Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary

Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary lies close to Bikaner, on land the Bikaner royal family once kept for large hunting parties. Maharaja Ganga Singh began turning the reserve into a protected area in the late 19th century, recognising that its plants and animals needed safeguarding. His hunting lodge, Gajner Palace, stands within the landscape and now runs as a heritage hotel.

The terrain mixes woodland, open grassland, marshes and lakes. Blackbuck, chinkara and nilgai are the main mammals, and in winter migratory birds such as flamingos, cranes and pelicans gather on the water. Wildlife safaris, marked walking trails, boat rides on Gajner Lake, camping and picnics are the usual ways to see it.