Sajjangarh Biological Park – Rediscover Wildlife

by Sharukh Bamboat

Have you ever experienced this? When you step into an empty bus, you often have no clue which window seat you want to pick. You scramble around for a while before you make a decision. Well, that is exactly what happened to us after we settled into our comfortable Airbnb homestay in Udaipur. While we had done our research we were not sure where to head first. Since I and Sarah are nature lovers, our obvious choice was Sajjangarh Biological Park.

Generally, most tourists would head to the City Palace, which is the most popular attraction in Udaipur. However, we were in no mood to rush. Also, we thought it would be best to cover City Palace as the final chapter of our journey.

Uber Ride in Udaipur
Our Uber ride was really good and convenient.

After we had our breakfast we booked our Uber ride and we were off to our officially first attraction in Udaipur. Nestled in the foothills of the Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace, this zoological garden is a perfect treat for nature and animal lovers. In fact, we rate it as the best attraction in Udaipur. A must recommend.

Also, if you are visiting Udaipur on your winter honeymoon in India trip you can always come here. It allows you to explore the nature and the scenic view of this place especially during the morning hours.

The park is located 4 kilometers from the city center, but Uber rides can drop you here in less than 15 minutes. It covers an area of 36 hectares (around 90 acres) and therefore there is plenty of nature and animals that you can see here. The purpose of the park is to offer protection to some of the important and endangered species in India and the world.

The park was built in 2015 at the cost of 217 million Indian Rupees. This project is a unique collaboration between Rajasthan State Road Development and Construction Corporation Ltd that executed the civil construction works. Public Works Department contributed in developing the service roads while the Forest Department managed forestry works.

When you arrive here you see this massive entry gate which is also an entry gate to the Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace. Basically, the left-side entry is for the park and the right side entry is for the palace on the top of the mountain.

Sajjangarh Biological Park
The left entrance is for the park while the right is for the Monsoon palace.

So, if you are first timers like us and if you want to visit Sajjangarh Biological Park first you need to get down at this gate. On the right hand side of the main gate you’ll see a ticket counter (not visible in the picture). You may ask for the park ticket window and the officials will guide you. You buy your park tickets and then enter through the left-side gate.

Sajjangarh Biological Park
Sajjangarh Biological Park Entrance

Sajjangarh Biological Park Timings:

For Winter Months: (October 21 – March 15) – 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

For Summer Months: (March 16 – October 20) – 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Note: Closed on Tuesdays

Sajjagarh Biological Park Fee:

Adult: Rs. 30 / Foreign Tourist: Rs. 300 (US$4) (3.5 Euros) (3.1 GBP)

Camera Fee: Rs. 80 / Professional Video Camera Fee: Rs. 200

Sajjangarh Biological Park
Since the park is vast it is good to take a picture of it to navigate conveniently

The park also provides golf cart rides (Rs. 50 per person for 90 mins) for those who don’t want to cover the park on foot.

Right on the entry gate you have all the instructions and guidelines and the map. Most tourists would skip it, but the information provided is good and enhances your wildlife tour experience.

The moment you step into the park it is a whole new world altogether. Tiled pathways and lush greenery on both ends offer you a great experience. In a matter of seconds, the chirping of birds and the rustling of the leaves replace the urban cacophony.

Sajjangarh Biological Park
The first view of the park the moment you check in.

The park offers many tiny surprises and therefore you need to be attentive. You have to look around for the birds and squirrels that are busy with their routine of picking food. The park is clean and well maintained which adds to the overall experience.

Sajjangarh Biological Park
This guy investigates me and my camera gear thoroughly.
Sajjangarh Biological Park
Red wattled lapwings were literally napping
Sajjangarh Biological Park
While the other birds were napping someone was on lookout duty.
Sajjangarh Biological Park
The lotuses nearby were equally beautiful.

The best part about the Sajjangarh Biological Park is that it is at the foothills of the mountain. Hence, you feel like you are exploring wildlife on a mountain. A clean and well maintained mountain I must say.

Animals have plenty of space to move around freely. The authorities have done a commendable work on providing them a natural environment within the enclosures. The park has its own hospital and nutrition center for the animals. It is also CCTV monitored which adds an extra layer of security.

Sajjangarh Biological Park
A round of applause for the gardeners that make the park look beautiful.

Apart from all this, Sajjangarh Biological Park has plenty of spots where you can take a break. You can observe the mountain and the flora and listen to the voices of the nature in the background. There are ample drinking water facilities to ensure you never dehydrate when you are on foot. The park also has clean toilets. If you are hungry you can head to the canteen for some quick bites. There are wheelchairs available for physically handicapped visitors.

Photo Tour below:

