Sitamata Wildlife Sanctuary: flying squirrels in Rajasthan

This Sitamata Wildlife Sanctuary guide is for travellers who want to stand in a quiet teak forest at last light and watch a giant squirrel launch itself off a branch and glide. Sitamata sits in Pratapgarh district in southern Rajasthan, in the belt where the Aravalli hills, the Vindhya range and the Malwa plateau meet, and it protects the state’s largest surviving teak and mahua forest. The sanctuary is best known for the Indian giant flying squirrel, but it also shelters leopard, the four-horned antelope and more than a hundred bird species.

Sitamata Wildlife Sanctuary is a 422.95 sq km reserve in Pratapgarh and Chittaurgarh districts of southern Rajasthan, notified on 1 November 1979 and known for the nocturnal Indian giant flying squirrel. Plan one or two nights near Pratapgarh, and visit from February for the best squirrel sightings.

About this Sitamata Wildlife Sanctuary guide

Sitamata is an unusual patch of forest for Rajasthan. Most of the state reads as desert and scrub, but here, in the far south, the land is wet enough for tall teak (sagwan). According to the Government of India’s Incredible India portal, this is described as the only teak forest left in the state. The forest grows where three landforms overlap, so you get the undulating ground of the Aravalli, the flat-topped rises of the Malwa plateau and the broken ridges of the Vindhya.

The sanctuary covers 422.95 sq km across Pratapgarh and Chittaurgarh districts, and was notified on 1 November 1979, as recorded in public references drawn from the Rajasthan Forest Department. Seasonal rivers, including the Jakham and the small Sitamata stream, keep parts of the forest green, and those water-fed pockets are where the big mahua trees the squirrels depend on grow best.

This is a low-key, self-driving kind of destination rather than a packaged safari circuit. There are no tiger-reserve crowds and no large fleet of canters. You come for the forest itself, for the chance of a flying squirrel at dusk, and for a slow day among teak and birdsong. If you are weaving Sitamata into a wider trip, our Rajasthan travel guide can help you fit it between Udaipur and Chittorgarh.

Best time to visit

The single most useful fact for planning is this: flying squirrels are easiest to see from February into March. According to references citing the forest’s natural cycle, the big mahua trees shed their leaves around then, so the bare canopy makes a gliding squirrel far easier to pick out against the sky. RoundGlass Sustain, a conservation publication, notes that late February through early summer offers the most pleasant conditions and the most active wildlife.

Winter, from November to February, is the comfortable season for general forest walks and birding, with cool mornings and mild afternoons. Summer heat builds sharply from April; the Incredible India climate note lists May as the hottest month, with highs reaching the mid-40s°C, so midday forest time becomes draining. The monsoon, roughly July to September, turns tracks muddy and leaf cover dense, which makes squirrel spotting hard even though the forest looks its greenest.

The flying squirrel and what else lives here

The star of Sitamata is the Indian giant flying squirrel, a large nocturnal, mostly vegetarian mammal. It does not truly fly; it glides on a membrane stretched between its limbs. RoundGlass Sustain describes glides of around 80 feet (about 24 metres) between trees. It roosts by day in the hollows of old mahua (Madhuca indica) trees and comes out to feed after dark, which is why sightings cluster around dusk and the first hours of night.

Seeing one is a matter of patience and some luck. The same source is candid that the odds are better around dawn and dusk and that even then a good local guide makes a real difference, because the animals are elusive despite living in accessible forest. Do not expect a guaranteed sighting; treat any glide you witness as a reward for sitting still and quiet.

Beyond the squirrel, the forest holds a solid cast of mammals. Public references drawn from the forest department and Wikipedia list Indian leopard, striped hyena, sloth bear, four-horned antelope (chousingha, a small deer-like antelope), nilgai, spotted deer, sambar, wild boar, Indian pangolin and porcupine. Birdlife is rich too, with references citing nearly 130 resident and migratory species, among them eagles, vultures, hornbills and various warblers. You are far more likely to tick off birds and antelope by day than to meet a leopard, which stays shy and largely unseen.

How to reach Sitamata

Sitamata is genuinely remote, and that shapes the journey. The practical base is Pratapgarh town, with the sanctuary roughly 45 km away. Most visitors arrive by road from Udaipur or Chittorgarh.

By air: the nearest airport is Maharana Pratap Airport at Udaipur (UDR), which Incredible India lists as the sanctuary’s nearest air hub. From Udaipur you have a long road transfer onward. Reconfirm current flight schedules with the airline before relying on a connection.

By rail: Pratapgarh town itself has historically been poorly served by rail. According to the Pratapgarh district reference, it has long stood out as a district with very limited rail connectivity, with Mandsaur in Madhya Pradesh (about 32 km) among the nearer stations. Incredible India names Chittaurgarh Junction (COR) as the sanctuary’s nearest major railway station, which suits travellers coming from the Delhi–Ajmer–Udaipur corridor. Check live train running and availability on IRCTC or NTES before booking.

