Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary

Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary: Facts and Figures

Area	:	474 sq km
Languages	:	English, Hindi
Best Time to Visit	:	October to Mid June

Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary: Introduction

Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary (near Alwar) is situated in the state of Rajasthan in the backdrop of the Aravali Hills. This Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary, which is quite near to Rajasthan's capital Jaipur, was declared a sanctuary in 1955. It came under the Project Tiger in 1979 and became a national park in 1982. The Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary boasts of a quite a few tigers and other interesting flora and fauna. There are also historical ruins and monuments within Sariska's confines that are symbolic of its past.

Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary: Climate

Summers in Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary (April - June) have high temperatures around 38. 40°C. The monsoon season is not marked by very heavy rainfall because of which the fall in temperature is not more than a few degrees. Even then, many people prefer to travel to Sariska, for, due to the heat, the wild animals are found hovering around the jungle's water spots. Weather, however, becomes chilly in winters (October-March).

Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary: Biosphere

Rajasthan is a pristine platform for viewing wildlife in the country because of its two national parks and over a dozen sanctuaries. Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its tigers. According to the latest available data, there are about 35 tigers at Sariska. Other predators of the forest include the panther, jungle cat, jackal, hyena, and fox. Also found are sambhar, chital, wild boar, hare, nilgai, civet, four-horned antelope, gaur (Indian bison) and porcupine. Birds found here include peafowl, gray partridges, quails, sand grouses, tree pies, white-breasted kingfishers, golden-backed woodpeckers, crested serpent eagles, vultures and horned owls. Since the last decade, caracals have also been spotted at Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary.

The landscape of Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary comprises of hills and narrow valleys of the Aravali hill range. The topography of Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary 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, especially in terms of rainfall, which is desperately needed to replenish the region.

Apart from wildlife, there is touch of historicity as well. Located inside the Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary are ruins of medieval temples of the Hindu God Shiva. The ruins of the temple Garh-Rajor, built in the 10th century, are scattered all over the jungle. A 17th-century castle on a sharp hilltop at Kanakwari provides an excellent view of Sariska. s avian inhabitants in full flight. It is in this fort that Mughal emperor Aurangzeb once imprisoned his very own brother, Dara Shikoh. There is also a palace built by the erstwhile Maharajas of Alwar that has now been converted into a hotel.

The wild inhabitants of Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary may be spotted at the many water holes of the park. However, if the region has kindled the wild spirit in you or if you are determined not to leave without some good wildlife photographs, then booking a `hide' is an excellent option. These spots overlook the various water holes of Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary, which the animals frequent.

Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary: How to Reach

Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary is 200 km from Delhi and 107 km from Jaipur. Tourists conveniently drive down from both these urban centers. Buses that ply between Delhi and Jaipur also go via Alwar and Sariska. The nearest rail junction is Alwar at a distance of 35 km. The nearest national airport is Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan.

Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary: Where to Stay

There is good and reasonably priced accommodation in and around Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary. Options range from forest lodges to the former royal residence of the Maharaja of Alwar. Sariska Palace Hotel, RTDC Tiger Den Tourist Bungalow, Siliserh Palace Hotel, Hotel Lake Palace are few of the popular ones. Eating is no cause for concern as most of these rest houses and hotels provide continental as well as Indian cuisine.

Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary: Links to outside world

Telephone facilities are available at all the places providing accommodation around Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary. Stamped mail may also be left for dispatch at the forest reserve itself. The town nearest to Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary is Alwar where good medical (chemists, hospitals) and communication (post, telegraph, phone and fax) facilities are available.
Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary: Travel Tips

During summer, light cottons are suitable, but for the winters, woolen clothing is recommended at Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary. While staying out for the night in one of the many hides of Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary, carrying your own sleeping bag is advisable although provisions for food can be made at one of the region. s many hotels and lodges.

Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary: Nearby Places

A mere 107 km away from Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary is situated the pink city of Jaipur, founded by Maharaja Jai Singh. The town with its forts, palaces, and museums should not be missed. Other historical cities like Jodhpur (331 km) and Udaipur (405 km) are well approachable by rail and road from Jaipur.