Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary
The Green Wilderness of Sita Mata:The Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary is a sprawling ecological haven spread over 423 square kilometers across the districts of Chittorgarh and Pratapgarh. Declared a protected area in 1979, this sanctuary is unique because it sits at the confluence of three distinct geo graphical zones: the Aravalli hills, the Vindhyachal ranges, and the Malwa plateau. This geographic diversity results in an incredibly rich variety of flora and fauna that is rare to find elsewhere in Rajasthan. The sanctuary is most famous for its elusive Flying Squirrel, which can be seen gliding between trees after sunset. Legend has it that the sanctuary houses the site of the ancient Valmiki Ashram, where Goddess Sita lived during her exile and gave birth to Luv and Kush. This mythological connection adds a layer of spiritual mystery to the dense teak and bamboo forests. The sanctuary is crisscrossed by perennial rivers like the Jakham and Karmoi, which ensure the forest remains lush even during the drier months. For wildlife enthusiasts, it offers sightings of leopards, hyenas, wild boars, and the rare four-horned antelope. Birdwatchers are particularly drawn here, as the sanctuary is home to over 325 species of birds, including the peacock and various eagles. The terrain varies from rugged hills to deep valleys and flowing rivers, making it a perfect spot for eco-tourism. Unlike many other dry parks in the state, Sita Mata feels like a tropical oasis with its dense canopy and medicinal herbs. Scientists have identified over 100 species of herbs with healing properties here, some of which are endangered. The sanctuary serves as a vital corridor for wildlife movement and a center for conservation in southern Rajasthan. Whether you are a nature photographer or a seeker of legends, this place offers a refreshing escape into the raw beauty of the Indian wilderness. It is a place where the echoes of the Ramayana blend seamlessly with the calls of the wild.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
5 - 7 HoursPlace Type:
Wildlife, Adventure, Eco-TourismEntry Fees:
Sanctuary Entry:@The entry fee is INR 20 for Indian adults and INR 80 for Foreigners. Students with IDs may get a discount, paying around INR 15.
Vehicle and Camera Fees:@Car entry is roughly INR 200, and camera charges are INR 50 for still...Sanctuary Entry:@The entry fee is INR 20 for Indian adults and INR 80 for Foreigners. Students with IDs may get a discount, paying around INR 15.
Vehicle and Camera Fees:@Car entry is roughly INR 200, and camera charges are INR 50 for stills and INR 100 for video cameras. Rates are subject to change by the forest department.Timing:
Regular Timings:@The sanctuary is open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM for general tourists.
Ideal Visit Time:@For wildlife spotting, reaching by 10:00 AM is good, but stay until the closing time of 6:00 PM to catch a glimpse of the flying squirrel...Regular Timings:@The sanctuary is open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM for general tourists.
Ideal Visit Time:@For wildlife spotting, reaching by 10:00 AM is good, but stay until the closing time of 6:00 PM to catch a glimpse of the flying squirrels at dusk.Special Events:
Sita Mata Mela:@An annual fair held at the Sita Mata Temple within the sanctuary, usually in the month of July. It attracts thousands of tribal people and devotees who come to offer prayers.
Forest Fire Awareness Week:@During the summer, th...Sita Mata Mela:@An annual fair held at the Sita Mata Temple within the sanctuary, usually in the month of July. It attracts thousands of tribal people and devotees who come to offer prayers.
Forest Fire Awareness Week:@During the summer, the forest department organizes events to educate visitors about conservation and the prevention of forest fires.Best Photo Spots:
Flying Squirrel Point:@Near the forest rest house at sunset, you can get a rare shot of the squirrel in flight. A fast shutter speed and high ISO are required.
Jakham Dam Viewpoint:@The top of the dam offers a panoramic view of the blue wat...Flying Squirrel Point:@Near the forest rest house at sunset, you can get a rare shot of the squirrel in flight. A fast shutter speed and high ISO are required.
Jakham Dam Viewpoint:@The top of the dam offers a panoramic view of the blue water against the green hills, especially beautiful during the Monsoon season.
River Crossings:@The points where the road crosses the Karmoi River provide a scenic backdrop with flowing water and dense overhanging trees.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Wildlife Safari:@Take a jeep safari through the designated forest tracks to spot leopards, antelopes, and the famous flying squirrel. The best time for the squirrel is just at dusk.
Bird Watching:@Carry binoculars to spot over 300 species of birds. The area near the Jakham River is the best spot to see kingfishers and eagles in action.
Visit Sita Mata Temple:@Trek to the ancient temple dedicated to Goddess Sita to pay your respects and enjoy the serene forest atmosphere surrounding the shrine.
Picnicking by the River:@The banks of the Karmoi River provide a cool and refreshing spot for a family picnic, provided you do not leave any litter behind.
Nature Photography:@The sanctuary offers diverse landscapes from dense forests to ...
Information
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Why Famous:
The Flying Squirrel:@This is one of the few places in India where the large brown flying squirrel can be spotted in its natural habitat, drawing researchers and nature lovers.
Mythological Roots:@The belief that it is the birthplace of Luv a...The Flying Squirrel:@This is one of the few places in India where the large brown flying squirrel can be spotted in its natural habitat, drawing researchers and nature lovers.
Mythological Roots:@The belief that it is the birthplace of Luv and Kush makes it a significant pilgrimage site. The presence of the perennial rivers and dense teak forests in a desert state like Rajasthan is a major draw. -
Architecture:
Natural and Man-made Structures:@While primarily a natural sanctuary, the architectural elements include the ancient Sita Mata Temple and the Valmiki Ashram ruins, which follow traditional Nagara styles. These structures are built with local stone and blend into the forest ...Natural and Man-made Structures:@While primarily a natural sanctuary, the architectural elements include the ancient Sita Mata Temple and the Valmiki Ashram ruins, which follow traditional Nagara styles. These structures are built with local stone and blend into the forest landscape.
Hydrological Features:@The sanctuary's "architecture" is defined by its massive check dams and the Jakham Dam, which is one of the highest in Rajasthan, standing at about 81 meters. The stone-paved trails for trekkers cover a distance of over 10 KMS within the core area. -
How To Reach:
By Air:@Udaipur Airport is the closest, approximately 145 KMS from the sanctuary. It takes about 3-4 hours by road from the airport to the forest entrance.
By Train:@The nearest railway station is Mandsaur (28 KMS) in Madhya Pradesh, or Chi... -
Near Tourist Places:
Jakham Dam (15 KM), Pratapgarh City (35 KM), Dhariyawad (10 KM), Bansi Wildlife Sanctuary (45 KM), Chittorgarh Fort (80 KM), Nagari (95 KM), Deogarh (70 KM), Menal Falls (130 KM), Bhanwar Mata Temple (40 KM), Gautameshwar Mahadev (50 KM).
Tourism Tips
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Health & Safety:@Carry mosquito repellent and avoid wearing bright colors. Stay inside the vehicle during the safari.
Packing:@Binoculars and a good zoom camera are essential. Wear neutral-toned clothing.
Acco...
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