Sariska National Park (Tiger Reserve)

Area : 800 sq. km ( with a core area of 498 sq km).

Established : 1958 as a sanctuary, 1979 as a tiger reserve, 1982 as a national park.

Description

Sariska National Park lies in the Aravalli hills and is the former hunting preserve of the Maharaja of Alwar. Sariska itself is a wide valley with two large plateaus and is dotted with places of historical and religious interest, including the ruins of the Kankwari Fort, the 10th century Neelkanth temples, the Budha Hanumab Temple near Pandupol, the Bharthari Temple near the park office, and the hot and cold springs of Taalvriksh. The large Siliserh Lake is at the north-eastern corner. The forests are dry deciduous, with trees of Dhak, Acacia, Ber and Salar. The Tigers of Sariska are largely nocturnal and are not as easily seen as those of Ranthambhor. The park also has good populations of Nilgai, Sambar and Chital. In the evenings, Indian Porcupine, Striped Hyaena, Indian Palm Civet and even Leopard are sometimes seen. The forests are lush during and immediately following the monsoon, but during the dry months of February May there is a shortage of water and in consequence mammals are attracted to water holes. At this time of year visibility is good because of the sparse foliage. Sariska is excellent for birdwatching and has an unusually large population of Indian Peafowl.

Season

Open year round, the best period being November-April, especially March-April.

Access

The nearest airport is at Jaipur (115 km 3 hours ) and the nearest railway station is at Alwar (36 km). The drive from Delhi takes 5-6 hours.

Accommodation and facilities

SARISKA PALACE (Standard Grade Palace hotel)
The grand Sariska Palace, built in 1892 - 1900, near the park office has a large sprawling complex. The main palace, built by the Maharaja of Alwar as a hunting lodge, has been converted into a hotel. Sariska Palace is 38 km from Alwar Railway Station and is located inside the Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary. The facilities offered include room service, hot and cold running water, swimming pool, health club, Ayurvedic treatment, Money changing. Each room is richly furnished with original Louis Quartzes and art deco furniture and has private bathroom with bath and/or shower and toilet.

Nearby is Tiger's Den, a tourist bungalow run by the Rajasthan government RTDC & a private budget property called Tiger Heavens. There are good roads within the park and some watch towers. Safaris are by 4-wheel drive motor vehicles.

Mammals