Sariska Tiger Reserve, India

Jungle Highlights :Tigers, Leopard and Wild Dog

This 800 sq km long area was declared a Sanctuary in 1955. Later in 1979 Sariska became Sariska Tiger Reserve. Just 107 kms from Jaipur, Sariska Tiger Reserve is set amidst the scrubby Aravali Hills of Rajasthan. Earlier Sariska was the hunting reserve of the royal family of Alwar. But now it's famous for being home to the majestic tigers. It turned into a national park in 1982. Apart from the wildlife the ruins of temples of Garh-Rajor of the 10th and 11th, hill-fort Kankwari remind of the past glories of the area. For its close proximity to the cities like Delhi and Jaipur, Sariska is probably one of the most visited parks in India.
Major wildlife attractions in Sariska Tiger Reserve
Sariska National Park is greened by grassland, dry deciduous forests and scrub-thorn arid forests. Dhok, Khair, Tendu, Ber, Surwal and Goria are the main vegetation of the park. According to the latest available data, there are about 35 tigers there presently. Near the Silsereh Lake, you will find a good number of Gharials. Accompanying the tigers you will find here animals like Leopard, Wild Dog, Jackal, Sambhar, Chital, Nilgai, Four-Horned Antelope, Wild Boar, Rhesus Macaque, Langur, Hyena and Jungle Cats. This park is home to gray partridges, gray partridges, peafowl, white-breasted kingfishers, crested serpent eagles and quails.



Things to do in Sariska Tiger Reserve
Here you can enjoy very selective recreations. Enjoy elephant safari as it will make feel like the part of the whole nature and offer the million dollar opportunity to watch natural habitants in a very close proximity. While enjoying safari you will enjoy wildlife viewing and photography in Sariska. Apart from elephant Safari other most popular things to do in Sariska Tiger reserve are

Nature Trail
The broad range of wildlife at Sariska is a treat for the nature lover. Follow your guide and explore the unexplored wonders of the valleys of the Aravali Hills.

Jeep safari
Jeep safari offers the best opportunity to visit the Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary. Jeep Safari is arranged by the Forest Reception Office on the Jaipur Road. Prior permission is needed. If you are into wildlife photography then the Jeep Safari will provide you the most amazing opportunity. Booking a `hide' provides the most outstanding wildlife viewing.

Hide in Machans
For the persons who love a bit of extra adventure, Sariska National Park has some excellent hides. These strategic hides are located in the locations like near waterholes, so that one can view the wildlife more closely. Two of the most famous hides are in Kalighat and Salopka.

Visit Kankwari Fort
This fort is placed within the Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary. This is the very fort where once the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb captivated his brother, Dara Shikoh. The fort provides a bird's eye view of the surrounding villages. The fort is situated at a distance of two hours drive. It is advisable to visit it only if on a Four Wheel Drive with an expert guide.

Visit the Temples
There are two prominent temples within the park premises. The Neelkanth Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and the other Pandupol Temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman. On Tuesdays and Monday, these temples attract a huge number of devotees from the surrounding villages. These two days buses are allowed to enter the park.

Jungle Resorts in Sariska Tiger Reserve
A wide range of accommodation options are available at Sariska. You can choose from a wide array of accommodation options ranging from the forest lodges to luxury hotels. These resorts offer all kind of modern facilities.

Some of the famous hotels are

• Sariska palace
• Siliserh Palace Hotel
• Hotel Lake Palace
• RTDC Tiger Den Tourist Bungalow

Important information
The best time to visit- October to June
Visiting time: 0700 hrs to 1600 hrs in winter (Oct - Feb)
0600 hrs to 1700 hrs for rest of the year
Entry Fee: Rs. 25 (Indians) & Rs. 200 (foreigners)
Vehicle: Rs. 125, Video Camera: Rs. 200

Distances from Major cities
Delhi - 240 km (SW)
Jaipur - 110 km (NE)
Kolkata - 1307 km
Bangalore - 1636 km
Agra - 189 km

How to reach Sariska Tiger Reserve
The nearest airport is at Jaipur (115 km) it takes only 3 hours to reach there. Sariska wildlife sanctuary is situated off the Delhi-Alwar-Jaipur Road. Sariska is well connected with Delhi through the NH8. The nearest railway station is at Alwar (36 km). The place is connected to Delhi through several trains.

Most easily available trains are

• Jammu JP Exp. (4:40, daily)
• Mandor Exp. (20:50, daily)
• Ashram Exp. (156:05, daily)
• DLI JSM Exp. (18:00, daily)
• HW ADI Mail (22:50, daily)