trekking at Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary

The hilly terrain of the sanctuary is ideal for trekking expeditions. One popular trail in the sanctuary is the Tirthankar Natural Trail. The 3.7-km long trail is an ode to the Jain Tirthankaras and is also representative of an ideal Aravalli ecosystem. Various plants under which Jain Tirthankaras achieved enlightenment are planted on the sides of the trail.

Other popular trails are Kumbhalgarh to Thandi Beri (14 km), Roopnagar to Sumer (98 km), Ranakpur to Ranakpur (15 km), Ranakpur to Kumbhalgarh (25 km), Malgarh to Magga (8 km), Roopanmata to Ranakpur (30 km) and Ranakpur to Thandi Beri (15 km). The entry permit that you received while paying the entry fee is the only document required to do the trekking in the sanctuary.

Places To Visit Near Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary

Kumbhalgarh Fort

Apart from the sanctuary you can visit the Kumbhalgarh Fort, about 2 km away. It happens to be the second most impressive fort in all of Mewar, after the Chittorgarh Fort. The magnificent fortress houses many palaces and temples which are of great antiquity and interest. One of the important among them is the Badal Mahal or Cloud Palace at the top of the fort which offers scenic beauty of the countryside.

Joba Wolf Point

Another point of interest in the Sanctuary is the Joba wolf point. It is situated about 7 km from Sadri near Joba Village. This is a wolf habitat. It is set in the foothills near the Muchala Mahaveer Temple. The 500 hectares of the forest here is home to the Indian wolf.

Ranakpur Jain Temple

The sanctuary is near the famous Ranakpur Jain Temple. The glorious temple complex is one of the largest and most important of all Jain temples in India. This temple is dedicated to Jain guru Adinath. There are two other Jain temples and a Sun temple nearby.

Best Time To Visit Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary

The Sanctuary is open throughout the year, but March to December is the best time to spot animals.

Stay Near Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary

Tourists have the option of staying either in the sanctuary or outside. The Forest Rest Houses are located at Thandi Beri, Ranakpur, Sumer, Sadri, and Roopanmata. All have two to three rooms each at INR 200 to 400 per night. For bookings, you can contact the Assistant Conservator of Forests, Kumbhalgarh WLS, Sadri, or the DFO Wildlife office in Rajsamand.

Restaurants Near Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary

The hotels at Kumbhalgarh have restaurants they serve delicious Rajasthani as well as multi-cuisine dishes. Facilities for purchasing food are available at the sanctuary.

Tips For Visiting Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary

1. Entry permit to the sanctuary is required for the trek.
2. Forest guards to accompany you on the treks can be hired (INR 200-500), or you can ask your travel agent to arrange a guide.
3. Carry your hat, sunglasses, food, and water for the safari.
4. A few hotels can arrange Jeeps and horses for safari.
5. As people visit the place both for the sanctuary and fort, the peak season is very busy. So, it is advisable to make advanced bookings.
6. Forest guest house does not provide food, but you can request the caretaker to arrange. It is always recommended to carry your stove or packed meals.
7. You must give a try to authentic Rajasthani thali offered at hotels.

How To Reach Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary

The sanctuary is located at a distance of 3 km from Kumbhalgarh Fort, 51 km from Nathdwara, 48 km from Rajsamand, and 98 km from Udaipur.

Since the Forest Department does not have its vehicle, the visitors should hire vehicles from Kumbhalgarh or Kelwara. The sanctuary is easily accessible from Udaipur by bus or private taxi.