Location
Set amongst the scrubby Aravali Hills, the Sariska Tiger Reserve sprawls
across dry thorny deciduous forests, ninety per cent of it almost covered by
the Dhok tree. Sariska Tiger Reserve is just 107 km from Jaipur, and about
200 km from Delhi. Sariska in the state of Rajasthan. It is located at
Kankwari fort, near Alwar, on the Delhi - Alwar - Jaipur Highway. The
terrain is predominantly hilly, as it lies in the Aravalli range.
The Tiger Reserve
Sariska is one of the many protected sanctuaries in India where Project
Tiger met with success. Sariska was declared a Sanctuary in 1955 and became
a Tiger Reserve in 1979. In 1982, Sariska Tiger Reserve was included in the
National Park category. Home of the majestic Tiger, Sariska is also
inhabited by other wildlife including the Leopard, Panther, Jungle Cat,
Jackal, Hyena, and Fox. The authorities endeavours to make Sariska more
animal-friendly. For this they have plans to create artificial waterholes,
divert the roads that disrupt the serenity of the Reserve and find ways to
restrict the biggest threat, poachers. The park has total area of 788 sq.
kilometres, with a core area of approximately 474 sq. kilometres. The
beautiful Siliserh Lake runs along the edge of the reserve, with a old &
stylish hunting lodge overlooking it.
Tourist Attractions
Though Tigers are the major attraction of the park, the sanctuary also
houses many historical ruins of monuments symbolic of its past, all of them
are great attractions of the Reserve.
Wildlife : Tiger, Leopard, Wild Dog, Jungle Cat, Hyena, Jackal, Panther,
Sambhar, Chital, Wild Boar, Gaur, Four-horned Antelope and Porcupine, among
others. Bird species include Peafowl, Grey Partridge, Bush Quail, Sand
Grouse, Tree Pie, Golden-backed Woodpecker, Crested Serpent Eagle and the
Great Indian Horned Owl, among others.
The bird-life comprises of the pea fowl, gray partridge, quail, sand
grouse, tree pie, white breasted kingfisher, golden - backed woodpecker,
crested serpent eagle and great Indian horned owl.
Temples
The park houses ruins of many temples.
The Kankwari Fort
The Sariska Park has historic overtones. Emperor Aurangzeb once imprisoned
his brother, Dara Shikoh here.
The Ancient Shiva Temples
The Neelkanth temples (6th-13th century AD), which are now in ruins, afford
a wonderful sight to the visitors.
The Palace
Sariska was once the royal reserve of the rulers of Alwar. This palace
built by the Maharajas of Alwar in 1902, has now been converted into a
hotel.
Reaching Sariska Tiger Reserve
By Air: Jaipur is the nearest airport from Sariska at a distance of
107 kms.
By Rail : The nearest railway station is at Alwar (37 kms).
By Road: It is also well connected with Alwar, which is further
directly connected with bus services from Delhi and Jaipur.
