Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary

Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary is a beautiful natural reserve located in Rajasthan. It covers an area of 422.95 square kilometers and is home to a variety of landscapes, including the Malwa Plateau, Vindhyachal Hills, and Aravali mountain ranges.

Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary

How to reach

The sanctuary is easily accessible from cities like Udaipur and Chittorgarh, which are well-connected by rail and airways. The best time to visit is from October to February. You can reach the sanctuary via the Udaipur-Pratapgarh State Highway.

History

The sanctuary is named after the legendary figure, Devi Sita from Hindu mythology. It’s believed that she spent her exile here with her twins, Luv and Kush. The sanctuary is also home to the ancient Valmiki Ashram, where Luv and Kush were born, and several other temples of historical and mythological importance.

Flora and Fauna

The sanctuary is a treasure trove of biodiversity, with over 800 species of plants, including teak, salar, tendu, and various medicinal herbs. It’s also home to a wide range of wildlife, including 50 mammal species, 325 bird species, and numerous reptiles, fishes, and amphibians. Some of the unique animals you can spot here include leopards, pangolins, flying squirrels, and rusty-spotted cats.

Flying squirrel

Flying squirrels are a type of squirrel known for their ability to glide from tree to tree. They don’t fly but use a furry skin flap between their wrists and ankles to glide. They are active at night and eat a variety of foods like fruit, seeds, insects, and bird eggs.

These squirrels are special because they have longer limbs and a unique wrist bone that helps them glide. They can control their glide by moving their limbs and tail. Their tail also acts as a brake when they are in the air.

Flying squirrels are commonly found in the Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary in Rajasthan, India. This sanctuary is famous for being a safe home for these squirrels, where they can maintain their diet and lifestyle. They can often be seen gliding from one tree to another at sunset.

Accommodation

For overnight stays, there are clean guest houses at various forest checkposts. There’s also a heritage hotel, Fort Dhariyawad, near the sanctuary entrance for a comfortable stay. You can explore the sanctuary with the help of an expert wildlife guide, who can take you through the tall teak forests and help you experience the unique landscapes.