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Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary
This
Park is situated only 200 km from Delhi and 107 kms from Jaipur. Although larger
than Ranthambor, it is less commercialised and has less tigers but a similar
topography. It covers an area of 800 sq km in total, with a core area of approximately
500 sq km. The Northern Aravali Hills dominate the skyline with their mixture
of sharp cliffs and long narrow valleys. The area was declared a sanctuary in
1955 and became a National Park in 1979.
The landscape of Sariska comprises of hills and narrow valleys of the Aravali
hill range. The topography of Sariska supports scrub-thorn arid forests, dry
deciduous forests, rocks and grasses. The broad range of wildlife here is a
wonderful example of ecological adoption and tolerance, for the climate here
is variable as well as erratic.
It is located in the contemporary Alwar district and is the legacy of the Maharajas
of Alwar. Pavilions and Temples within Sariska are ruins that hint at past riches
and glory. The nearby Kankwadi Fort has a long and turbulent history.
In morning and evening, wildlife in Sariska heads towards the many water holes,
which litter the park, thus providing the guests with their best chance of viewing
game. At some of these watering holes it is possible to book hides which are
situated in prime spots for wildlife viewing.
The picturesque Siliserh Lake lies along the edge of the Sariska Tiger Reserve
and a charming hunting lodge overlooking it, is a marvelous place for visitors
to stay.
The dry Deciduous forests of the ancient Aravalli range, are excellent tiger
country and Sariska, was once the royal reserve of the rulers of Alwa''. Declared
a sanctuary in 1955, it became a Tiger Reserve in 1979 under Project Tiger Herds
of sambar, chital, nilgai and sounders of wild boar - the prey population for
predators like the tiger and leopard, roam the 765.80 sq km Reserve. Other carnivores
include the hyena, jungle cat, and caracal. Interestingly enough, the dhole
or wild dog has been sighted in the Park only in the last few years.
The
park is home to numerous carnivores including Leopard, Wild Dog, Jungle Cat,
Civets Hyena, Jackal, and Tiger. These feed on species such as Sambar, Chital,
Nilgai, Chausingha, Wild Boar and Langur. Sariska is also well known for its
large population of Rhesus Monkeys, which are found around Talvriksh.
The avian world is also well represented with Peafowl, Grey Partridge, Bush
Quail, Sand Grouse, Tree Pie, Golden backed Woodpecker, crested Serpent Eagle
and The Great Indian horned Owl.
The park is open almost whole year-round, but for wildlife viewing and your
comfort it is best to visit from October to April. Safaris are provided by jeep.
The Park has hides carefully located near the water holes. These afford fine
opportunities for viewing and photographing wildlife. Splendid ruins scattered
in the vicinity of Sariska give it an added interest.
The Neelkanth temples (6th-13th century AD) are just 32 km. from the Park and
the historic Kankwari Fort inside the Reserves is where the Emperor Aurangzeb
one imprisoned his brother Dara Shikoh. Splendid palace complex built in with
a 'French' pavilion and swimming pool, is now a hotel.
General Information:
Best Time to Visit: October to June.
Nearest Town: Alwar (21 km)
How to Get There:
Air: Jaipur (108 km)
Rail: Alwar (21 km)
Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary, Wildlife Sanctuaries in Rajasthan Reservation Form
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