Rajasthan Tour - Rajasthan Tourism - Sariska National Park, Alwar

Sariska National Park, Alwar

grasses. The major plants that one can find here are dhok, khair, tendu and ber. The plants remain lush and green during the monsoon and summers. Today, Sariska is a major milk producing region, and cattle have crowded the forestlands and pastures around the park, so that the population of wildlife has shrunk to the limits of the park alone. Human population and the presence of religious spots around and inside the park have further led to the deterioration of the environment.

The Sariska National Park is known for its tigers. According to the latest available data, there are about 35 tigers in the park here. Besides tiger, Sariska has a very good population of Sambhar, Chital, Nilgai, Leopard, Jackal, Hyena, Wild dog, Four-horned Antelope, Wild Boar, Common Langur, Caracal, Jungle Cat, Porcupines and Crocodiles. Water holes have also been created at various spots in the sanctuary. These water holes are now acting as the nerve centers of the sanctuary and various animals can be easily seen here during summers. Various tourists often gather at the hides located close to the waterholes to view and photograph the animals. Besides animals various birds can also be seen in Sariska National Park like Grey Partridges, White-breasted Kingfisher, Golden-backed woodpecker, Peacock, Red Spurfowl, Pigeons, Quails, Sand Grouses, Parakeets, Kites, Eagle. Owl and Vultures.

The Sariska National Park offers a wide range of activities such as a jungle safari in and around the park in the mornings and evenings, observing the wildlife at the waterholes, or photographing wildlife from the many hideouts provided in the park.

The sanctuary can be visited throughout the year except during July and August when animals move to higher ground. The best season to visit the park is from November to June. June is the best month for game viewing. The best way to visit the Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary is either by having a Jeep Safari or Canter Safari.

Other Attractions in Sariska National Park
There are also historical ruins and monuments within Sariska which are the symbol of the rich past of Alwar. Various ancient temples and forts are also situated within the premises of the park.

Kanakwari Fort: Among the historic landmarks located within the Sariska national park, includes the Kanakwari Fort. This is the fort where Emperor Aurangzeb once imprisoned his brother, Dara Shikoh. The Kanakwadi fort also had links with Mughal history. Now overgrown with weeds and shrubs, it stands majestically on a hill overlooking the Kanakwadi plateau.

Ancient Shiva Temple: Within the area of the Sanctuary, Neelkanth temple, that belongs from the 6th to 13th century AD, now in ruins, afford a wonderful sight to the visitors. This ancient medieval temple is dedicated to the Lord Shiva.

Sariska Palace: Sariska was known as the royal reserve of the rulers of Alwar. The Sariska Palace was built by the Maharajas of Alwar and this palace has now been converted into a heritage hotel.

Siliserh Lake: The Siliserh Lake is situated at the edge of the tiger reserve, just off the Alwar-Sariska road. This lake has a palace overlooking the lake which has now been converted into a tourist resort. Crocodiles are the major inhabitants of this lake and observing them basking on the shores of the lake can be an interesting experience.