About Desert National Park
Desert National Park is one of India's largest national parks, spanning 3,162 sq km across Jaisalmer and Barmer districts in Rajasthan. It showcases the unique ecosystem of the Thar Desert with rolling sand dunes, fossilized remains dating back 180 million years, and diverse wildlife including the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard.
Visitors guide
Visitors can explore vast desert landscapes with undulating sand dunes, sparse vegetation, and rocky outcrops. Wildlife safaris by jeep or camel offer opportunities to spot desert foxes, chinkaras, various bird species including vultures and raptors, and potentially the rare Great Indian Bustard. The park features ancient fossil sites and traditional desert villages within its boundaries.
Key highlights
- 01
Home to the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard
- 02
Fossil evidence dating back to the Jurassic Period (180 million years)
- 03
One of India's largest national parks at 3,162 sq km
- 04
Diverse desert wildlife including desert fox, chinkara, and numerous bird species
- 05
Unique Thar Desert ecosystem with sand dunes and sparse vegetation
History of Desert National Park
The park contains fossil evidence dating back to the Jurassic Period, approximately 180 million years ago. Fossilized remains of ancient creatures can be viewed at the nearby Wood Fossil Park at Akal, located 17 km from Jaisalmer.
Culture & Context
The park preserves the unique Thar Desert ecosystem and is home to traditional desert communities. It protects the state bird (Great Indian Bustard), state animal (chinkara), state tree (khejri), and state flower (rohida) of Rajasthan in their natural habitat.
Route
| By air | Nearest airport is Jaisalmer Airport (JSR), which is a military airport with limited commercial operations. |
|---|---|
| By train |