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.
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