Introduction :
Sariska National Park is probably one of the most visited parks in India.
Unfortunately though, the main reason for this is not wildlife enthusiasm
but only it's excellent proximity to some large towns like Delhi and Jaipur.
The park was, as with many other parks, the hunting reserve of the royal
family in the area. In this case, it was the Royal family of Alwar. The
reserve was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1958 and came under the "Project
Tiger" as a tiger reserve in 1979.
The park covers quite a large area of 800 square kilometers, 480 square
kilometers of which form the core area of the national park. It is located
among the Aravalli hill ranges in the Alwar district of Rajasthan. Due to
the presence of monuments of religious importance located within the park
boundaries, the park authorities are compelled to keep the park open
throughout the year. Unfortunately, the only restrictions they are able to
impose during this "off-season" period are those on entry into the
jungle routes. The main road is kept open all year round. The season during
which the jungles can be properly explored is from November to June. The
summer months are better for animal viewing but are extremely hot with
temperatures going up to as high as 49 degrees centigrade.
Within the Sanctuary, there are also historical ruins of monuments symbolic
of its past.The Kankwari Fort, where Emperor Aurangzeb once imprisoned his
brother Dara Shikoh, the ancient Shiva Neelkanth Temples that date back to
the 6th-13th century A.D. and the Palace built by the Maharajas of Alwar,
now converted into a hotel, are all great sights.
Prime Attractions of the Sariska National Park :
Sariska National Park is known for its tigers, its most popular resident,
According to the latest available data, there are about 35 tigers at
Sariska. Rajasthan is a pristine platform for viewing wildlife in the
country because of its two national parks and over a dozen sanctuaries.
» Fauna - 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.
» Other Attractions - Its most popular resident, the
tiger along with other wildlife including sambhar, chital, wild boar, hare,
nilgai, civet, four-horned antelope, gaur (Indian bison) and porcupine.
Safaris :
The best way to visit the Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary is by Jeep and these
can be arranged at the Forest Reception Office on the Jaipur Road. Booking
an inconspicuous 'hide', overlooking one of the waterholes, can provide an
excellent opportunity for wildlife viewing and wildlife photography.
Best Time To Visit :
Sariska is open to visitors throughout the year, although certain jungle
tracks are closed during the monsoon and the breeding season. The best time
to visit the park is late in the winter around January or February. If you
don't mind the heat, April to June is a great time to see animals at the
waterholes.
