Exploring the unexplored, this time The Tal Chappar Blackbuck Sanctuary or Tal Chappar bird sanctuary in Rajasthan. A unique ecosystem famed for the home especially to thousands of most elegant Antelope blackbuck population and also home to a variety of birds.
It was a former hunting ground of the Maharaja of Bikaner. The popularity of social media and the photography craze has now made Tal Chappar wildlife want a popular destination for wildlife lovers and photographers. Therefore my curiosity to capture wildlife lead me to visit Tal Chappar wildlife sanctuary.
Tal Chappar wildlife sanctuary is located near Sujangarh in Rajasthan. It is the only wild buck sanctuary in Rajasthan. This blackbuck sanctuary near Sujangarh is not just home to bucks, but to a lot of migratory birds as well.
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Distance & Location of Tal Chappar sanctuary
The Sujangarh blackbuck Sanctuary located in Sujangarh Tehsil of Churu district in Rajasthan. We started our journey from Jaipur, reaching this spot was not a huge issue for us as it is well connected to all major cities.
Distance from prominent places
210 km from Jaipur
85 km from Churu District
132 km from Bikaner
The nearest airport is in Jaipur. Nearest railway station – Ratangarh 37 Km, Churu 85 Km
The Tal Chappar Sanctuary is on the verge of the great Thar desert, after reaching the sanctuary most areas were surrounded by grasses with very few trees. As the sanctuary receives very little rainfall every year. After traveling by road, I came across the dunes, and when we started getting closer to the park. However, upon entering from the park gate, the scene completely changes to a tree-lined avenue and reaches a scenic location. Our stay was at the Tal Chappar forest guest house.
Tal Chappar forest guest house
We had gone there a day before so that we have plenty of time to visit the next day. There are two forest guest houses near the sanctuary entrance. The guest house comes under the control of the Deputy conservator of forest Churru. Which provide basic satisfactory accommodation. We stayed there, they offer a basic double room with Ac and non Ac rooms are also available there. They served authentic Rajasthani food like Dal Batti Churma, Gatte ki sabzi I just loved the taste. In the winter the rooms are already booked if there are no rooms left then you can also stay in hotels nearby. Sharing a video log that I created when I was in the park.
Tal chappar wildlife sanctuary
The next morning I woke up early, as I was so excited to see Blackbuck. As entry before sunrise is restricted but somehow on requesting they agreed. After that, we packed our bags with some snacks because we won’t find anything to eat there. And yes the most important the camera with us. It was cold there, as it was winter season. The gate of the Tal Chappar Blackbuck sanctuary was not far from the rest house.
Timing to visit inside the Tal chappar sanctuary:- 5:30 AM – 6:00 PM
The guard at the entrance guided us about the rules that we have to follow. The rules were also written on the board of the Tal Chappar wildlife sanctuary gate. After paying the entrance fee we started from the entrance gate. The fee is different if you u travel with your vehicle or want to have a safari ride. Earlier vehicles were not permitted inside the sanctuary, but now by paying the entrance fee you take your vehicle. But we choose to walk all over the sanctuary to have a close inspection.
Finally, we were inside the sanctuary and saw a beautiful sunrise there. We drove on the different paths that lead us to a beautiful flat Golden grassland. The grass-grown there was a unique kind called Mothiya. Beyond that, I have explored numerous small ponds where rainwater collected, and these seasonal ponds are used by animals. The huge area of 900 hectares of Tal Chappar wildlife sanctuary is fenced and entirely free of grazing or other disruptions.
The Indian Gazelle
As proceeding further I saw Chinkara (Indian gazelle) running in a group. They were roaming freely, their reddish-buff summer coat with smooth glossy fur makes them more beautiful. After moving forward, I saw some of them sitting in between the golden grass as I went closer to them they ran away. Chinkaras are shy and avoid human habitation. I respected their space and did not go closer to them.
The Blackbuck at Tal Chappar wildlife sanctuary
Finally, the most awaited moment came when I saw blackbuck they can be seen from a distance as they were running over the grass. Males have 35–75 cm long, ringed, though females may develop horns as well. As males are heavier and darker than females. At first, I thought Chinkara and the female blackbuck are the same. Though they were different in size.
After getting closer I saw them fighting for establishing their territory by blackbuck based on the local distribution of female groups. To ensure greater access to females. It was an amazing feeling to watch them.
Other species in Tal Chappar wildlife sanctuary
Not only I saw blackbucks there but also other species of mammals that I saw were Nilgai, Desert Fox, Indian Fox, Desert Cat, Jungle Cat, and Black-naped Hare, which were also seen there. It was surprising for me to watch the unconventional beauty and varied attractions in the desert area. Though it was small in size this sanctuary boasts the rich biodiversity within it. For me the most stunning birds are the raptors, I enjoyed watching them and I saw most of the raptors were in the dumping ground. Then I clicked as many photographs as I can take.
Best time to visit
October to February is the best time to visit Tal Chappar Wildlife Sanctuary but fog can be an issue during peak winter. May and June can be extremely hot as the temperature increases. But the best thing about visiting in September is the migratory birds from Europe and Central Asia. Nearly 122 species of birds were commonly seen. Harrier, Eastern Imperial Eagle, Sparrow, little green bee-eater, black ibis and demoiselle crane, etc. Whereas, skylarks crested larks, ringdoves, and brown doves are seen during the whole year.
Nearby attractions
The Salsar Balaji temple: Lord Hanuman temple
Ladnun fort: An architectural beauty building, spread over a huge area.
Tirupati temple: The first of its kind built in South Indian style, in Rajasthan.
Summing up
It was time to head back after a wonderful day at Tal Chappar Wildlife Sanctuary. And of course, I will travel to this place again and will suggest it to you to visit. If you ever visited Sujangarh visit Tal Chaapar Wildlife Sanctuary for a truly amazing experience. In wildlife that looks like African Savannah without being to Africa. Do visit this place with your family and friends.
“At last, Make sure not to throw your garbage here and there, take your trash with you. People do not know that their several acts of littering lead to a negative consequences. When animals consume plastic waste, it can block their digestive tracts. As a result, they will die. Harmful chemicals in the plastic can harm animals’ health. There are few natural habitats left, as major species are on the verge of extinction, we have to save the environment.”
Now, if you have any questions related to the blackbuck sanctuary near Sujangarh, drop in a comment below. Do visit this place for sure as this is the only wild buck sanctuary in Rajasthan.
Fully informative article.
Great place, would love to visit soon.