Located
in the Alwar district, Sariska was declared a sanctuary in the year
1955. Spread over an area of 800 sq km (core area 500 sq km), the
sanctuary was further given the status of a National Park in 1979. The
topography of the sanctuary is quite similar to that of Ranthambore
National Park. Northern Aravalli range dominates the Sariska landscape,
with sharp cliffs and narrow valleys. Scrub-thorn arid forests, dry
deciduous forests, rocks and grasses, all contribute to the geographical
features of Sariska in Rajasthan, India. The climate of Sariska is both
inconsistent as well as unpredictable. Read on this Sariska travel guide to know more about this tiger reserve:
Sariska National Park tour will bring you forth the exotic wildlife of the sanctuary. The wildlife of the Sariska wildlife sanctuary boasts of Tiger, Hyena, Jungle Cat, Jackal, Sambar, Wild Dog, Chital, Langur, Nilgai, Leopard, Chausingha, Civets, Wild Boar, Rhesus Monkeys, etc. The park is home to a wide variety of bird species also. Finding a habitat in this sanctuary are Golden backed Woodpecker, Tree Pie, Peafowl, crested Serpent Eagle, Sand Grouse, The Great Indian horned Owl, Grey Partridge, Bush Quail, etc.
Sariska National Park is the heritage of the former rulers of Alwar. Standing as a witness to the rich historical past of the sanctuary are numerous pavilions and temples. One of the famous monuments inside Sariska is the Kankwari Fort. As per the historical records, Mughal emperor Aurangzeb imprisoned his elder brother, Dara Shikoh, in this fort. Along with that, there is also a palace inside the Sariska Tiger Reserve built by the former rulers of Alwar. Then, there is an ancient Shiva temple inside the sanctuary, dating back to the 6th-13th century. The park remains open almost throughout the year, but the best time to visit is during the months of October to April.
