Driving Trip/ Tal Chappar Black Buck wildlife Sanctuary

On a cold February morning, we started off from Jaipur towards Tal Chappar Wildlife Sanctuary. Earlier, driving inside the sanctuary was not permitted but now it’s possible by paying an entry fee for the vehicle. Driving trips are something that I look forward to. It definitely adds to the excitement of traveling.

A capture from Tal Chappar Wildlife sanctuary in Rajasthan, exclusively reserved for the Black bucks

Tal Chappar is relatively lesser known wildlife sanctuary in India. However, that’s not the case among the wildlife and birding enthusiasts, since it is the only wildlife sanctuary reserved for the Black Bucks.

Black Bucks at Tal chappar. This picture was captured by a friend who’s wildlife and birding enthusiast.

The Indian Savannah- Tal Chappar, Rajasthan

Tal Chappar is close to 220 Km from Jaipur, located close to Sujangarh, a major town in the vicinity in Churu district in Rajasthan. A popular religious destination, nearby is Salasar, famed for the Balaji or Hanumanji temple drawing devotees from the far and wide. It was an erstwhile gaming sanctuary of the royals of Bikaner state, during the pre-independence period.

Driving towards Tal Chappar on Bikaner Highway from Jaipur.

Jaipur-Bikaner highway has undergone a big change over the years. Earlier, it was a 2 lane highway but now it’s a 4 lane national highway. I can vividly recall witnessing sand dunes on this highway, which is just not possible anymore.

Jaipur to Sikar section has the highest traffic flow on this highway. We took an exit from the Jaipur-Bikaner highway on the Sikar-bypass section. Switching to the Sikar-Salasar road, we were greeted with a two lane road. The traffic was low and the road was bumpy. The speedometer never crossed 50 Kmph on this road. One gets to experience the rustic side of the rural Rajasthan. There are no highway Dhabas on this route. Commercialization one gets to experience on most of the highways is missing here.  Driving between Salasar town to Sujangarh, is one of the best section of this driving journey. This 20 km stretch is a fun to drive with a minimal traffic. Upon reaching Sujangarh, we headed towards the Ratangarh town bypassing Sujangarh through the Mega Highway. Do note that you need to turn left towards Chappar town after around 12 Km. Sujangarh to Tal Chappar is about 16 Km. Upon reaching Chappar town, we took a left turn towards the Tal Chappar sanctuary.

Upon entering Tal Chappar WLS gate, we paid fee for both car and the occupants.

Expansive view of Tal Chappar WLS

Grassland dominates the topography of Tal Chappar. The grassland in this wild life sanctuary reminds me of the famed African Savannah!

Black Bucks at Tal Chappar wild life sanctuary

Apart from the Black Bucks, one also gets to see the migratory birds as well as some rare raptors.

Eurasian Falcon can be commonly seen in Tal Chappar along with other raptors

Demoiselle cranes, a migratory bird from Mongolian-Siberian region are commonly seen at Tal Chappar WLS between Oct-Feb period.

Demoiselle Cranes, migratory birds from Mongolia-Siberian belt at Tal Chappar wildlife sanctuary

Grassland at Tal Chappar WLS

It’s a good idea to drive an SUV to Tal Chappar as one can get better views due to its high ground clearance. However, the ground surface is flat and poses no problem for even small cars and sedans.

After spending some good time observing Black bucks and migratory birds, it was time to head back.

Best time to visit Tal Chappar Wildlife Sanctuary is October to February.

Accommodation and facilities at Tal Chappar Wildlife Sanctuary are limited. There is a forest rest house  adjoining the sanctuary. When I last visited the sanctuary in 2015, a wildlife enthusiast ran the facilities. I can’t vouch for the current status.  I’m sure with limited number of visitors, it’s hard to maintain such facilities. Some of the known birding enthusiasts, who visit Tal Chappar regularly prefer to stay at hotels near Sujangarh Railway station. Do note that these are quite basic. If you are planning to visit Tal Chappar, do check before you visit.

This picture was captured by a friend who is a wildlife enthusiast

Two lane highway between Salasar and Sujangarh, on way to Tal Chappar WLS

 

 

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I’m chronicling my road trip adventure for CEAT Tyres in association with BlogAdda.