Built in 2004, Darrah National Park is comprised of three wildlife sanctuaries in the Indian state of Rajasthan: Chambal, Jaswant Sagar, and Darrah. The national park has been expanded to include large areas of forestland that were formerly owned by the Maharaja of Kota and used for hunting. The hunting grounds of the Maharaja of Kota used to be this densely wooded sanctuary on the southern border of the city.
Visitors to this area have a good chance of seeing antelopes, leopards, wild boars, bears, sambhar, and spotted deer. You may see a beautiful Indian bustard at Desert National Park. Among the other stunning creatures you may expect to see are the desert fox, hare, desert cat, blackbuck Indian fox, desert cat, and chinkara. One may see grey partridges among the avian inhabitants. Common and bush quail, Indian rollers, drongos, green bee-eaters, and blue-tailed bee-eaters are among the species you could see.
The sanctuary is mostly visited by leopards, jackals, hyena jungle cats, sambars, spotted deer, and nilgai. Inside the sanctuary, you will find several artifacts from the past. Encircled by the Kalisindh River on three sides, the renowned Gagron fort in Jhalawar is also located on the sanctuary’s outskirts.
History
During periods of strife, many factions used the area that now comprises the Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary as a key passage or pass. The fact that Darrah means pass in the indigenous tongue attests to the fact that it formerly served as a route over the hills.
The refuge was formerly the favorite hunting spot of the Kota royal family. It was formerly a hunting ground and other leisure spot for the nobles before it was designated as a nature preserve.
After years of use as a hunting area, the Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary was formally designated as a wildlife reserve in 1955, ending its history as a hunting preserve.
With the addition of the Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary in 2004, Mukundra Hills National Park became even more comprehensive in its protection of the region’s biodiversity. By combining protected areas, conservation efforts might be more comprehensive.
In 2013, the designation of Mukundra Hills National Park and the Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary as Tiger Reserves was announced. The designation of this region emphasizes its importance for the protection of ecosystems and endangered tiger species.
Attractions
Biodiversity
Here you may find a wide variety of species, such as sambar deer, leopards, sloth bears, grey wolves, chinkaras, and plenty more. Providing a secure habitat for these animals aids in their preservation.
Tiger Reserve
This sanctuary is a part of Mukundra Hills National Park, which is designated as a Tiger Reserve. Because of this, it is crucial to the preservation of the Bengal tiger and its natural habitat, which are both at risk of extinction.
Historical Significance
The refuge has a rich history as a favorite hunting spot for the Kota royal family. Its name, Darrah, comes from the local language and means pass, this recalls its past as a military gateway.
Scenic Beauty
In the heart of the magnificent Mukundra Hills, a mountain region that extends from the Aravalli region is the sanctuary. Nature lovers, scientists, and sightseers all converge to the region for its breathtaking scenery and diverse ecosystems.
Near places to visit
Sariska Tiger Reserve
Located around 30 kilometers from Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary, Sariska Tiger Reserve is a prominent wildlife attraction in Rajasthan. Wildlife such as wild boars, leopards, and tigers call this place home.
Alwar City
A major tourist attraction in Rajasthan, Alwar City is situated around 50 kilometers away from Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary. Its ancient temples, palaces, and forts are its main attractions.
Bhangarh Fort
Famous for its rich history, Bhangarh Fort is situated around 60 miles away from Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary in Rajasthan. As one of the most supposedly haunted locations in all of India, it has become famous for its eerie tales.
Neemrana Fort
The illustrious Neemrana Fort in Rajasthan is situated around 80 miles away from the Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary. Thanks to its stunning architecture and breathtaking vistas, it has become a favorite weekend vacation spot.
Best Time to Visit
Although the national park is open all year, the months of February through May are ideal for visitors. Except from July 1st through September 30th, the sanctuary is open all year.
Guests are welcome to the sanctuary daily from 10 am to 5 pm. In order to enter the sanctuary, tourists must get a signed permission slip from the nearby forest ranger. During this season, tourists may enjoy the pleasant weather while exploring the untamed side of Rajasthan.
How to reach
By air
Approximately 300 kilometers away from Kota, in the city of Udaipur, lies Mukundra Hills (Darrah) National Park’s closest airport.
By Rail
The Mukundra Hills (Darrah) National Park is around 50 kilometers from the nearest railway station, which is Kota.
By road
The Kota bus station on Bundi Road, close to the eastern coast of the Chambal River, is the closest bus station to Darrah. The station serves all of Rajasthan’s main cities well, including Ajmer, Chittorgarh, Jaipur, Udaipur, and many more.
