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INTRODUCTION

The Sariska National Park sprawls over an area of about 800 sq km in the Alwar district of Rajasthan with the Aravalli range in its backdrop. Sharp cliffs of hills and narrow valleys of the Aravallis dominate the landscape of Sariska, whose forests are dry and deciduous.

The declaration of this place as a sanctuary happened in the year 1955.But however it got the title of a National park in 1982 only after it came under the Project Tiger in 1979.Apart from its excellent flora and fauna Sariska National Park boasts of historical ruins and monuments thus symbolizing its past history. It was the hunting reserve of the Maharaja of Alwar.The other main factor which attracts a lot of tourist crowd to this place is its proximity to the famous tourist's destinations in Agra and Delhi.

ORIENTATION

The Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary at a distance of about 107 km from the capital city of Rajasthan is situated in the Alwar district of Rajasthan.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

The ideal time to visit the Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary is between the months of January to June. But however it remains open throughout the year.

PLACES OF INTERESTS

The Flora

The Sariska National Park is dominantly occupied by dry deciduous trees like Dhok, Khair, Tendu, Ber, Surwal and Goria where they make majority of the vegetation.Though the forest looks dry in the summer months it becomes nice and green with full of trees in the winter.

Fauna

Though the tiger seems to be the major attraction of Sariska Wildlife sanctuary it is not seen as easily in any other wildlife sanctuaries for it here the tigers are said to be very active only during the nights.

Apart from the tigers the other animals include Leopard, Wild Dog, Jackal, Sambhar, Chital, Nilgai, Four-Horned Antelope, Wild Boar, Rhesus Macaque, Langur, Hyena and Jungle Cats. Some rare animals especially seen in the evenings are Indian Porcupine, Striped Hyaena, Indian Palm Civet and even Leopard.

The Birds

The avian population in Sariska includes both native and migratory birds. The birds seen in this sanctuary includes Peafowl, Red Jungle Fowl, Spur Fowls, White Breasted Kingfishers, Golden Backed Woodpeckers, Great Indian Horned Owls, Quails, Partridges, Sangrouse, Tree Pies, Crested Serpent Eagles, Parakeets,Drongos,Sunbirds and Vultures.

Reptiles

Among reptiles snakes of different species and a number of Gharials can also be sighted near the Silsereh Lake in the park.

Kankwari Fort

The Kankwari Fort within the Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary is situated on a hilltop overlooking the Kankawadi Plateau. It at least takes two hours drive from the main entrance and can be reached only with the help of a jeep. This fort is quite famous for it is here where the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb captivated his brother Dara Shikoh.

The Kankwari Fort provides a splendid view of the surrounding Gujjar villages. From here you can also get the sight of animals along with the avian population.

Neelkanth Temple

The Neelkanth Temple within the limits of the Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary belongs to the 6th-13th century AD. Though now it remains in ruins it affords a wonderful sight to the visitors which should never be missed.

Pandupol

This temple is one of the main reason for which it remains open throughout the year. The presiding deity of this temple is Lord Hanuman and people come from the neighboring village especially on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

Siliserh Lake

The picturesque Siliserh Lake is situated along the edge of the Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary. A number of crocodiles inhabit this lake, which is one of the main attractions in Sariska. A hunting lodge that overlooks the lake is a nice place to spend your vacation.

Jeep Safari

Jeep safaris are undertaken during the early morning hours till evening. A forest department guide is always their with the visitors on these jeep trips taken inside the park. There is a fixed entry and exit time into the forest.

The Jeep Safari in Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary takes you through the open grasslands, ruins of Wilderness and other forested areas where you can spot wild animals near these places.

Hide in Machans

This is one of the major adventurous tourist attraction in Sariska.The forest department has constructed hides at strategic location so as to sight the wild animals in close proximity.Kalighat and Salopka are two most famous hides which promises you the sight of wild animals.

Shopping

There is nothing much to shop in Sariska,if you are very much interested then take a ride to the state capital Jaipur where you can buy jewelery made of precious and semi-precious stones,Jaipur textiles especially the bandhej,brass work, antiques and marble carvings