Sariska National Park

Sariska National Park


Situated in Alwar district in the state of Rajasthan, Sariska is a popular tourist attraction for the Sariska Tiger Reserve. Established in 1955, the 866 sq km reserve was renamed Sariska National Tiger Reserve in 1978. 

Some of the abundantly found wildlife species here include Royal Bengal tiger, leopard, chital, Nilgai, langur, hyena, sambar, golden jackal and others. This place also has a large collection of birds such as peafowl, sand grouse, kingfisher, golden back wood pecker, crested eagle and great Indian horned owl, to name a few. 

Other than the Tiger Reserve, Sariska is also known for historical sites such as Kankawadi Fort which was built in the 17th century by Jai Singh II. Nearby Sariska are three more forts of historical importance – Bhangarh, Pratapgarh and Ajaibgarh. There are many temples in Sariska including the Hanuman Temple in Pandupol which is a popular pilgrimage place.

Bhatrihari is another pilgrimage site that remains crowded most of the year. It is said that the ruler and king of Ujjain, meditated at this site giving it the status of a holy pilgrimage site. Apart from temples and wildlife, there is the Sariska Palace which was in olden days used as a hunting lodge by Maharaja Jai Singh. 

In Sariska no private vehicles are allowed inside the park. There are Jeep Safaris for moving around and inside the Tiger Reserve and elephant rides which attract many international tourists as well. The best time to travel here is September – March. During this time, the weather remains comfortable for long jeep rides and other activities. 

Sariska is well connected by road from all cities in Rajasthan. It is just over 200 km from Delhi and 100 Km from Jaipur and can be reached by bus. The nearest airport is 110 km away at Jaipur and the nearest railhead is Alwar, at a distance of 36 km


BEST TIME TO VISIT
Summers (April-June) have high temperatures around 38-40°C. The monsoon season is not marked by very heavy rainfall because of which the fall in temperature is not more than a few degrees. Even then, many people prefer to travel to Sariska, for, due to the heat, the wild animals are found hovering around the jungle's water spots. Weather, however, becomes chilly in winters (October-March).

TOURISTS ATTRACTIONS
Rajasthan is a pristine platform for viewing wildlife in the country because of its two national parks and over a dozen sanctuaries. Sariska National Park is known for its tigers. According to the latest available data, there are about 35 tigers at Sariska. Other predators of the forest include the panther, jungle cat, jackal, hyena, and fox. Also found are sambhar, chital, wild boar, hare, nilgai, civet, four-horned antelope, gaur (Indian bison) and porcupine. Birds found here include peafowl, gray partridges, quails, sand grouses, tree pies, white-breasted kingfishers, golden-backed woodpeckers, crested serpent eagles, vultures and horned owls. Since the last decade, caracals have also been spotted here.

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, especially in terms of rainfall, which is desperately needed to replenish the region. 

Apart from wildlife, there is touch of historicity as well. Located inside the park are ruins of medieval temples of the Hindu God Shiva. The ruins of the temple Garh-Rajor, built in the 10th century, are scattered all over the jungle. A 17th-century castle on a sharp hilltop at Kanakwari provides an excellent view of Sariska's avian inhabitants in full flight. It is in this fort that

Mughal emperor Aurangzeb once imprisoned his very own brother, Dara Shikoh. There is also a palace built by the erstwhile Maharajas of Alwar that has now been converted into a hotel.

The park's wild inhabitants may be spotted at the many water holes of the park. However, if the region has kindled the wild spirit in you or if you are determined not to leave without some good wildlife photographs, then booking a `hide' is an excellent option. These spots overlook the various water holes of Sariska, which the animals frequent. 

Flora - The vegetation of the Sariska National Park consists of grassland, dry deciduous forests and scrub-thorn arid forests. Dhok, Khair, Tendu, Ber, Surwal and Goria form the principal vegetation of the park. The park appears dry in the summer months, however during winters, it is extremely dense with green trees and plants.

Animals - The prime attraction of the park is definitely the Tiger, though its elusive nature forces the visitors to look for other animals more attentively. The animals population of the park that have a considerable to good presence in the park include Leopard, Wild Dog, Jackal, Sambhar, Chital, Nilgai, Four-Horned Antelope, Wild Boar, Rhesus Macaque, Langur, Hyena and Jungle Cats

Reptiles - A good number of Gharials can also be sighted near the Silsereh Lake in the park.

Birds - The bird species of the park include Peafowl, Red Jungle Fowl, Spur Fowls, White Breasted Kingfishers, Golden Backed Woodpeckers, Great Indian Horned Owls, Quails, Partridges, Sangrouse, Tree Pies, Crested Serpent Eagles, Parakeets, Drongos, Sunbirds andVulture. However, the prime attraction, nevertheless remains the national bird of the country, Peacock. With the advent of monsoon, the peacocks spread their feathred tail and perform a beautiful dance that nearly has the visitors clapping with delight.

Visit Kankwari Fort - Within the Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary, this is a fort where once the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb capitivated his brother, Dara Shikoh. The fort provides a comprehensive view of the surrounding villages. The fort is situated at a distance of two hours drive from the main entrance and it is advisable to visit it only if on a Four Wheel Drive. Special care should be taken during the monsoon.

Visit the Temples - There are two prominent temples within the park premises out of which one is dedicated to to Lord Shiva ( the Neelkanth Temples) and the other one dedicated to Lord Hanuman (Pandupol). The temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman attract a huge number of devotees from the surrounding areas specially on Tuesdays and Saturdays. During these two days, buses filled with people are allowed to enter the park. The temples of the park are the prime reason which is responsible for opening up of the park throughout the year.

Enjoy Jeep Safari - Jeep Safaris in the park are a real pleasure that allow the tourists to explore the wildlife of the park really well. Jeeps can be hired from the hotel or from local operators apart from Forest Reception Office.

Hide in Machans - This is one thrilling option for tourists who love a bit of extra adventure during their trip. Sariska National Park has some excellent hides constructed at strategic loaction, like near waterholes, so as to enable the tourists to view the wildlife more closely. Two of the most famous hides, Kalighat and Salopka are perfect place to spend an hour or two early in the morning or late in the evening when the animals and birds are on move.

PLACES AROUND SARISKA NATIONAL PARK
A mere 107 km away from Sariska National Park is situated the pink city of Jaipur, founded by Maharaja Jai Singh. The town with its forts, palaces, and museums should not be missed. Other historical cities like Jodhpur (331 km) and Udaipur (405 km) are well approachable by rail and road from Jaipur.

HOW TO REACH

Sariska National Park is 200 km from Delhi and 107 km from Jaipur. Tourists conveniently drive down from both these urban centers. Buses that ply between Delhi and Jaipur also go via Alwar and Sariska. The nearest rail junction is Alwar at a distance of 35 km, from where you can hire a taxi or travel by bus to the park. The nearest national airport is Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan.