The drive to Todgarh Raoli Wildlife Sanctuary was like a Safari in itself, passing through amazing Aravalli Hills, dry scrub land, degraded hill slopes and many a hairpin bend. At the village Todgarh, we called Gopal Ji, the caretaker at the forest rest house, to check what was cooked for dinner. He didn’t have much, so we picked up some veggies from the market and continued our drive towards the sanctuary. That’s the kind of a home like experience we had at this little known sanctuary.
The road to Todgarh Wildlife Sanctuary is full of beautiful views like this.
We passed though gorgeous landscape to reach the forest rest house, to be greeted by Gopal Ji with some delicious chaas, and he started preparing our lunch. Gopal Ji lives in a village called Dudhaleshwar, right next to the forest. The rest house is situated on the forest edge, on an elevation with a beautiful view of the sanctuary. The area around the forest is thankfully still not ‘developed’. The rooms were clean and comfortable, and the only sounds were natural. The perfect ambience to settle down for a few weeks to catch up on some writing.
There is a banyan tree next to the rest house kitchen and I parked myself there with my camera and tripod. The tree, full of fruit, attracts many birds and animals. We didn’t have much time at Todgarh, so I decided to focus on this tree for my photography.
A Rufous Treepie (Dendrocitta vagabunda).The Five Striped or Norther Palm Squirrel (Funanbulus Penantii), which is an almost exact replica of its South Indian cousin, which has three stripes.A Grey Mongoose (Herpestes edwardsii), known for tackling venomous snakes.Rose-Ringed Parakeets (Psittacula krameri).Indian Garden Lizard (Calotes versicolor).Black-Rumped Flameback (Dinopium benghalense).Jungle Babblers (Turdoides striatus).White-Bellied Drongo (Dicrurus caerulescens).Gopal Ji (on the left) with Nihal Mathur sipping the evening chai.An Indian Robin Female (Copsychus fulicatus).A Northern Plains Langur (Semnopithecus entellus) with child.Evening at Todgarh WLS is cool and quiet.In the absence of light pollution (or at least less of it), the stars are clearly visible, something we city folk never get to see.Early foggy morning. Temperature was some 14 degrees in mid December.The dining space at the Todgarh Wildlife Sanctuary forest rest house. The photograph is taken from the kitchen space, with the ficus tree to the right (not in frame).The Todgarh Wildlife Sanctuary forest rest house in the early morning light.Shikha and Nihal bask in the morning sun as we wait for Gopal Ji and his awesome paratha breakfast.A rather shy Indian Grey Hornbill (Ocyceros birostris) too was feeding on the ficus tree.A male Rhesus Macaque (Macaca Mulatta).Red Vented Bulbul (Pycnonotus cafer)A Peacock, Indian Peafowl (Pavo cristatus) stumbled into our rest house.The vegetation itself looks so beautiful.
The next morning, after a hearty breakfast and chai, we stepped into the Colonel Tod’s Trail, a small trek through the forest. Nihal and Gopal Ji led the way.
Gopal Ji outside the door of the sanctuary.Such a beautiful tree.The forest floor is covered in patches with these tiny white flowering plants.The beautiful colours of an Indian deciduous forest.A Blue Pansy butterfly (Junonia orithya ocyale).Dry leaves and blue sky.Fungus on fallen forest wood. Just one of the ways the entire complex ecosystem works.An Indian Pond Heron (Ardeola grayii)patiently waits for prey at a stream inside the Todgarh Wildlife Sanctuary.A Yellow Eyed Babbler (Chrysomma sinense). I wonder why it is such called as its eye is actually red.A tiny streams runs next to Col. Tod’s Trail.The forest is classified as northern tropical dry deciduous “and the lower altitude are influenced by Dhok tree whereas higher altitude is influenced by Khirni, Bamboo, Siris, Salar, Godal, Holeoptelia with many seasonal flowering plants like Butea.”A panoramic view of the forest floor.Such beautiful untouched forests are our precious heritage, and we must protect them and their fragile ecosystems.
