Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary

Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area located in the Kota and Jhalawar districts of southeastern Rajasthan, India. Declared a sanctuary in 1955 and later incorporated into Mukundara Hills National Park in 2004, it spans approximately 227 square kilometers. The sanctuary features dry deciduous forests and rugged terrain between the Chambal River and Mukundara Hills. Once a royal hunting ground for the Maharaja of Kota, it now serves as a habitat for diverse wildlife including leopards, wolves, sloth bears, and various deer species.

Visitors can expect to explore dense dry deciduous forests and hilly terrain in a natural wilderness setting. The sanctuary offers opportunities for wildlife safaris to spot animals such as leopards, wolves, sloth bears, sambar deer, chinkara, and antelopes in their natural habitat. Birdwatchers can observe over 266 species of birds. The landscape includes deep valleys, rocky hills, and forested areas with medicinal herbs and diverse flora. Jeep safaris are available for exploring the sanctuary's interior regions.

During the princely period, the Darrah forest served as a royal hunting reserve for the rulers of Kota State. The name 'Darrah' means 'pass' in the local language, reflecting the region's strategic location. After independence, it was declared a protected sanctuary in 1955. In 2004, it was merged with Jawahar Sagar and Chambal sanctuaries to form Mukundara Hills National Park.