Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary

Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary is located approximately 32 kilometers from Bikaner in Rajasthan. Formerly a royal hunting ground for the Maharajas of Bikaner, it was established as a protected sanctuary and spans over 6,000 hectares. The sanctuary features a man-made lake that attracts diverse wildlife including blackbuck, chinkara, nilgai, desert fox, and numerous migratory bird species, making it a significant site for wildlife observation and birdwatching.

Visitors can explore the sanctuary through jeep safaris to observe wildlife in their natural habitat. The sanctuary features lush woodlands, grasslands, and Gajner Lake where animals gather to drink. Birdwatchers can spot resident and migratory species including waterfowl, Indian Courser, and Black Ibis. The landscape combines arid desert terrain with green vegetation around the lake area.

The sanctuary was formerly a royal hunting ground for the Maharajas of Bikaner. Maharaja Ganga Singh developed the area and built Gajner Palace nearby. It was declared a sanctuary in 1955 and became a National Park in 1979, later reclassified as a wildlife sanctuary.