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Darrah Sanctuary |
Introduction
of
Darrah Sanctuary |
Darrah Sanctuary of Rajasthan in India
Rajasthan, popularly known for its Forts and Palaces is also a home to
a lot of endangered wild animals and birds.Rajasthan is a shelter for
many flora and fauna with a lot of Wildlife Sanctuaries although the
environment of Rajasthan is not very much agreeable for greenery. The
Darrah Wildlife sanctuary is thickly forested, which lies along the
southeastern border of Kota. This hilly sanctuary with thick forests
is worth for a visitor to visit. The Darrah sanctuary is spread over
an area of 250 sq. km and is strategically located 50 km away from the
town of Kota. In the days of yore, Darrah sanctuary used to be the
royal hunting ground of the erstwhile maharaja of Kota before it was
handed over to the government of India. Officially the Darrah
sanctuary was declared as a protected area in 1955.
The Forest Department runs a Rest House at Darrah sanctuary but the
amenities are that it provide are of very basic in nature.. Tourists
require a signed sanction from the local forest ranger to visit this
Sanctuary. Such a sanction may also be obtained from the District
Forest Office (0744-2321263) at Kota or from the Kota Tourist
Reception Center (0744-2327695). Sometimes due to incessant rains, the
reserve is closed down during the monsoon months, from July to
September.. Visiting the haunting Darrah sanctuary is a very wonderful
experience as it provides not only the wild side of Rajasthan but also
its rich past.
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Other Attractions around Darrah Sanctuary in Rajasthan, India |
A visit to
Darrah sanctuary can be complimented by a visit to Jhalwar, Jhalwar is
in close proximity to the sanctuary. There is a marvelous fort but the
fort is in urgent need of restoration. The Jenana Khas is particularly
very beautiful and is situated inside the fort.
There is Jhairapatan, which is renowned for the ruins of the Sun
temple which was constructed way back in the 10th century. A plethora
of ancient temples, most of them built between the 7th - 8th centuries
are situated along the banks of Chandrabhaga river.
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Kinds of Wild animals in Darrah Sanctuary |
Darrah
sanctuary is spread over a hilly terrain and is densely wooded .
Darrah wildlife sanctuary is thronged with different kinds of wild
animals. Some of the resident species of this mysterious sanctuary are
wolf, cheetah, nilgai, deer and wild boar. Today, the Darrah Sanctuary
boasts a rich wildlife population that includes leopards, wolves,
sloth bears and chinkaras. The sanctuary is also home to a number of
birds and reptiles. Adventure freaks and wildlife enthusiasts can look
forward to a wonderful time at Darrah. Indeed from jungle safaris to
treks, there are other things to see and do at the Darrah Sanctuary.
Besides, The Darrah Sanctuary is lush with green foliage and many rare
medicinal herbs and trees. The tourists seeking adventure and solitude
indulge in trekking along the many mountain trails and in undertaking
jeep safaris through the forested areas.
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Location and Transport of Darrah Sanctuary in Rajasthan, India |
The Darrah
Sanctuary is a wonderful sylvan reserve and is located at a distance
of about 50 km from the city of Kota. Kota is situated in the southern
part of the state of Rajasthan, in the northwestern part of India.
This sanctuary is located on the eastern bank of Chambal River and is
drained by its tributaries. Kota is on a high sloping tableland that
forms a part of the Malwa Plateau. The Mokandarra hills run from
southeast to northwest axis of the town. That is about 36 km from
Bundi. Summers are quite hot (April-June) while winters are cool
(October-February). It experiences scant rainfall between June and
August.
Kota By Air
Kota does not have an airport of its own. There is a small aerodrome,
which is not operational. Nearest Airport is Udaipur. Several flights
are from Delhi, Mumbai and other parts of India.
Kota By Road
Darrah Wildlife sanctuary is around 50 km from Kota. The main bus
station in Kota is located on Bundi Road near the eastern bank of the
Chambal River. There is a good bus service from Kota to Ajmer (4
hours), Chittorgarh (3 hours), Jaipur (5 hours) Udaipur (5 hours),
Jodhpur (6 hours) and Bikaner (8 hours). The district is well
connected with neighbouring districts and with major cities outside
the state. National highway No.12 (Jaipur—Jabalpur) passes through the
district. The total road length in the district is 1,752 km. as of 31
March 2000.
Kota By Train
The nearest Rail Head to the Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary is Kota which
is on the Delhi Mumbai Rail Route. Several trains are a day from
Delhi, Mumbai, Agra, and Jaipur. Kota railway station is located at
the extreme northern end of the town. As Kota is on the main
Delhi–Mumbai railway line via Sawai Madhopur, a number of trains pass
through and stop here. The trip to Jaipur takes about 5 hours, while
it takes 10 hours to reach Delhi from Kota. Delhi—Mumbai railway line
passes through the Kota junction. The district has 148.83 km of
railway line in the Kota—Ruthia section, 98.72 km on Nagda—Mathura
(Mumbai-Delhi) section and 24.26 km on Kota—Chittorgarh section. The
broad gauge railway facility between Kota and Jodhpur via Jaipur was
also launched.
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Facts of Darrah Sanctuary in Rajasthan, India |
Area: 250
sq.km
Best time to visit: October to June
Fauna: Wolf, Cheetah, Nilgai, Deer and Wild Boar
Location: 50 km away from Kota
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Jhalwar Fort
(Beautiful attraction close to Sanctuary) |
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Animals of Sanctuary
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Beautiful Bird of Sanctuary |
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