1. Geography & Ecological Overview

Dholpur-Karauli Tiger Reserve was officially notified in August 2023 following approval by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA). Located in eastern Rajasthan along the border of Madhya Pradesh, the sanctuary spans across Dholpur and Karauli districts, encompassing a contiguous forest expanse of approximately 1,058 square kilometers.

The landscape is characterized by Vindhyan sandstone scrap, rugged ravines carved by the Chambal River and its tributaries, and dense dry deciduous forests dominated by Dhok (*Anogeissus pendula*), Khair (*Acacia catechu*), and Salai (*Boswellia serrata*).

Landscape Importance

The reserve plays an essential ecological role as a natural stepping-stone corridor for tigers migrating from the overcrowded core of Ranthambore Tiger Reserve toward the contiguous forest patches of Karauli, Dholpur, and across the river into Kuno National Park.

2. Quick Facts & Official Metadata

Official Designation Dholpur-Karauli Tiger Reserve (55th Project Tiger Reserve of India)
State & Districts Rajasthan — Dholpur & Karauli Districts
Notification Date August 2023 (NTCA Approved)
Core Protected Area 368 sq km
Buffer Area 690 sq km
Total Reserve Area 1,058 sq km
Primary Rivers Chambal River, Banas catchment tributaries
Associated Sanctuaries Dholpur Wildlife Sanctuary, Kailadevi Wildlife Sanctuary buffer zone
Nearest Access Points Dholpur City (Railhead), Karauli Town, Gwalior Airport (75 km)

3. Tigers & Biodiversity

According to camera trap surveys by the Rajasthan Forest Department and NTCA, tigers from Ranthambore have routinely dispersed into the Kailadevi and Dholpur-Karauli ravines. The establishment of formal tiger reserve status provides dedicated anti-poaching protection and habitat enrichment for these breeding populations.

Beside the Bengal Tiger (*Panthera tigris tigris*), Dholpur-Karauli hosts diverse carnivores and ungulates including:

  • Indian Leopard (*Panthera pardus fusca*): Thriving in the rocky Vindhyan cliffs and ravine caves.
  • Sloth Bear (*Melursus ursinus*): Foraging in termitaria and fruiting tree patches.
  • Striped Hyena & Caracal: Specialist predators of the open dry scrub and ravine ecosystems.
  • Ungulates: Sambar deer, Chinkara (Indian gazelle), Nilgai, and Wild Boar forming the primary prey base.
  • Riverine Fauna: Mugger crocodile, Gharial, and freshwater turtles inhabiting the adjacent National Chambal Sanctuary stretch.

4. Safari & Visitor Information

Eco-tourism infrastructure in Dholpur-Karauli Tiger Reserve is being systematically developed by the Rajasthan Forest Department under strict NTCA ecotourism guidelines. Visitor access is regulated to protect wildlife corridors and prevent habitat fragmentation.

Best Time to Visit: October through June. The sanctuary remains closed during the monsoon season (July to September) for breeding and road maintenance.

How to Reach:

  • By Air: Gwalior Airport (75 km) and Jaipur International Airport (170 km).
  • By Train: Dholpur Junction (WCR) is well-connected to Delhi, Agra, and Gwalior.
  • By Road: Connected via National Highway 44 (NH-44) between Agra and Gwalior.