Sariska National Park
Sariska is located at Kankwari fort, near Alwar, on the Delhi - Jaipur
Highway. The terrain is predominantly hilly, as it lies in the Aravalli
range. It has total area of 788 sq. kms., with a core area of approximately
474 sq. kms. The beautiful Siliserh Lake runs along the edge of the
reserve, with a quaint hunting lodge overlooking it.
At last count in 1985, 35 tigers were reported. Other carnivores of
the area are the panther, jungle cat, jackal and hyena. Three caracals
were also reported during the last census in 1985. Other animals include
the samber, chital, wild boar, hare, nilgai and different speciaes
of porcupines.
The birdlife comprises the pea fowl, grey partridge, quail, sand grouse,
tree pie, white breasted kingfisher, golden - backed woodpecker, crested
serpent eagle and great Indian horned owl.
Sariska Tiger Reserve is well nestled in the Aravali Hills covering
800 sq km area divided into the grasslands, dry deciduous forests,
sheer cliffs and rocky landscape. Whether you want to have camel safaris,
go out for shopping in the surrounding places, visit medieval palaces
or wildlife watching; Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary is the best place
for you.
Nearly 90% of the area in the sanctuary is covered with dhok trees
accommodating various wildlife species. A variety of other wild animals
like the leopard, sambhar, chital, nilgai, four-horned antelope, wild
boar, rhesus macaque, langur, hyena and jungle cats are found in the
Sariska Tiger Reserve apart from the tiger. The Sariska National Park
is home to India's largest population of peafowl, and harbours quail,
sand grouse, golden- backed woodpeckers and crested serpent eagles,
among other species. Also the Siliserh Lake on the edge of the park
has a large number of crocodiles.
The Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary houses the ruins of medieval temples
of Garh-Rajor that date back to the 10th and 11th centuries. Also
a 17th century castle on a hilltop at Kankwari provides a panoramic
view of flying vultures and eagles. The Sariska was declared a sanctuary
in 1955 and attained the status of a National Park in 1979.
Wildlife in Sariska Tiger Reserve
The Sariska Tiger Reserve is home to a number of carnivores including
Leopard, Wild Dog, Jungle Cat, Hyena, Jackal, and Tiger. The herbivore
category in Sariska includes Sambhar, Chitel, Nilgai, Chausingha,
Wild Boar and Langur. Sariska wildlife sanctuary is also known for
its large population of Rhesus Monkeys.
There are also many bird species in Sariska Tiger Reserve, namely;
Peafowl, Grey Partridge, Bush Quail, Sand Grouse, Tree Pie, Golden
Backed Wood Pecker, Crested Serpent Eagle and the Great Indian Horned
Owl. Special Attractions in Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary
The Kankwari Fort: The major historic structure within the
Sariska National Park includes the Kankwari Fort where Emperor Aurangzeb
once imprisoned his brother, Dara Shikoh.
The Ancient Shiva Temples: The Neelkanth Temples within the
Sariska Tiger Sanctuary date back to the 6th -13th century AD, though
in dilapidated condition, is a must visit.
The Sariska Palace: The Maharajas of Alwar built the Sariska
Palace standing amidst the Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary. The Palace
has now been converted into a hotel.
Jeep Safari : The best way to explore the Sariska Wildlife
Sanctuary is by jeep which can be arranged at the Forest Reception
Office on Jaipur Road. You can even book a `hide' overlooking one
of the water holes, and also provides an excellent opportunity for
wildlife viewing and wildlife photography within the Sariska Wildlife
Sanctuary.
When to Visit Sariska Tiger Reserve
As such, the Sariska Tiger Reserve can be visited throughout the year;
still the best time to have Sariska tour is from October - June and
January - February. Certain jungle tracks are closed during the monsoon
and the breeding season just to safeguard the animals and the reserve.
If you can tolerate heat, April to June is ideal to catch-hold of
the animals at the waterholes.
How To Reach Sariska National Park
By Air: The nearest airport from Sariska National Park is at Jaipur.
By Rail: The nearest railhead is at Alwar at a distance of 37-kms.
By Road: Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary is situated on the Delhi-Jaipur
highway near Jaipur and Delhi. Sariska is also well connected with
Alwar.
General Information
You need an entry permit to enter Sariska Tiger Reserve. These permits
are available at the gate to Sariska for Rs 25 per person. Extra charges
have to be paid for cameras (about Rs 10) and vehicles (Rs 100 for
a minibus; Rs 75 for jeeps and cars).
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