Mukundara Hills Tiger Reserve
I visit Mukundara Hills Tiger Reserve frequently and you'll know why. Also known as Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary, the place is a hotspot for wildlife lovers. Embark on a safari and you'll have plenty of opportunities to explore the wonders of its natural habitat.
Mukundara Hills National Park is not just one sanctuary. Three wildlife sanctuaries namely Darrah, Chambal and Jaswant Sagar make the Mukundara Hills Tiger Reserve.
The national park unrolls across four districts of Rajasthan - Kota, Chittorhgarh, Bundi and Jhalawar in the Hadoti region. While the entire area of the park is 759 sq km, the core tiger reserve covers 417 sq km.
In 1955, Darrah was declared as a protected area for wildlife. Later in 2004, Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary received its new name as Mukundara Hills National Park.
Mukundara Hills Tiger Reserve rests between the picturesque mountains of Mukundara and Gagrola. And four mystic rivers including Ahu, Chambal, Kali and Ramzan flow along its boundaries. So you know that a place nestled between mountains, valleys and rivers is no less than heaven.
And if you are a passionate bird watcher and wildlife photographer like me, you”ll spend the best time of your life here. Because this sanctuary gives shelter to over 266 different species of birds. To explore the place at its fullest, we can set out on a jungle safari or boat safari. Trekking and walking safari through the ravines is another exquisite way to come closer to a wide variety of flora and fauna. I always prefer travelling through the walking trails when I wish to bring myself closer to nature.
Mukundara Hills Tiger Reserve is home to endangered bird species like Indian Skimmer, Sarus Crane, Indian Eagle Owl, Brown Fish Owl, Mottled Wood Owls, Indian Courser and numerous species of Falcons and Eagles. I have discovered long-billed Vultures breeding on the ledges of Vindhyas through which the Chambal river flows.
If you visit the sanctuary in winters, get ready to encounter Black-Billied Tern, Red-Crested Pochard, Ferruginous Pochard, and Bar-Headed Goose. Other species that inhabit the place all-year round include Greater Flamingo, Hawks, Pelicans, Geese, Shanks, Ducks, Warblers, Stints, Wagtails, Wheateaters, Buntings, Flycatchers, Larks, Pipits and many more.
If you wonder what animals you can spot easily in the Mukundara Hills National Park, here is a long list. Among the carnivores are Tiger, Wolf, Leopard, Golden Jackal, Bengal Fox, Jungle Cat and Sloth Bear. Chinkara, Spotted Deer, Indian Gazelle, Northern Palm Squirrel, Sambar, Nilgai, Indian Crested Porcupine, Indian Flying Fox, Indian Hedgehog and Blackbuck are some of the plant-eaters.. And some of the omnivores you can encounter are Wild Boar, Asian Mongoose, Indian Grey Mongoose, Rhesus Macaque and Indian Palm Civet.
In addition, Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary is also a haven for reptiles such as Indian Flapshell Turtle, Soft Shell Turtle, Indian Roofed Turtle, Indian Tent Turtle and Monitor Lizard.
Discover Mukundara Hills Tiger Reserve On Spectacular Safaris
Mukundara National Park is just nearly 50 km from the town of Kota. Being just an hour drive, we can reach the place through any vehicle of choice.
Now, as we arrive at the sanctuary, there are plenty of adventure trips you can embark upon.
Jeep Safari - A jeep safari is the best way to explore the wilderness while being at a safe distance from the flesh-eaters. A professional guide by your side will introduce you to the peculiarities of Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary.
Tiger Safari - Enjoy the view of Tigers and experience the thrill and excitement that rushes through the veins. We can drive through jungles for sightseeing and spotting Tigers.
Boat Safari - Expedition on a boat ride through the rivers flowing through the Mukundara Hills Tiger Reserve is unmatched. The boat safari will take you across the Chambal river from Jawahar Sagar Sanctuary to Bhainsrorgarh.
The Great Chambal River - Chambal river is home to a healthy population of Otters. So, while you take the boat safari, sighting Otters is easy yet most rewarding.
Explore the Tour