Sajjangarh Biological Park
Ostriches are probably the ones that welcome you.
Sajjangarh Biological Park
Emus live right next door to ostriches.
Sajjangarh Biological Park
Blackbucks enjoying their green grass.
Sajjangarh Biological Park
It was a lazy Friday morning for sure.
Sajjangarh Biological Park
Sarah takes control of the camera.
Sajjangarh Biological Park
Plenty of notice boards in the park.
Sajjangarh Biological Park
Informative banners educate the visitors in an interesting way.
Sajjangarh Biological Park
Thankfully the park wasn’t crowded so I took my shots.
Sajjangarh Biological Park
Who needs a selfie when we have a monopod.
Sajjangarh Biological Park
The rare Indian star tortoise were occupied with their partners.
Sajjangarh Biological Park
Mr. Porcupine never cared about the visitors.
Sajjangarh Biological Park
Laughing doves were all around the park
Sajjangarh Biological Park
Crocodiles were happy in the water.
Sajjangarh Biological Park
Alligator babies were on the far end so had to zoom in.
Sajjangarh Biological Park
Oh I forgot to say that it is better not to feed the animals.
Sajjangarh Biological Park
The pathway gets steep because technically you’re on a mountain.
Sajjangarh Biological Park
We saw the golf carts around but it’s more fun to walk.
Sajjangarh Biological Park
There’s plenty to walk but the road is tiled and clean.
Sajjangarh Biological Park
When you’re tired you can sit down, relax and enjoy the view.
Sajjangarh Biological Park
This is the view you get. The Monsoon Palace and the flowers.
Sajjangarh Biological Park
On the other side, you get a glimpse of the city.
Sajjangarh Biological Park
After a lot of photography it was time for some water and toilet break.
Sajjangarh Biological Park
The trail that leads to the toilet. Pretty good.
Sajjangarh Biological Park
Super clean toilets. Full marks to the authorities.
Sajjangarh Biological Park
A basic canteen is just few steps away from the restrooms.
Sajjangarh Biological Park
This is the sitting area. It’s basic but it works.
Sajjangarh Biological Park
We’re ready for our adventurous journey ahead.
Sajjangarh Biological Park
The pathway takes us higher and higher.
Sajjangarh Biological Park
This wolf was on high alert. Wonder what’s wrong?
Sajjangarh Biological Park
Higher enclosures for tigers and lions
Sajjangarh Biological Park
There he is, under the tree.
Sajjangarh Biological Park
The majestic Bengal Tiger

Sajjangarh Biological Park
This guy is practically everywhere. Oriental Garden Lizard.
Sajjangarh Biological Park
The red-vented bulbul spotted something that only he can see.
Sajjangarh Biological Park
Jungle Babblers are also here.
Sajjangarh Biological Park
The sloth bear inspects the area thoroughly.
Sajjangarh Biological Park
It’s noon and the sun is up. Time to hydrate.
Sajjangarh Biological Park
The zoomed out view of the enclosure and the landscape.
Sajjangarh Biological Park
As we climbed down the pathway we saw this gorgeous mountain.
Sajjangarh Biological Park
Sambar (stag) wasn’t afraid of my camera gear.
Sajjangarh Biological Park
The female was a bit curious while the male was busy chewing his lunch.
Sajjangarh Biological Park
Interestingly we saw local women working inside the stag enclosure.
Sajjangarh Biological Park
They were delighted to know that their hard work is appreciated and will be read on our blog.
Sajjangarh Biological Park
This little green bee eater wasn’t far away.
Sajjangarh Biological Park
Someone got spooked by my camera. (Chital a.k.a. Spotted Deer)
Sajjangarh Biological Park
Now everyone is on high alert mode.
Sajjangarh Biological Park
Green Peacock hides behind the bushes.
Sajjangarh Biological Park
Peacocks were unhappy with our camera but we managed to take some pictures.

Few Tips You Should Keep in Mind:

  • Visit the park in the early morning hours. By afternoon hours, most of the animals are far away escaping the heat or probably resting.
  • Have a good breakfast before you leave your home or hotel, especially if you are going to walk in the park. Since you will be walking up and down the slope you need the right stamina.
  • Always wear a cap or hat. Wear full-sleeve clothes to avoid sunburn.
  • Carry water bottles to hydrate and replenish your body. Also, you can carry protein bars and other snack items to ensure you are not hungry. The park has clean toilets so you are covered.
  • If you plan to walk a good pair of footwear would allow you comfort and convenience.
  • The park tour on foot can take around 3-4 hours, if you really want to experience its beauty. So, plan accordingly.
  • Don’t litter in the park and don’t feed the animals.
  • The park is closed on Tuesdays. It receives plenty of visitors on weekends, so plan it as per your convenience.
  • Take a picture of the park map on your mobile device because that way you can always refer it as you walk.
  • Stay light, if you’re going to head up to the Monsoon Palace after the park tour.
Sajjangarh Biological Park
Time to head up to the Monsoon Palace.

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4 comments

Ashish Thomas October 3, 2018 - 05:45

Wow, guys! I never had any idea that there could be parts of Rajasthan so green, lush and beautiful. Thanks for breaking the stereotypes of dry desserts and camels. Also loved the fact that you guys are making use of videos and hope that some day we will see full fledged video blogs from your platform.

P.S: Would love to know about what was your total budget and actual expenses of this trip, that would help people like us to plan our trip. 😉 Love you guys!

Reply
Sharukh Bamboat October 3, 2018 - 06:23

Hey Ashish. Thank you for taking the time out for the comment and reading the blog post. Honestly, we had no idea Udaipur will be so green and beautiful. In fact, it was quite cold and pleasant as well. The total cost of our trip was somewhere around Rs. 35k (excluding shopping) for 10 days. This includes train tickets, Uber rides, food, attraction tickets, Airbnb homestay and other minor miscellaneous expenses. Also, the cost would depend on where you are staying, things you shop and how you plan your daily activities. If you plan it wrong, the cost can quickly escalate. Maybe I should write a post on how to plan trip to Udaipur and add my tips?

Reply
dan antion October 7, 2018 - 15:43

Thanks for taking us along on the tour. I love seeing animals in real/close-to-real settings. You and Sarah look pretty good. too. Sorry to be stopping by so late. I wanted to wait until I had a larger screen to view the photos.

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Sharukh Bamboat October 7, 2018 - 19:12

I’m glad that you visited the page. We had really worked hard on this particular day to take pictures of the animals. I got tanned plus I was carrying 3 lbs monopod along throughout the day. This was just half the tour of that particular day because the remaining tour will come up in the next post on Monsoon Palace. Thank you for your comment, Dan.

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