Sariska
National park is one of most prominent Wildlife Reserve of
India. Sariska National Park is located on the Aravalli hills, this
park spreads over an area of about 500 square km. Sariska was the hunting
ground of the Maharajas of Alwar in the beginning, in the year 1958 it
became a wildlife sanctuary by the government of India. It came under
Project Tiger in 1979 and was declared as a national park in 1982.
Sariska
encompasses wide valleys, low hills, steep escarpment, valleys of the
Aravali hill range and hill plateaus. The topography of the region
supports dry deciduous forests, scrub-thorn arid forests, grasses and
rocks. Important plants which are found in Sariska are Tendu, Ber,
Dhok and Khair.
The
plants remain green and lush at the season of summers and monsoon.
This park can be easily reached from Jaipur, Delhi and Alwar, this
park is about 38 km from Alwar and 105 km from Jaipur. |
Sariska National Park View |
Today,
Sariska is a major milk producing region, and cattle have crowded the
territory and forest areas around the park, so that the population of
wildlife has shrunk to the limits of the park alone.
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Sariska
National Park is famous for tigers. About 30-35 tigers are
there in the park as per the latest available data. In addition to
tigers, other animals which can be seen in the park are: Four-horned
Antelope, Chital, Jackal, Common Langur, Crocodiles, Wild Boar,
Caracal, Sambhar, Leopard, Jungle Cat, Wild dog, Nilgai, Porcupines,
Hyena etc.
At various
spots of the sanctuary, water holes have also been created. These
water holes act as the nerve centers of the sanctuary. During summers
various animals can be spotted at these holes. Tourists assemble at
hides nearby the waterholes to view and photograph the animals.
Species of birds which are generally seen in the park are: Pigeons,
Eagle, Owl, Sand Grouses, Quails, Peacock, Grey Partridges,
White-breasted Kingfisher, Vultures, Parakeets, Kites, Red Spurfowl,
Golden-backed woodpecker etc. A number of activities can be offered at
the Sariska National Park like observing the wildlife at the
waterholes, a jungle safari in and around the park in the mornings and
evenings, photographing wildlife from the many hideouts of the park. |
Other
prominent tourist attractions in Sariska are its historical monuments
and ruins which are the evidence of the rich past of Alwar. Some of
the ancient forts and temples are also located within the premises of
the park.
Sariska
Palace: Sariska was well-known as the royal reserve of the rulers
of Alwar.
Sariska Palace
was founded by the Maharajas of Alwar and this palace has now been
converted into a heritage hotel.
Siliserh
Lake:
Siliserh Lake
is located at the edge of the tiger reserve after the Alwar-Sariska
road. There is a palace overlooking this lake which has now been
changed into a resort. Main inhabitants of this lake are the
crocodiles, observing the crocodiles on the shores of the lake is a
very amazing experience.
Ancient
Shiva Temple: This temple is situated within the area of the
Sanctuary, Popularly known as
Neelkanth
temple, this temple is devoted to Lord Shiva. This temple is a worth
visiting spot.
Kanakwari Fort: Kanakwari Fort is one of the historic landmarks
which are situated within the Sariska national park. This is the fort
where Emperor Aurangzeb imprisoned his brother, Dara Shikoh. Kanakwadi
fort also has a connection with Mughal history. The fort is overgrown
with wild flowers and plants. This fort stands majestically on a hill
overlooking the Kanakwadi plateau.
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