Jaisamand Wildlife Sanctuary

Jaisamand Wildlife Sanctuary is located near Jaisamand Lake (also called Dhebar Lake) about 50 kilometers south of Udaipur in Rajasthan, surrounded by the lush valleys of the Aravalli mountain range. Established in 1957, the sanctuary covers roughly 52 to 160 square kilometers of dry deciduous and scrub forests, mainly teak, providing habitat for a rich variety of wildlife. It was once a hunting reserve for the Maharanas of Mewar.

The sanctuary hosts animals such as leopards, sloth bears, chinkaras, spotted deer, wild boars, hyenas, jungle cats, and various primates like common langurs. The lake supports aquatic life including crocodiles, turtles, and fish. Jaisamand is also a notable birdwatching site, with over 300 species of resident and migratory birds such as pelicans, cormorants, darters, eagles, and falcons.

The sanctuary's ecosystem is supported by four main rivers feeding the lake, contributing to its biodiversity. The area offers natural beauty with hills, forests, wetlands, and islands inhabited by tribal communities, along with opportunities for boating and nature activities, combining environmental, historical, and recreational significance in the region.