Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary, Bikaner - Timings, Safari Cost, Best Time to Visit

At a distance of 37 km from Bikaner, Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary in Bikaner is a natural haven on the shores of a Gajner Lake, near Gajner Palace. It is one of the famous wildlife sanctuaries in Rajasthan and among the must include places in Bikaner trip.

Nestled atop a small hill, Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary is an oasis and reserve enriched in flora and fauna with dense green forest cover. The sanctuary was earlier used as a hunting ground by Maharaja Sri Ganga Singh of Bikaner. There is a beautiful lake in the sanctuary, which apart from complementing the beauty is used by the animals living here to quench their thirst. This is one of the proposed forests for Cheetah reintroduction in India.

A trip to this wildlife heaven is one of the top things to do in Bikaner. The lake at Gajner attracts water birds in thousands which include Imperial Sand Grouse, Indian Houbara Bustards, Water fouls, Demoiselle Cranes, and other varieties of migratory birds. Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary is also home to blackbuck, chinkara, antelope, wild boars, deer, wild fowls, neelgai (blue bull), and desert foxes which roam amidst lush gardens, wooded forests, and the majestic palace.

Another interesting part of this sanctuary is the beautiful Gajner Palace which has been converted into a heritage and luxury hotel now. The Gajner Palace hotel earlier used to house the Maharaja and his revered guests including Viceroys and other prominent figures who were invited for annual sand grouse hunting activity.

The Gajner Palace Hotel regularly conducts jungle safaris into the sanctuary. The hotel has its own exclusive fleet of vehicles and all jungle safaris are accompanied by an extremely knowledgeable guide.

The best time to visit the Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary is from November to February.

Entry Timings: 6 AM - 6 PM

Entry Fee: Rs. 3000 for Jeep