Phulwari Ki Nal Wildlife Sanctuary, Udaipur: History, highlights and visitor guide

History and context

The story behind Phulwari Ki Nal Wildlife Sanctuary

The sanctuary was declared on 6 October 1983 and is managed by the Rajasthan Forest Department, with headquarters at Kotra. It was formerly a hunting ground of the rulers of Bhomat. A 2024 notification set up an eco-sensitive zone around its boundary.

Useful facts

Phulwari Ki Nal Wildlife Sanctuary facts at a glance

Location

Kotra and Jhadol tehsils, Udaipur district, on the Gujarat border

Experience type

Forest sanctuary, birding and nature drives

Area

About 511 sq km (Reserved plus Protected Forest)

Declared

6 October 1983

Habitat

Dry deciduous forest and bamboo; 600 to 900 m

Stay

Forest rest houses at Mamer, Panarwa and Kotra

Why it matters

Why Phulwari Ki Nal Wildlife Sanctuary is worth your time

Phulwari Ki Nal was declared a wildlife sanctuary on 6 October 1983 and was earlier a hunting ground of the Bhomat rulers. Its name is usually read as the abode of flowers, and the forest is known for plants as well as animals. It is also the westernmost point in India for the large brown flying squirrel.

The site is described as one of Rajasthan's more neglected sanctuaries, with threats from poaching, firewood collection, drought and dam building on the Wakal. That is part of the reason to go with care. Quiet visits that bring local guides and paying customers help show that the forest is worth more standing than cleared. In 2024 an eco-sensitive zone of about 202 square kilometres was declared around it.

Highlights

What not to miss

1. 01

   Birdlife

   More than 200 species have been recorded, including the white-winged black tit.

2. 02

   Leopard and sloth bear country

   Sightings are rare, but the sanctuary supports these and other mammals.

3. 03

   The Wakal river valley

   The river flows south through the forest and gives the best scenery.

Plan your visit

How to experience it

Plan this as a full day from Udaipur, or better as an overnight, since the drive to Kotra is about 120 km by road and slow. Take a car and driver who know the route, carry food, water and a charged phone, and tell the forest office in Kotra which day you are coming.

The sanctuary covers about 511 square kilometres of southern Aravalli hills at roughly 600 to 900 metres, with dry deciduous forest and good bamboo. Mammals recorded include leopard, sloth bear, four-horned antelope and mouse deer, though sightings are never guaranteed. Birds are the more reliable reward: more than 200 species have been recorded, including the white-winged black tit.

Expect a working landscape rather than a polished park. About 134 villages lie inside the boundary, mostly Meena, Garasiya and Kathodia communities, so you will pass farms and settlements. Be respectful, ask before photographing people and stay on tracks. Morning and late afternoon are the best times for wildlife.

Know before you go

Timing, access and comfort

Area

Kotra and Jhadol tehsils, Udaipur district; about 120 km by road from Udaipur

Time needed

Full day, or an overnight stay

Best time

October to March for comfortable weather; the monsoon makes roads and trails difficult

Walking level

Demanding

Senior comfort

Journeys are long and roads are winding, the terrain is hilly, and there is little shade, seating or medical help. This suits fit, flexible travellers; older visitors should keep to short drives and viewpoints with a driver.

Tickets and access

Entry fees, timings, vehicle rules and any trek permissions are not officially published; confirm with the sanctuary office at Kotra or the Udaipur forest division before you travel. Rest houses exist at Mamer, Panarwa and Kotra, and bookings go through the forest department.

Plan it with

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