By road: this is the reliable option. District references give Pratapgarh as roughly 110–165 km by road from Chittorgarh and Udaipur respectively, with daily buses and taxis linking it to both, as well as to towns in neighbouring Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. From either city, hire a car for the forest leg, as public transport thins out near the sanctuary.

Top things to see and do

The experiences here are simple and nature-led. There is no need to rush between a dozen monuments; the point is to spend unhurried time in the forest.

• Dusk flying-squirrel watch. The headline activity. Position yourself quietly near old mahua stands with a local guide as light fades, and wait. Allow a couple of hours and accept that sightings are never guaranteed.
• Day walk among the teak. Walk the forest tracks by day for the trees themselves, for chousingha and nilgai in clearings, and for birds. Botanical references note the forest holds scores of medicinal plant species alongside its teak and mahua.
• Birdwatching. With close to 130 species recorded, mornings reward patient birders, especially near water.
• Sita temple and the legend. The sanctuary takes its name from Sita of the Ramayana. According to local belief, this forest is linked to her exile and to the ashram of the sage Valmiki; a small Sita temple stands within the area. This is tradition, not documented history, and the temple draws pilgrims around the annual mela near the Jyestha new-moon.

Responsible squirrel and night watching

Watching a nocturnal animal is a responsibility, not just a thrill. The sanctuary’s published gate timings run 9 am to 6 pm, so any viewing around dusk happens at the edge of permitted hours. Do not assume there is a formal night safari; arrange your plans in advance with a local guide and, where required, with the forest office, and respect whatever access limits they set.

• Keep your group small and your voices low. Noise pushes wildlife away and ruins the wait for everyone.
• Avoid shining strong white torchlight or camera flash at the animals. Bright light disturbs nocturnal species; use dim, red-filtered light sparingly and only to find your footing.
• Do not bait, lure or chase an animal to force a sighting, and never shake trees or branches.
• Stay on tracks, carry out all litter, and do not play recorded calls.
• Hire a knowledgeable local guide. Beyond improving your odds, local guides direct income to the people who live alongside the forest.

A suggested two-day itinerary

Sitamata rewards an overnight stay, because its best hours are dusk and early morning. A tight day trip from Udaipur or Chittorgarh is possible but leaves no margin for the dusk watch.

• Day 1: Drive in from Udaipur or Chittorgarh and check into a stay near Pratapgarh by afternoon. Meet your guide, then head out for the late-afternoon forest and the dusk flying-squirrel watch. Return after dark.
• Day 2: Early morning walk for birds and antelope while it is cool. Visit the Sita temple, then drive back to your onward base by afternoon. If you have a third day spare, pair it with Chittorgarh Fort on the way out.

Where to stay

Accommodation is the main practical constraint. This is not a resort destination, so set expectations accordingly and book ahead, especially in the February–March squirrel window and around the mela.

• Budget: simple lodges and guesthouses in Pratapgarh town, typically in the ₹800–₹2,000 a night band (indicative, reconfirm). Basic, clean and close to transport.
• Mid-range: a small number of hotels in and around Pratapgarh and on the Chittorgarh–Pratapgarh road, roughly ₹2,000–₹4,500 (indicative, reconfirm). Choose one with reliable parking and a kitchen if you plan early starts.
• Nature stays and homestays: a few rustic forest-edge camps and homestays operate seasonally; availability is limited and changes year to year, so confirm directly before you travel.

Many travellers prefer to stay in Udaipur or Chittorgarh, both of which have a full range of hotels, and run a long day to the forest. That trades a comfortable bed for a tiring drive and a rushed dusk watch, so decide based on how much the squirrel matters to you.

Food to try

This is rural southern Rajasthan near the Malwa border, so the food leans toward hearty vegetarian Rajasthani and Malwi home cooking rather than restaurant fine dining. Carry snacks and water for forest hours, as options near the sanctuary are sparse.

• Dal baati churma (baked wheat dough balls with lentils and a sweet crumble) — the classic Rajasthani plate, filling and widely available.
• Bajre ki roti (pearl-millet flatbread) with garlic chutney and seasonal vegetables — everyday rural fare.
• Gatte ki sabzi (gram-flour dumplings in a spiced yoghurt gravy) — a Rajasthani staple for vegetarians.
• Local mahua-season sweets and seasonal produce — ask at your stay; the mahua flower is part of local food and culture, though you should avoid any wild-harvested product that pressures the forest.

Budget breakdown

The figures below are planning estimates for two people on a two-day, one-night trip, excluding long-distance transport to the region. They are indicative and should be reconfirmed, because fuel, car hire and room rates vary by season and operator.

Assumptions: you reach Udaipur or Chittorgarh independently, hire a car locally for the forest, and stay one night near Pratapgarh. A longer stay or a dedicated car from Udaipur will raise the total.