We didn’t spot any mammals on the way, though “the sanctuary has a booming population of Sloth Bears and Leopards with more number of Grey Jungle Fowls along with various species of birds and reptiles like tortoise. In addition, wild species like Wolf, Striped Hyena, Civets, Jackal, Blue Bull, Sambar, Chinkara and reptiles like Python, Indian Cobra, Indian Krait, Water Snake, Russel’s Viper.” (Sanctuary Magazine).
This was one of the most beautiful forest visits we have made, and my heart aches to go back. And we hope to, soon.
[box type=”success” width=”100%” ]The nearest Airport is Udaipur, 180 km, while Ajmer has the nearest Railway Station, 120 km. It’s a little off the NH8 just after Devgarh, when traveling from Udaipur towards Ajmer direction. The forest rest house can be booked from Rajasthan Forest Department. Accomodation is very affordable, clean and the food hygienic and tasty.[/box]
41 thoughts on “Todgarh Raoli Wildlife Sanctuary”
Incredible…Lets protect this one. Wilderness and Wildlife are infact plans to protect man.
Looks like a great place to visit – will try and make it some time. Loved your shots – specially the black rumped flameback and Shikha and Nihal caught in sunlight.
Hi Neha! Will send you the booking details via email, since it’s someone’s phone number. As for the drive, from Mumbai, it’s Udaipur first, then Nathdwara – Rajsamund – Amet – Deogarh – Todgarh. You will go to go off the NH8 (all these are on the NH8) towards your left to reach Todgarh.
A forester friend from Rajasthan suggested this place for my next self-drive family trip to Rajasthan. It’s wonderful to discover your site and write up. My interest also lies in wildlife and birds. I have been to Kumbhalgarh before and loved it. I can see I am going to love this place as well and Gopalji too. I believe it is an extension of the same forest.
If I am coming from Ajmer, what is the diversion point from NH 8? I believe I have to take a right turn somewhere.
Todgarh is the village. The forest gates are near the village called Dudhaleshwar. Enjoy your stay. If you need Gopalji’s numbers, let me know, will email them to you. You must call him in advance and tell him of your stay and food preferences.
Thanks a lot for your reply. Yes I would love to have Gopalji’s number. I had met a similar character in Kumbhalgarh who was the caretaker of the Badal Guest House there. It was a fascinating experience staying there.
Do you have any image of the Forest Rest House? I am told it’s a very nice, old, colonial styled building? I believe even Col James Todd’s house is still there albeit in ruins? Can you throw some light on that?
Meanwhile, if you care, here is my travelogue on Kumbhalgarh
Wow…the photos really show how nice the rest house area was that even a peacock stumbled on your way. Not very very green by dry green and nice hospitable rest house person too, I hope if I ever go there and need to book a guesthouse I can ask you for their numbers, ofcourse when and if I go there which could be anytime in future till my lifetime permits or lasts. Your writeup is quite detailed, provides fine idea of what one can expect in the place and how to go there. I loved the night stars which we city forks can’t get a veiw of dou to light pollution.
Its a great find and well written! I must mention that your writing style is great- its fun to read!
I will appreciate if you can throw some more light on the FRH. although from your pictures it looks great, but I’m not sure how updated it is? someone who has visited this place long back informed me that there is no electricity, but that was 3-4 years back. From my experiences, most of the FRH are quite basic…and some of them are not very clean as well. while in remote places especially in hills it is understandable. what’s your take on accommodation in Raoli WLS?
i am from jodhpur. used to trevel this area in train from my chilhood. khablighat to phulad. mere man me buchpan se ye area me tracing ka man hai . i think u can undestand my feelings. pls help me i want to stay at forest guest house for 2 days. can u give me gopalji s no. it wl help me a lot to fullfil my dreams
i used to trevel in aravli range since last 40 yr. of cource by train.hamesha se man me tha ki is area me trcking ka mauka mile.so pls help me. pls give gopal jis no. it wl help me a lot. i m from jodhpure
Hi,
A very beautiful offbeat place. I surely am interested in visiting .
