Kumbhalgarh Sanctuary
Is located in the most rugged of the Aravali in Pali, Rajsamand and Udaipur
districts of Rajasthan. It takes name after the impressive historic fort
of Kumbhalgarh, which come into view over the Park.
It is 578 sq Kms in area and at an altitude of 500 to 1,300m. It is home
to a very large variety of wild life, some of which are highly endangered
species. The wild life includes wolf, leopards, sloth bear, hyena, jackal,
jungle cat, smabhar, nilgai, chaisingh (the four horned antelope), chinkara
and hare.
The bird life at Kumbhalgarh is also gratifying. The normally shy and untrusted
grey jungle fowl can be spotted here. Peacocks and Doves can be sighted
regularly feeding on grains scattered by the jungle guards. Bird like the
red spur owls, Parakeets, golden Oriole, grey Pigeons, Bulbul, Dove and
white breasted kingfisher can also be seen near the water holes.
Kumbhalgarhs natural beauty is attracting many tourists and especially
for its accessibility from Udaipur, which is 100 Kms from here. Foot tracking
and horse safari organised by local tour operators are proving to be very
popular.
A typical safari route enters the sanctuary from the Kumbhalgarh Fort and
cutting across the sanctuary it reaches Ghanerao, and then borders an old
abandoned road. On this road, one can sight Chinkaras, Neelgais, four horned
Antelope and many birds.