Sariska Travel Guide 
The
picturesque Siliserh Lake lies along the edge of the Sariska Tiger Reserve and
a charming hunting lodge overlooking it, is a marvelous place for visitors to
stay. The dry Deciduous forests of the ancient Aravalli range, are excellent tiger
country and Sariska, was once the royal reserve of the rulers of Alwa''.
Declared a sanctuary in 1955, it became a Tiger Reserve in 1979 under Project
Tiger Herds of sambar, chital, nilgai and sounders of wild boar - the prey population
for predators like the tiger and leopard, roam the 765.80 sq km Reserve. Other
carnivores include the hyena, jungle cat, and caracal. Interestingly enough, the
dhole or wild dog has been sighted in the Park only in the last few years.
The Park has hides carefully located near the water holes. These afford fine
opportunities for viewing and photographing wildlife. Splendid ruins scattered
in the vicinity of Sariska give it an added interest.
This park is situated
only 200 km from Delhi and 107 kms from Jaipur. Although larger than Ranthambor,
it is less commercialised and has less tigers but a similar topography. It covers
an area of 800 sq km in total, with a core area of approximately 500 sq km. The
Northern Aravali Hills dominate the skyline with their mixture of sharp cliffs
and long narrow valleys. The area was declared a sanctuary in 1955 and became
a National Park in 1979.
The landscape of Sariska comprises of hills
and narrow valleys of the Aravali hill range. The topography of Sariska supports
scrub-thorn arid forests, dry deciduous forests, rocks and grasses. The broad
range of wildlife here is a wonderful example of ecological adoption and tolerance,
for the climate here is variable as well as erratic.
It is located in the contemporary Alwar district and is the legacy of the Maharajas
of Alwar. Pavilions and Temples within Sariska are ruins that hint at past riches
and glory. The nearby Kankwadi Fort has a long and turbulent history.
In morning and evening, wildlife in Sariska heads towards the many water holes,
which litter the park, thus providing the guests with their best chance of viewing
game. At some of these watering holes it is possible to book hides which are situated
in prime spots for wildlife viewing.
The park is home to numerous carnivores
including Leopard, Wild Dog, Jungle Cat, Civets Hyena, Jackal, and Tiger. These
feed on species such as Sambar, Chital, Nilgai, Chausingha, Wild Boar and Langur.
Sariska is also well known for its large population of Rhesus Monkeys, which are
found around Talvriksh.
The avian world is also well represented with
Peafowl, Grey Partridge, Bush Quail, Sand Grouse, Tree Pie, Golden backed Woodpecker,
crested Serpent Eagle and The Great Indian horned Owl.
The park is open
almost whole year-round, but for wildlife viewing and your comfort it is best
to visit from October to April. Safaris are provided by jeep.
