The Sariska Tiger Reserve is one of the most famous national parks in India located in the Alwar district of the state of Rajasthan. Originally a hunting preserve of the erstwhile Alwar state, the area was declared a wildlife reserve in 1955. Sariska can be defined as a place of ruggedly beautiful contrasts and untamed wildernesses. It is situated in the state of Rajasthan in the backdrop of the Aravali Hills. Earlier Sariska was the hunting reserve of the royal family of Alwar. In 1978, it was given the status of a tiger reserve making it a part of India's Project Tiger scheme. The present area of the park is 866 km². The park is situated 107 km from Jaipur and 200 km from Delhi. The topography of Sariska supports scrub-thorn arid forests, dry deciduous forests, rocks and grasses. Besides its rich flora nad fauna this wildlife sanctuary boasts of some exotic temples belonging to the medieval time. One can spot the ruins of the temples of the Hindu God Shiva and Garh-Rajor.
The broad range of wildlife at Sariska is a treat for an animal and nature lover. The topography of Sariska comprises of the valleys of the Aravali hill range which makes it an ideal habitat for a diverse range of animals. Some of the wildlife found in the Sariska Tiger Reserve include the Bengal tiger, leopard, jungle cat, hyena, jackal, chital, sambar, caracal, langur, wild boar, four-horned deer (chowsingha) and several species of birds. The reserve's tiger population nearly disappeared in 2005, however after sustained efforts by Wildlife Institute of India (WII) and state government of Rajasthan, the crisis was averted. If you happen to hear the melodious chirping of birds then do not be surprised because Sariska is home to gray partridges, gray partridges, peafowl, white-breasted kingfishers, crested serpent eagles and quails. The park's wild inhabitants may be spotted at the many water holes of the park. There are the ruins of a temple complex where excavations are still occuring and one of the prominent temples is the Neelkanth temple. The ruins date back to a period between 6th and 13th century. The broken yet noble statues lying littered on the grounds tantalisingly tease and will not yield their secrets easily. It is a fascinating place for those that have a passion for romance with the past.
Climate : 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. Certain jungle tracks are closed during the monsoon and the breeding season just to safeguard the animals and the reserve. If you can tolerate heat, April to June is ideal to catch-hold of the animals at the waterholes.
Get IN :
By Air : The nearest airport from Sariska National Park is at Jaipur. Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary is 200 kms from Delhi and 107 kms from Jaipur. Tourists can conveniently travel from both these cities by roadways.
By Rail : The nearest rail junction is Alwar at a distance of 35 kms.
By Road : Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary is situated on the Delhi-Jaipur highway near Jaipur and Delhi. Sariska is also well connected with Alwar. Buses that ply between Delhi and Jaipur also go via Alwar and Sariska.
