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Van
Vihar Ramsagar Wildlife Sanctuary, Dholpur
| Location |
-Dholpur |
| Area |
-59.86
sq. Kms. |
| Recognized
in |
-1955 |
| Types
of Animals Found |
-Sambhar,
chital, blue bull |
Rajasthan
Govt. recognised Van Vihar and Ramsagar, old wild life reserves
of the users of the rulers of Dholpur spread over an area of 59.86.
sq. kms, in 1955 A.D.From Dholpur, Van Vihar is about 18 kms. and
Ramsagar is about 36 kms. As a matter of fact these are like two
separate wildlife sanctuaries. Van Vihar, located on Vindhyan plateau,
supports a rather open stunted growth of Dhok and Khair trees. It
is inhabited by animals like sambhar, chital, blue bull, wild boar,
sloth bear, hyena and leopard. Tigers were present in the area till
the end of the 1960's.
It
is said that Maharaj Udaibhan Singh of Dholpur had a great liking
for the wild animals of Van Vihar. He used to hand feed not only
the deer and antelopes in the reserve but also animals like foxes,
jackals and birds. There is an old forest rest house in Van Vihar
which was initially built by the rulers of Dholpur. It is now maintained
by the forest department and can be booked in advance by contacting
the Dy. Conservator of Forests, Dholpur.
Ramsagar part of the sanctuary has Ramsagar lake. The lake is very
picturesque and supports rich acquatic life including fresh water
crocodiles and a number of species of fishes and snakes. Water birds
like corrnorants, darter, ibis, white breasted water hen, moorhen,
jacanas, stilt, river tern, ringed plover, sand piper and herons
(grey, and purple) are quite common. During winter months migratory
ducks and geese also visit the lake in good numbers. A four wheel
vehicle is necessary if one intends to visit Ramsagar area and the
lake.
TALAB SHAHI
Historic
and picturesque lake, Talab Shahi, is about 40 kms. form Dholpur.
The lake and the palace were built in 1617 A.D. as a shooting lodge
for Prince Shahlahan. Later on it was maintained by the rulers of
Dholpur. The lake attracts a large number of winter migratory fowls
like pintail, shoveller, red crested pochard, comnion pochard, tufted
duck, common teal, garganey teal, wigeon anti gadwall.
Muchkund
Picturesque
and ancient scared place Muchkund is about 8 kms. from the town
of Dholpur. The place is named after Raja Muchkund, the twenty fourth
King of the Suryavanshi dynasty (the solar race) is said to have
reigned nineteen generations before Lord Ram. According to legend
Raja Muchkund, was sleeping here when a demon Kaal Yaman while pursuing
Lord Krishna, accidentally woke him up. The demon Kaal Yaman was
burnt to ashes because of a divine blessing to Raja Muchkund. It
is now a sacred place for pilgrim. It is said that the enclosures
around it were built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar.
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