Mukundara Hills National Park is located in the Kota district of Rajasthan, India. It is situated at a distance of around 50 km from the city of Kota and covers an area of 200.54 square kilometers. The park is nestled in the Aravalli and Mukundra hill ranges and is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna.
| 1 | Name of the National Park | Mukundara Hills National Park |
| 2 | Year established | 2004 |
| 3 | Area in Sq Km | 200.54 square kilometers |
| 4 | Elevation in m | 200 meters to 600 meters |
| 5 | State / States spread in | Rajasthan |
| 6 | Main Animals found | Bengal tiger, Indian leopard, sloth bear |
| 7 | Main Birds found | Indian grey hornbill, white-bellied drongo, and the Indian peafowl |
| 8 | Main reptiles found | Indian python, cobra |
| 9 | Best time to visit | between October and June |
The history of Mukundara Hills National Park dates back to the 18th century when it was under the control of the Maharaja of Kota. The area was used for hunting by the royalty and was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1955. In 2004, it was declared a national park and became the third tiger reserve of Rajasthan.
Mukundra Hills National Park is located in the Aravalli Range in the southern part of Rajasthan, India. The park is situated at an altitude ranging from 180 to 1050 meters above sea level. The climate in the park is tropical, with hot and dry summers and mild winters. The park receives an annual rainfall of approximately 800-900 mm.
Geology
Geologically, the park is a part of the Aravalli Range, which is one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world. The rocks in the park belong to the Aravalli SuperGroup and are mostly composed of quartzite, slate, and schist. The park is also rich in mineral resources such as copper, zinc, lead, and silver. The topography of the park is characterized by hills, plateaus, and valleys. In this region, four rivers flow: the Chambal River, the Kali River, the Ahu River, and the Ramzan River.
Type of Forests and Trees
Mukundra Hills National Park is a mix of three different types of forest, namely tropical dry deciduous, tropical thorn, and subtropical broad-leaved forests. The park is dominated by the tropical dry deciduous forest, which is characterized by trees such as teak, tendu, babul, and ber. The tropical thorn forest is characterized by trees like acacia, khejri, and desi babul, while the subtropical broad-leaved forest is dominated by trees like bamboo and kachnar.
The park also has a significant area of grasslands, which are home to a diverse range of wildlife. The grasslands have different grass species such as Themeda villosa, Cenchrus ciliaris, Dichanthium annulatum, Chrysopogon fulvus, and others.
Biodiversity of Mukundara National Park
The Mukundra Hills National Park is home to a diverse range of wildlife species. Some of the animals that can be spotted in the park include tigers, leopards, sloth bears, striped hyenas, Indian wolves, and wild dogs. The park is also home to several species of deer, including spotted deer, sambar deer, and chital.
The first tiger to be brought to Mukundra Hills National Park was from Ranthambore Tiger Reserve. Unfortunately, in July and August 2020, a male and female tiger were found dead, possibly due to fights over territory. Another male tiger also passed away, but the reason for his death remains unknown. The last remaining tigress was discovered with multiple injuries and was relocated to a biological park for treatment to ensure her safety. After receiving laser therapy, she was returned to Mukundra Hills National Park, where she remains as the park’s only surviving tiger.
The reintroduction of the Asiatic lion was originally contemplated for Mukundara Hills National Park.
As for birds, the park has a rich variety of avian fauna. Some of the bird species that can be spotted in the park include the Indian eagle-owl, common kingfisher, grey francolin, Indian pitta, white-bellied drongo, and many more.
The park also has a significant population of reptiles, which includes the Indian python, monitor lizard, Russell’s viper, Indian cobra, and common krait.
Best time to visit Mukundara National Park
The best time to visit Mukundra Hills National Park is from October to March, which is the winter season in India. During this time, the weather is pleasant, and the park is open for visitors. The temperature is mild, and the wildlife is easily spotted during this period. However, it is advisable to avoid visiting the park during the monsoon season (June to September) as heavy rains may make the park inaccessible and difficult to navigate. The summer season (April to June) is also not recommended as the temperature can soar high, making it uncomfortable for tourists to enjoy the park.
Mukundra Hills National Park offers several activities for visitors to enjoy, including:
- Wildlife Safari – Visitors can take a jeep safari or canter safari to explore the park and its wildlife. It’s a great way to see tigers, leopards, Indian wolves, striped hyenas, and other wildlife in their natural habitat.
- Bird Watching – The park is home to a variety of bird species, making it a great destination for bird watchers. Some of the commonly sighted birds include Indian peafowl, grey francolin, Indian grey hornbill, and Indian roller.
- Trekking – Visitors can also explore the park on foot and enjoy the natural beauty of the park. The park has several trekking trails that offer stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
- Photography – The park is a paradise for wildlife and nature photographers. The park’s scenic beauty and diverse wildlife offer plenty of opportunities for photography enthusiasts.
- Nature Walks – Visitors can take a leisurely stroll through the park and enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings. The park has several walking trails that are ideal for nature walks.
There are several tourist attractions near Mukundra Hills National Park that one can visit. Some of the popular ones are the Ranthambore Fort, Kumbhalgarh Fort, Chittorgarh Fort, and the famous Jain temple, Ranakpur. All these places are within a driving distance of a few hours from the national park and can add to the overall experience of the trip.
Mukundra Hills National Park is an important addition to the wildlife conservation efforts of India. It serves as a new home for tigers that have outgrown their original habitats in other reserves. It also helps in reducing the pressure on other reserves like Ranthambore and Sariska, which were previously the only options for tourists wanting to see tigers in the region. The park’s location in the Aravalli Range also makes it ecologically significant, as it helps in preserving the unique biodiversity of the region.
Mukundra Hills National Park is a must-visit destination for nature and wildlife enthusiasts. It offers a chance to witness tigers in their natural habitat and explore the unique flora and fauna of the Aravalli Range. With nearby attractions and a rich history, a visit to Mukundra Hills National Park can be an enriching and memorable experience.
