The Nature of Eco-Tourism

Nahargarh Biological Park

Located in the vicinity of Nahargarh Fort, outside Jaipur, the biological park is spread over 7.2 sq km of the Nahargarh Sanctuary (50 sq km). It consists of quartzite and granite rocks, and the vegetation of the region is adequately represented through tropical dry deciduous and tropical thorn forests.

The species of the area, some of which dissipated over the years, have been re­introduced, so that today the park has tiger, leopard, Asiatic lion (otherwise confined only to the Gir Forest Sanctuary in Gujarat), sloth bear, caracal, several species of deer, gharial, crocodile and otter in its wetlands, pangolin, jackal, wild dog, wolf, hyena, jungle civet and fishing cats, ratel, common and desert fox, wild boar, rhesus monkey and langur, and, of course, a host of avian species.

The intention is to build back an area where the Aravalli vegetation and wetlands are in harmony with the faunal species, and where natural breeding occurs in the wild. This in turn will help to restock other depleted areas withspecies bred in the wild, and assist educational programmes on nature education.


Jhalana Nature Trail

The perfect way to return to nature, the Jhalana Nature Trail in the eastern Aravallis outside Jaipur provides an opportunity to explore the natural and man-made attractions of this 10 km long trail on foot, or in a jeep, or on horse and camel back. Three different trails offer the opportunity to explore the bio-diversity of the region where, besides the natural course, attempts have also been made at greening and re-introduction of faunal species.

The forests today harbour antelopes, wild boar, hyena, jackal, langur, peafowl, partridge and other avifaunal species. Along the different trails, it is possible to come across the following attractions:

Chamunda Dev: An old Mina temple visited by pilgrims, especially during the festival of Navratri.

Oudhi (Shikargarh): A 19th century hunting lodge from where the last tiger was sighted in 1950.

Arboratum: A park spread over 145 ha that consists of vegetation from different countries, palms, cactii, 80 varieties of bougainvillea, lawns and shelters.

Jhalana Park: A tree park spread over 5 ha with extensive lawns, play areas for children, shelters and kitchens that can be used by picnickers.

Amrita Devi Park: Another park spread over 35 ha, dedicated to the memory of a woman who, .along with 262 others, sacrificed their lives to stop the felling of trees. It has large lawns, groves, fountains, and a canal lined with lilies.

Machia Safari Park

An area of 650 ha outside Jodhpur once used for hunting expeditions, is now being developed as a safari park. The Machia fortress and a recent memorial built to commemorate freedom fighters are attracti­ons, besides a vegetation cover that spans the entire area. Species found here include jackal, wolf, Indian fox, striped hyena, porcupine, bluebull, and hare. The resident birdlife is enhanced with the presence, in winter, of coots, egrets, grey partridge, bulbul, ring dove, and others.

Within the park, five nature trails have been demarcated that include the fort and a view of the wetlands of the park. Passes are available for those willing to trek along these routes, to commune with nature as it was meant to be.

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