Birdwatcher's Paradise

If you are planning to visit Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve, don't forget to have an unforgettable experience of river safari at the National Gavial (Gharial) Sanctuary, Palighat.

- Hemant Singh Dy Director, Department of Information and Public Relations

On July 20, 1983, Sanctuary was notified as National Gavial Sanctuary for protecting, propagating and developing the species of Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) and Crocodiles (Crocodilus palustris) and other wildlife and its environment. It lies in Palighat village at the bank of the Chambal river, just 35 kms away from the Sawai Madhopur.

It is home to not only endangered Gavials, Skimmers, Marsh Crocodiles (Muggers), eight species of Turtles, Indian Striped Hyenas, Jungle cats, Golden Jackals, Indian Wolves, Foxes, but various other species also.

According to faunal Survey of Rajasthan, 2022, the Sanctuary has 75% of world population of Gavial. Here about 976 Gavials are found. Gavial which is endangered fish-eating crocodile family reptile living along with mighty marsh crocodiles within the Streams of Chambal river is originally belongs to Indian subcontinent.

This Semi-aquatic reptile, which is a sign of clear water stream, according to Hindu mythology, is the vahana (Vehicle/Mount) of Goddess Ganga. In the holy Bhagavat Gita too the importance of river and Gavial is also mentioned.

पवनरू पवतामस्मि रामः शस्त्रभृतामहम । झषाणां मकरश्चास्मि स्रोतसास्मि जाहन्वी ।।