Sariska
Distance from
Jaipur 114
Overview
The image that always fascinates one after hearing the name of Sariska is that of the tiger licking its whiskers and staring at the Television cameras. These images have been beamed through various news and entertainment programmes that the image is everlasting. This is place located at a distance of 110 km Jaipur and hosts some of the most fascinating attractions of the region. The area is covered with some thick forests and the hillocks and valleys of Aravalli mountain range further enhance the beauty of the region of Sariska. Sariska provides an opportunity to view tiger, langur, nilgai and various many bird species. However, apart from the wildlife and forest Sariska is surrounded by numerous places of historical interest, interspersed with temples and monuments.
The City is located in Alwar district and can be considered a central point for visiting various attractions within its vicinity. Located close to Sariska are three old settlements Bhangarh Fort, Ajaibgarh and Pratapgarh. The Sariska terrain has taken roots in these semi arid deserts of Rajasthan and supports scrub-thorn arid and dry deciduous forests that are full of rocks and grass patches intertwined with some thick foliage. The wildlife present in the area is diverse and is a perfect example of adaptability and symbiosis between nature and animals, something we human need to understand urgently. The climate, as in any desert, is dry and varies towards the extremes.
The place is also famous for old temples and palaces around the city. The temples and chhattris and even the rare waterfall offer an exquisite view. However, the ruins of many of these monuments only serve as a reminder of how glorious the history of this land has been.
Attraction
Sariska National Park: Sariska National park is one of the India's most exciting wildlife reserves. Sariska National Park lies in the Aravalli hills and spread over a core area of 498 square km. This park can be easily reached from Alwar, Delhi and Jaipur and about 40 km from Alwar and 107 km from Jaipur. Once, Sariska was the hunting ground of the Maharajas of Alwar, but later became a wildlife sanctuary in 1958 by the government of India. In 1979, it was brought under the Project Tiger and was given a status of national park in 1982.The landscape in Sariska comprises of low hills, wide valleys, steep escarpment, hill plateaus and narrow valleys of the Aravali hill range. The topography supports scrub-thorn arid forests, dry deciduous forests, rocks and grasses.
The major plants that one can find here are dhok, khair, tendu and ber. The plants remain lush and green during the monsoon and summers. Today, Sariska is a major milk producing region, and cattle have crowded the forestlands and pastures around the park, so that the population of wildlife has shrunk to the limits of the park alone. Human population and the presence of religious spots around and inside the park have further led to the deterioration of the environment.
Kanakwari Fort: Among the historic landmarks located within the Sariska national park, includes the Kanakwari Fort. This is the fort where Emperor Aurangzeb once imprisoned his brother, Dara Shikoh. The Kanakwadi fort also had links with Mughal history. Now overgrown with weeds and shrubs, it stands majestically on a hill overlooking the Kanakwadi plateau.
Ancient Shiva Temple: Within the area of the Sanctuary, Neelkanth temple, that belongs from the 6th to 13th century AD, now in ruins, afford a wonderful sight to the visitors. This ancient medieval temple is dedicated to the Lord Shiva.
Sariska Palace: Sariska was known as the royal reserve of the rulers of Alwar. The Sariska Palace was built by the Maharajas of Alwar and this palace has now been converted into a heritage hotel.
Siliserh Lake: The Siliserh Lake is situated at the edge of the tiger reserve, just off the Alwar-Sariska road. This lake has a palace overlooking the lake which has now been converted into a tourist resort. Crocodiles are the major inhabitants of this lake and observing them basking on the shores of the lake can be an interesting experience.
How to reach
By Air: Jaipur is the nearest airport from Sariska at a distance 107-kms. Delhi 163 km is the nearest airport, which is well connected to all the major cities, which includes Mumbai, Jaipur and Jodhpur.
By Road: Sariska wildlife sanctuary is situated off the Delhi-Alwar-Jaipur Road.Alwar is 36 kms, Delhi is 200 kms, Jaipur is 101 kms from Sariska.Rajasthan Roadways run very comfortable deluxe buses from Jaipur. Regular services link Alwar with key destinations in and not far off Rajasthan and Delhi. The roads are very good, and it takes around 3-4 hrs from Jaipur. Tourist can also hire taxis to travel by road to Sariska.
By Train: The nearest railway station is Alwar, which is 37 kms from Sariska.