Request you to advice on a few queries.
Please mail me the contact of Gopal ji , so I can make my booking for stay .
Also , where do I make bookings for the jeep safari to the forest.
Although , have read about the wildlife species in the forest, but what are the chances of sightings in the forest .
Thanks nd brgds
Hi Rajesh. There is no official jeep safari. You can, however, contact Gopal Ji and go for walks in the forest. Do listen to him, as the forest has leopards wild boars and bears.
This is very interesting. Thanks for sharing. There are many WLS which many of us have not even heard of. This is the first time we are hearing about this.
Hello, Me and my two friends plan to visit this sanctuary in the last week of January and would like to have more details about this forest rest house like little more pics if you have. Also please email me the number of Gopalji so we can contact him by end of December and try to reserve a room there.
We are natives of Udaipur and never been to this place. Surprisingly unaware about such a place in our state.
Hi thanks a lot for all info. we are planning to go to Todgarh next week and would surely want to stay in Forest Rest House. Could you kindly mail me Gopal Ji-s phone contact as soon as possible? Thanks a lot
Fiona
hello admin ji.. very nice and useful post of todgarh… thanks a lot… May u please send the gopal ji number and some information about forest guest house on my email,..? please send me…
Incredible…Lets protect this one. Wilderness and Wildlife are infact plans to protect man.
Looks like a great place to visit – will try and make it some time. Loved your shots – specially the black rumped flameback and Shikha and Nihal caught in sunlight.
Thanks Vibha. Its a great place to sit and do nothing…
Hi,
How do I book this place?
If I am driving from Mumbai, this place comes before Udaipur or later?
Hi Neha! Will send you the booking details via email, since it’s someone’s phone number. As for the drive, from Mumbai, it’s Udaipur first, then Nathdwara – Rajsamund – Amet – Deogarh – Todgarh. You will go to go off the NH8 (all these are on the NH8) towards your left to reach Todgarh.
Sir can I have the contact no for booking Todgarh forest rest house I am in Ajmer very close by to Todgarh. Thanks.
Hi Neil. Have sent you the details by email.
Hello sir.
We’re also planning a trip there. Could you provide the booking details.
Hi
Can you please share the contact details of Gopal Ji in Todgarh Raoli Wildlife Sanctuary
Please share the contact details for booking the same.
Hi Anup. Thanks for dropping by., I have given the phone number to you by email.
Hi…could you pls share the contact details for the booking? Thanks in advance. Rahul
Hello ma’am
Book this place
Call for more details 7878408594
We haven’t seen this person’s place so cannot endorse it.
A forester friend from Rajasthan suggested this place for my next self-drive family trip to Rajasthan. It’s wonderful to discover your site and write up. My interest also lies in wildlife and birds. I have been to Kumbhalgarh before and loved it. I can see I am going to love this place as well and Gopalji too. I believe it is an extension of the same forest.
If I am coming from Ajmer, what is the diversion point from NH 8? I believe I have to take a right turn somewhere.
Hi Sudipto! Good to hear from you. Take a right from ‘Bhim’, when coming from Ajmer.
See this here at OSM : http://www.openstreetmap.org/#map=13/25.7197/74.0526
Google maps doesn’t seem to have this detail yet.
Todgarh is the village. The forest gates are near the village called Dudhaleshwar. Enjoy your stay. If you need Gopalji’s numbers, let me know, will email them to you. You must call him in advance and tell him of your stay and food preferences.
Hello!
Kindly share caretakers mobile no.for booking room in forest guest house!
Shared over email…
Thanks a lot for your reply. Yes I would love to have Gopalji’s number. I had met a similar character in Kumbhalgarh who was the caretaker of the Badal Guest House there. It was a fascinating experience staying there.
Do you have any image of the Forest Rest House? I am told it’s a very nice, old, colonial styled building? I believe even Col James Todd’s house is still there albeit in ruins? Can you throw some light on that?
