Van Vihar Ramsagar Wildlife Sanctuary, Dholpur

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.

Tabal 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.

Muchund :
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.