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Sariska
National Park is one of the India’s most exciting
wildlife reserves. Sariska National Park lies in the
Aravalli hills in Rajasthan and spread over a core area of 498 square
km. This park can be easily reached from Alwar, Delhi
and Jaipur and about 40 km from Alwar and 107 km from
Jaipur. Once, Sariska was the hunting ground of the
Maharajas of Alwar, but later became a wildlife
sanctuary in 1958 by the government of India. In 1979,
it was brought under the Project Tiger and was given a
status of national park in 1982.The landscape in Sariska
comprises of low hills, wide valleys, steep escarpment,
hill plateaus and narrow valleys of the Aravali hill
range. The topography supports scrub-thorn arid forests,
dry deciduous forests, rocks and grasses. The major
plants that one can find here are Dhok, Khair, Tendu and
Ber. The plants remain lush and green during the monsoon
and summers. Today, Sariska is a major milk producing
region, and cattle have crowded the |
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forestlands
and pastures around the park, so that the population of
wildlife has shrunk to the limits of the park alone. Human
population and the presence of religious spots around and
inside the park have further led to the deterioration of the
environment.
Major Attractions in the Sariska
National Park
The Sariska National Park is known for its tigers. According
to the latest available data, there are about 35 tigers in the
park here. Besides tiger, Sariska has a very good population
of Sambhar, Chital, Nilgai, Leopard, Jackal, Hyena, Wild dog,
Four-horned Antelope, Wild Boar, Common Langur, Caracal,
Jungle Cat, Porcupines and Crocodiles. Water holes have also
been created at various spots in the sanctuary. These water
holes are now acting as the nerve centers of the sanctuary and
various animals can be easily seen here during summers.
Various tourists often gather at the hides located close to
the waterholes to view and photograph the animals. Besides
animals various birds can also be seen in Sariska National
Park like Grey Partridges, White-breasted Kingfisher,
Golden-backed woodpecker, Peacock, Red Spurfowl, Pigeons,
Quails, Sand Grouses, Parakeets, Kites, Eagle. Owl and
Vultures.
The Sariska National Park offers a wide range of activities
such as a jungle safari in and around the park in the mornings
and evenings, observing the wildlife at the waterholes, or
photographing wildlife from the many hideouts provided in the
park.
Best time to visit Sariska National Park
The Sariska National Park can be visited throughout the year
except during July and August when animals move to higher
ground. The best season to visit the park is from November to
June. June is the best month for game viewing. The best way to
visit the Sariska National Park is either by having a Jeep
Safari or Canter Safari.
Other Attractions in Sariska National Park
There are also historical ruins and monuments within Sariska
which are the symbol of the rich past of Alwar. Various
ancient temples and forts are also situated within the
premises of the park.
Kanakwari Fort
Among the historic landmarks located within the Sariska
national park, includes the Kanakwari Fort. This is the fort
where Emperor Aurangzeb once imprisoned his brother, Dara
Shikoh. The Kanakwadi fort also had links with Mughal history.
Now overgrown with weeds and shrubs, it stands majestically on
a hill overlooking the Kanakwadi plateau.
Ancient Shiva Temple
Within the area of the Sanctuary, Neelkanth temple, that
belongs from the 6th to 13th century AD, now in ruins, afford
a wonderful sight to the visitors. This ancient medieval
temple is dedicated to the Lord Shiva.
Sariska Palace
Sariska was known as the royal reserve of the rulers of Alwar.
The Sariska Palace was built by the Maharajas of Alwar and
this palace has now been converted into a heritage hotel.
Siliserh Lake
The Siliserh Lake is situated at the edge of the tiger
reserve, just off the Alwar-Sariska road. This lake has a
palace overlooking the lake which has now been converted into
a tourist resort. Crocodiles are the major inhabitants of this
lake and observing them basking on the shores of the lake can
be an interesting experience. |
