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Sariska, in
Rajasthan, the erstwhile royal preserve of the rulers of
Alwar, became a sanctuary in the year 1958.
 The
sanctuary came under the Project Tiger in 1979 and became
a national park in 1982. It is located at Kankwari fort,
near Alwar, on the Delhi - Jaipur Highway. The terrain is
predominantly hilly, as it lies in the Aravalli range. It
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 quaint
hunting lodge overlooking it.
At last
count in 1985, there 35 tigers were reported. Other
carnivores of the area are the panther, jungle cat, jackal
and hyena. Three caracals were also reported during the
last census in 1985. Other animals include the sambar,
chital, wild boar, hare, nilgai and umpteen porcupines.
The
birdlife 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.
Magnificent
ruins peppered around the neighbourhood of Sariska add to
the region's fascination. The Neelkanth (Shiva) temples
(6th-13th century AD) are just 32 kms from the Park and
the ancient Kankwari Fort inside the Reserve, is where
Emperor Aurangzeb once held his brother Dara Shikoh
captive. A beautiful palace complex built in 1902 has been
converted into a hotel.
How to
reach there
You can
reach Jaipur by air which is 108 kilometres from the
sanctuary.
Nearest town and rail link is at Alwar, which is 21
kilometres from the park.
When to
visit
October to
June is the best time to visit the Park.
Hotels
to stay
Tiger Den (RTDC);
Hotel Lake Palace (RTDC), Sisilerh; Sariska Palace Hotel
(Heritage Hotel); Forest Rest House.
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