Permits, fees and rules

No special entry permit such as an Inner Line Permit applies here; Sitamata is an ordinary wildlife sanctuary open to Indian and foreign visitors. You pay a sanctuary entry fee at the gate. According to the Rajasthan Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Rules, 2023, the entry fee for sanctuaries in this category works out to about ₹130 per Indian adult (an entrance fee plus an eco-development surcharge), around ₹50 for Indian students, and about ₹500 for a foreign visitor; a car or jeep is charged roughly ₹300 and a two- or three-wheeler about ₹60. These figures are indicative and should be reconfirmed at the gate or with the forest office, as rules are revised periodically.

The same rules record a local exemption: no entrance or additional fee is charged to Indian citizens entering Sitamata on the mela days each year, from two days before to one day after the new moon (amavasya) of Jyestha month. If you carry a camera or drone, ask the forest office first; drone use over protected areas is restricted and generally needs prior permission under national drone rules. Follow basic eco-rules: no plastic litter, no loud music, no feeding or chasing animals, and stay on designated tracks.

Practical tips

• Connectivity and cash: mobile coverage is patchy inside the forest. Carry enough cash, as ATMs and reliable UPI are limited near the sanctuary; draw money in Pratapgarh, Chittorgarh or Udaipur.
• Medical: the nearest sizeable hospitals are in Pratapgarh town and, for anything serious, in Udaipur or Chittorgarh. Carry a basic first-aid kit and any personal medicines.
• Clothing: wear muted greens and browns for forest watching, and bring a warm layer for winter dawns and a hat and plenty of water for summer. Closed shoes help on uneven tracks.
• Kit: binoculars make a real difference for both squirrels and birds. A dim, red-filtered torch is kinder to wildlife than a bright white beam.
• Solo women: the region is generally calm, but the forest is remote with thin facilities. Travel by day where possible, keep someone informed of your plans, and arrange a trusted local guide and driver in advance.
• Timing: plan your drive so you are not navigating forest roads after dark unless you are on a guided dusk watch.

Nearby places

Sitamata pairs naturally with the fort towns on the approach, so you can build a wider loop through southern Rajasthan.

For more ideas on stitching these together, see our Rajasthan travel guide.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to see flying squirrels at Sitamata?

February into March is the best window to see flying squirrels at Sitamata. References citing the forest’s cycle note the big mahua trees shed their leaves then, so the bare canopy makes a gliding squirrel easier to spot at dusk. Sightings still depend on patience, a quiet approach and a good local guide.

Where is Sitamata Wildlife Sanctuary located?

Sitamata Wildlife Sanctuary lies in Pratapgarh and Chittaurgarh districts of southern Rajasthan, about 45 km from Pratapgarh town. It covers 422.95 sq km where the Aravalli, Vindhya and Malwa landforms meet, and protects Rajasthan’s largest surviving teak and mahua forest, as described by Incredible India.

How do I reach Sitamata Wildlife Sanctuary?

Reach Sitamata by road from Udaipur (about 165 km) or Chittorgarh (about 110 km) to Pratapgarh, then a car for the forest leg. The nearest airport is Maharana Pratap at Udaipur, and Chittaurgarh Junction is the nearest major railway station, per Incredible India. Reconfirm flights and trains before booking.

Is there an entry fee for Sitamata Wildlife Sanctuary?

Yes. Under the Rajasthan Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Rules, 2023, the sanctuary entry fee is about ₹130 per Indian adult and around ₹500 for a foreign visitor, with vehicle charges on top. These figures are indicative and should be reconfirmed at the gate, as rates change. Indian citizens are exempt during the annual Jyestha mela days.

Can I do a night safari to watch the flying squirrels?

Do not assume a formal night safari exists. Published gate timings run 9 am to 6 pm, so dusk watching happens at the edge of permitted hours and must be arranged in advance with a local guide and, where required, the forest office. Keep groups small, use dim light, and never disturb the animals.

What wildlife can I see at Sitamata besides flying squirrels?

Besides the flying squirrel, Sitamata shelters leopard, striped hyena, sloth bear, four-horned antelope, nilgai, spotted deer, sambar, wild boar and pangolin, plus nearly 130 bird species, according to forest and reference sources. By day you are most likely to see antelope and birds; leopards stay shy and are rarely seen.

Last updated and sources

Go if you want a quiet forest and the chance of a flying squirrel at dusk rather than a polished safari; this is for patient, nature-minded travellers. Visit from February into March for the best sightings, and treat every glide as luck earned by sitting still.

Last updated: 3 October 2026. Fees, timings and permits change — reconfirm with official sources before you travel.

Sources: Incredible India — Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary; Wikipedia — Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary (area, coordinates, fauna); RoundGlass Sustain — flying squirrel and habitat; Rajasthan Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Rules, 2023 — fees and mela exemption; Wikipedia — Pratapgarh district, Rajasthan (road and rail access); RajRAS — Sitamata Wildlife Sanctuary (establishment, zones, flora). Accessed October 2026.