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Introduction
Desert National Park in Rajasthan is one of India’s most celebrated national parks. Located in the Jaisalmer & Barmer district, Desert National Park near Jaisalmer preserves the fragile Thar Desert ecosystem and is the last major breeding stronghold of the Great Indian Bustard.
Quick Facts
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| State | Rajasthan |
| Districts | Jaisalmer & Barmer |
| Year of Notification | 1980 |
| Total Area | 3,162 sq km (one of India’s largest National Parks!) |
| Landscape | Rolling sand dunes, craggy rocks, salt lake beds, and desert scrub vegetation. |
| Major Rivers & Waterbodies | Sudasari rain-fed seasonal oasis tanks and Lathi formation desert springs |
| Nearest Airport | Jaisalmer Airport (JSA) – 45 km / Jodhpur Airport – 330 km |
| Nearest Railway Station | Jaisalmer Railway Station (JSM) – 40 km |
| Best Time to Visit | October to March |
Location
The national park lies in the Jaisalmer & Barmer region of Rajasthan. Via Jaisalmer-Sam sand dunes road to Sudasari checkpost.
History
Notified as a National Park in August 1980 under the Wildlife Protection Act.
Landscape, Geography & Habitat
Covering an expansive area of 3,162 sq km (one of India’s largest National Parks!), the park’s terrain features Rolling sand dunes, craggy rocks, salt lake beds, and desert scrub vegetation.
Flora
Dominant vegetation and floral species include: Rolling sand dunes, craggy rocks, salt lake beds, and desert scrub vegetation.
Fauna
Primary Mammals & Key Species: Desert Fox, Bengal Fox, Chinkara (Indian Gazelle), Desert Cat, Golden Jackal, Saw-scaled Viper, Spiny-tailed Lizard, and Sand Boa.
Other Wild Animals & Wildlife
Avifauna & Bird Species: Great Indian Bustard (last major stronghold of this critically endangered species!), MacQueen’s Bustard, Harriers, Laggar Falcon, Tawny Eagle, Eurasian Griffon Vulture, Cream-coloured Courser, and Desert Lark.
Rivers & Water Bodies
The lifeline of Desert National Park is sustained by: Sudasari rain-fed seasonal oasis tanks and Lathi formation desert springs.
Other Attractions
Major nearby tourist attractions, historic monuments, and viewpoints include: Sam Sand Dunes (25 km), Jaisalmer Golden Fort (40 km), Kuldhara Abandoned Village (25 km), Wood Fossil Park Akal (30 km).
Weather & Climate
Extreme desert climate (2°C to 48°C).
How to Reach
- Nearest Airport: Jaisalmer Airport (JSA) – 45 km / Jodhpur Airport – 330 km
- Nearest Railway Station: Jaisalmer Railway Station (JSM) – 40 km
- Road Connectivity: Via Jaisalmer-Sam sand dunes road to Sudasari checkpost.
Best Time to Visit
The optimal tourism season for wildlife viewing in Desert National Park is from October to March.
Accommodation
RTDC Hotel Moomal Jaisalmer, Desert Camps.. Advance booking through official State Tourism or Forest Department portals is highly recommended.
Conservation Highlights
Site of Project Great Indian Bustard and high-security Bustard breeding enclosures.
Visitor Tips
Sudasari enclosure is the best zone for spotting Chinkara and Great Indian Bustards.
Did You Know?
- One of India’s largest protected areas, covering 3,162 square kilometers of Thar Desert.
- The last major breeding refuge for the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard (Godawan).
- Contains 180-million-year-old petrified wood fossils at Akal Wood Fossil Park.
Last Updated: August 2026