Rajasthan is famous for royal palaces, majestic forts, and golden deserts but did you know it’s also home to hidden wildlife sanctuaries that most travelers miss? Beyond the popular Ranthambore and Sariska, there are offbeat gems where nature thrives quietly. Two of the most stunning Rajasthan lesser-known wildlife sanctuaries are Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary and Tal Chhapar Blackbuck Sanctuary.
If you love nature, wildlife photography, and peaceful escapes away from tourist crowds, these sanctuaries are a must on your Rajasthan itinerary.
Why Explore Hidden Wildlife Sanctuaries in Rajasthan?
- Rich Cultural Connection: These sanctuaries are tied to ancient legends and local traditions.
- Less Crowded & Serene: Perfect for nature lovers who prefer calm over chaos.
- Unique Biodiversity: From flying squirrels to blackbucks, you’ll find rare species here.
- Ideal for Birdwatchers & Photographers: Spot migratory birds, raptors, and wildlife without the tourist rush.
Lesser Known Wildlife Sanctuaries of Rajasthan
Rajasthan’s wildlife is huge. From tigers and leopards to migratory birds and unique plants, one can see many things here. Though many travellers visit well-known wildlife parks, the sanctuaries are also famous. They are quiet and offer a good chance to see the animals and birds. Let’s check out two of Rajasthan’s Lesser-Known Wildlife Reserves, Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary and Tal Chhapar Blackbuck Sanctuary.
Both of them are good for wildlife lovers. Also, one can check the photographers who want to experience nature without the rush of big tourist crowds.
Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary – A Forest of Legends and Wildlife
Sita Mata Sanctuary is located in the southeastern part of Rajasthan. It is spread over more than 423 sq. km and is rich. It has a big forest with rivers, teak trees and wildlife. The sanctuary is a lovely place for nature and outdoor lovers. People visiting here can enjoy hiking, watch birds, or clicking wildlife.
People coming here also see many other places. All these places offer the best view of natural beauty, history, and culture. One can see the Chittorgarh Fort. It is one of the largest forts in India and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Why is it called “Sita Mata”?
As per the old stories, Goddess Sita spent many years here. Some people also believe that it is the birthplace of Luv and Kush. Because of this old story, locals feel this place is good.
How to Reach Sita Mata Sanctuary
- Nearest City: Pratapgarh (45 km)
- Nearest Railway Station: Mandsaur (60 km)
- Nearest Airport: Udaipur (145 km)
Rich and Thick Forests
The sanctuary has many forests. You can see many large teak trees, bamboo plants and grasslands. All these places make it a perfect home for many animals and birds. The forests are so thick that sunlight hardly reaches the ground.
Wildlife in Sita Mata Sanctuary
Although there are no tigers here, the sanctuary is home to many interesting species. You can see many animals, including:
- Leopards
- Hyenas
- Jungle cats
- Jackals
- Nilgai (Blue bull)
- Four-horned antelope
- Spotted deer
- Sambar deer
If you are a birdwatcher, you can see many species of birds as well. Some of the species of birds you can see here are the crested serpent eagle, grey hornbill, etc.
In winter, many migratory birds also come here. So if you are a bird lover, you must visit this place.
Special Residents – Flying Squirrels
One of the most special animals seen here is the Flying Squirrel. This small furry creature is best seen after sunset. The small creatures jump from one tree to another using their soft skin flaps. It is one of the biggest places to see nearby.
| Activity | Details |
| Nature Trail Walks | Walk along forest paths. You can hear the sounds of birds, leaves and running streams. |
| Wildlife Watching | Use binoculars to see leopards, deer and flying squirrels. |
| Birdwatching | Go early in the morning to see the birds and animals. |
| Cultural Visit | See nearby old temples and villages. |
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Rajasthan Tal Chhapar Sanctuary is from October to March. It is the best time due to the cool weather. It makes sightseeing comfortable.
Rajasthan’s Lesser-Known Wildlife Reserves: Tal Chhapar Sanctuary
Located in the Churu district, Tal Chhapar Sanctuary is a beautiful grassland region. It is a flat land, near thorny trees and salt flats. This sanctuary looks very different from the thick forests of Sita Mata. This place offers a huge open grassland, like those of the African savanna. The wide-open spaces give good wildlife sightings even from a distance.
Home of the Elegant Blackbuck
This place is one of the major hubs. Here, a lot of people come here to see the Blackbuck, an elegant antelope with long twisted horns and a deep black coat (in males). The maximum number of blackbucks is found here. You will often see them running in groups, jumping gracefully across the grasslands.
Paradise for Birdwatchers
Tal Chhapar is also famous for its raptors (birds of prey). Also, many traveling birds fly here. The travellers can see birds like harriers, falcons, eagles, skylarks, eastern imperial eagle, etc.
The open habitat makes birdwatching easy and fun. Thousands of tourists visit this sanctuary every year. One can do online booking as well.
Best Things to Do in Tal Chhapar
- Jeep Safari in Rajasthan: This is the best way to spot blackbucks and raptors
- Birdwatching: Early mornings and late afternoons are best
- Wildlife Photography: Open grasslands allow great photography angles
- Nature Walks: You can see short trails with permission from forest staff
How to Reach Tal Chhapar
- Nearest Town: Chhapar (1 km)
- Nearest Railway Station: Chhapar
- Nearest Airport: Jaipur (215 km)
Tal Chhapar: Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Tal Chhapar is from September to March. The reason for this is the lovely weather. Also, you can see migratory birds, which makes it perfect for visits.
Rajasthan Trip
| Sanctuary | Travel Tip | Ideal Trip Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Sita Mata | You can visit this place along the Udaipur/Chittorgarh tour | 1-2 days |
| Tal Chhapar | You can club this place with Bikaner/Jaipur | 1 day |
Some Practical Tips:
- Carry binoculars and a camera
- Wear neutral-coloured clothes.
- It is advised to carry water and snacks.
- While camping in Rajasthan, carry all the important items.
- Always follow forest rules and take a guide if available
- Try to go early morning or early evening for the best sightings
Plan Your Rajasthan Wildlife Tour Now
Want to explore Rajasthan’s offbeat sanctuaries? Add Sita Mata & Tal Chhapar to your itinerary and enjoy the real wilderness away from crowds. Perfect for photographers, bird lovers, and nature explorers!
Conclusion
Sita Mata and Tal Chhapar sanctuaries will let you explore a different side of Rajasthan. They are peaceful, rich in wildlife and culturally interesting. In case you are a traveller who loves nature, these two reserves give the best experience.
If you are coming to see the best places in Rajasthan, make sure to visit these places. Add it to your travel list and enjoy the best.
FAQs
Yes, basic forest rest houses and small hotels are available in nearby towns like Pratapgarh (for Sita Mata) and Chhapar/Sujangarh (for Tal Chhapar). To know more about the same, it is suggested to connect with them before coming. Also, the travellers can stay in bigger cities like Udaipur and Jaipur for maximum comfort.
Yes, it is advised to make the bookings in advance. One can get an entry ticket from the forest gate. For professional photography or research, one has to take special permission from the Forest Department.
Both are good. Tal Chhapar is good for clicking the photos of blackbucks and raptors. It has a huge open area. While Sita Mata gives many chances to click forest birds and leopards. Also, you can see flying squirrels.
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