Meanwhile, if you care, here is my travelogue on Kumbhalgarh
http://sudiptoroytrips.blogspot.in/2012/01/hidden-fort-of-kumbhalgarh.html
Hi Sudipto. I have emailed you the phone number. These pictures are what I have of the forest house, nothing from the inside…
Wow…the photos really show how nice the rest house area was that even a peacock stumbled on your way. Not very very green by dry green and nice hospitable rest house person too, I hope if I ever go there and need to book a guesthouse I can ask you for their numbers, ofcourse when and if I go there which could be anytime in future till my lifetime permits or lasts. Your writeup is quite detailed, provides fine idea of what one can expect in the place and how to go there. I loved the night stars which we city forks can’t get a veiw of dou to light pollution.
Its a great find and well written! I must mention that your writing style is great- its fun to read!
I will appreciate if you can throw some more light on the FRH. although from your pictures it looks great, but I’m not sure how updated it is? someone who has visited this place long back informed me that there is no electricity, but that was 3-4 years back. From my experiences, most of the FRH are quite basic…and some of them are not very clean as well. while in remote places especially in hills it is understandable. what’s your take on accommodation in Raoli WLS?
The pictures are from last year. The electricity lasts only a few hours. And we stayed at the FRH and loved it!
i am from jodhpur. used to trevel this area in train from my chilhood. khablighat to phulad. mere man me buchpan se ye area me tracing ka man hai . i think u can undestand my feelings. pls help me i want to stay at forest guest house for 2 days. can u give me gopalji s no. it wl help me a lot to fullfil my dreams
my another mail id pls end no of gopal ji to this mail add.
i used to trevel in aravli range since last 40 yr. of cource by train.hamesha se man me tha ki is area me trcking ka mauka mile.so pls help me. pls give gopal jis no. it wl help me a lot. i m from jodhpure
thx a lot.jodhpur me koi kam ho to pls tell me any time
Thanks Pradeep! Will surely get in touch with you 🙂
Hi,
A very beautiful offbeat place. I surely am interested in visiting .
Request you to advice on a few queries.
Please mail me the contact of Gopal ji , so I can make my booking for stay .
Also , where do I make bookings for the jeep safari to the forest.
Although , have read about the wildlife species in the forest, but what are the chances of sightings in the forest .
Thanks nd brgds
Hi Rajesh. There is no official jeep safari. You can, however, contact Gopal Ji and go for walks in the forest. Do listen to him, as the forest has leopards wild boars and bears.
This is very interesting. Thanks for sharing. There are many WLS which many of us have not even heard of. This is the first time we are hearing about this.
Happy travelling !!
Hello, Me and my two friends plan to visit this sanctuary in the last week of January and would like to have more details about this forest rest house like little more pics if you have. Also please email me the number of Gopalji so we can contact him by end of December and try to reserve a room there.
We are natives of Udaipur and never been to this place. Surprisingly unaware about such a place in our state.
Regards
Admin, still waiting for your mail…
Hi thanks a lot for all info. we are planning to go to Todgarh next week and would surely want to stay in Forest Rest House. Could you kindly mail me Gopal Ji-s phone contact as soon as possible? Thanks a lot
Fiona
hello admin ji.. very nice and useful post of todgarh… thanks a lot… May u please send the gopal ji number and some information about forest guest house on my email,..? please send me…
It is very informative post, I would love to visit this place, can you send me Gopal ji no so i can call and fix the date.
Hi
Thanks for such a wonderful piece of information.
Can you share the no. Of Gopal Ji pls.
May u plz provide me the contact no. of gopal ji, caretaker of raoli forest resthouse???
Hello Ji,
Please help me with the contact details for the booking at Todgarh Wildlife Sanctuary. Thank you.
Hello Ji,
Please help me with the contact details for the booking at Todgarh Wildlife Sanctuary. for Wildlife Sanctuary forest rest house.Thank you.