The Rich Biodiversity of Udaipur

Udaipur, known as the most romantic city in India, is enveloped by the Aravalli mountain range and stunning lakes. The grandiose architecture of its palaces is undeniably a feast for the eyes, but the natural beauty here is unparalleled. A heart-warming fact about wildlife near Udaipur is that the local communities play a big role in forest conservation. Since ancient times, people have prayed to Kesariyaji by sprinkling Kesar and pledging not to cut the forest. They believe if the forest is cut down, the god will visit ruin upon them. We have curated a list of wildlife sanctuaries near Udaipur that are worth a visit the next time you’re here.

An image of a hyena in the wilderness


Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary, Udaipur


This wildlife sanctuary in Udaipur is situated near Sajjangarh Palace and is spread out over 5 sq. km. Visitors cross paths with an astonishing range of birds, animals and reptiles in this man-made habitat. Some of the famous residents here are blue bulls (Nilgais), jackals, wild boars, hyenas, chitals, panthers, hares, and sambhars. The sanctuary’s inhabitants quench their thirst at the artificial Jiyan Lake, which is spread out over 3 sq. km. and has a storage capacity of 400 million cubic feet.
 

A picture of a fox walking outdoors


Mount Abu Sanctuary, Mount Abu

 
This wildlife sanctuary near Udaipur is long and thin - about 5–8 km long and 300 metres wide. Mount Abu Sanctuary is home to over 100 plant families, with many rare species among its inhabitants. This arid ecoregion is also home to over 250 species of birds, including the famous Grey Jungle Fowl. Animals like the jungle cat, small Indian civet, Indian wolf, striped hyena, golden jackal, Indian fox, grey langur, Indian pangolin, Indian grey mongoose, Indian hare, Indian crested porcupine and Indian hedgehog have been sighted here. This sanctuary is a 2-hour drive away from Udaipur and can also be reached from Morthala Railway Station.
 

An image of a peacock sitting on a branch


Kumbhalgarh National Park, Udaipur

 
This dry, deciduous sanctuary surrounds Kumbhalgarh fortress and occupies an impressive 610 sq. km. It encompasses four hill and mountain ranges in the Aravalli: Kumbhalgarh, Sadri, Desuri, and Bokhada. It is the habitat of leopards, chinkara, chausingha (the four-horned antelope), striped hyena, golden jackal, jungle cat, sambhar, nilgai and more. It doubles as a bird sanctuary in Udaipur for peafowl, red spurfowl, parakeet, golden oriole, grey pigeon, bulbul, dove and white-breasted kingfisher. You can spot these birds and animals on a jeep safari or on horseback. The more adventurous visitors can track them on foot as well. This park is a 2.5-hour drive away from Udaipur.
 

an image of a bird sitting on a branch


Jaisamand Wildlife Sanctuary

 
Situated 50 km south of Udaipur, this sanctuary was previously a game reserve for the royals of Mewar. Jaisamand Lake - India’s second-largest freshwater lake, was originally constructed here to provide water to Udaipur. Now it provides respite for local and migratory birds like wood shrike, common hawk cuckoo, black drongo, Indian grey hornbill, robin, white-browed fantail, baya weaver and more. Apart from sighting mammals like antelopes, leopards, jungle cats, foxes and hyenas, you can also spot a large number of reptiles like turtles, crocodiles, etc.
 

After a day of adventure in the woods, retire to the luxurious villas at The Ananta, Udaipur. Absorb the lush aura of Aravalli surrounding us while you indulge in the verdant sights and invigorating services on offer here.