Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary

The Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary is spread over an area of 250 sq. kms and is strategically located 50 kms. away from the town of Kota. In the days of yore, Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary used to be the royal hunting ground of the erstwhile maharaja of Kota. This sanctuary is densely wooded and is spread over a hilly terrain. The Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary was officially declared as a protected area in 1955. Some of the resident species of this mysterious sanctuary are wolf, cheetah, nilgai, deer and wild boar. The Forest Department runs a Rest House at Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary but the amenities are basic and at best sketchy. A visit to Darrah sanctuary can be complimented by a visit to Jhalwar, which is in close proximity to the sanctuary. There is a marvelous fort but is in urgent need of restoration. The Jenana Khas is particularly very attractive and is located inside the fort. There is Jhairapatan, which is renowned for the ruins of the Sun temple which was built way back in the 10th century. A plethora of ancient temples, most of them built between the 7th - 8th centuries are located along the banks of Chandrabhaga river. Visiting the haunting Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary is a very rewarding experience as it provides not only the wild side of Rajasthan but also its rich past. One has to bear in mind that the sanctuary is out of bounds to visitors from July till September.