Sariska in Rajasthan

Sariska is another famous national park of Rajasthan. It is located in the Alwar district. Nestled in the Aravalli hill this national park is very well located, just 107 km from Jaipur and 200 km from Delhi, covering a area of 800 sq km and the area divided in to dry deciduous forests, grass lands, sheer cliffs and rocky landscape. It was once the haunting ground for the royal families was made into a forest reserve in 1955 and declared a national park in 1982. The topography of Sariska is similar to Ranthmbore but it is less commercialized and and has less tiger but ofcourse Ranthambor. The landscape of Sariska is very beautiful the sharp cliffs of Aravalli and narrow valleys are very wonderful. Sariska is open through out the year as there are monuments of religious importance located with in the park boundaries, so the park authorities are bound to keep the park through the year.

What to see

Wild Life – At the very out set let me tell you that the tiger sightings are very rare there because of the uneven terrain. But the place is a home to the variety of other animals like leopard, sambhar, chital, nilgai, four-horned antelope, wild boar, rhesus macaque, languor, hyena and jungle cats are found in the Sariska Tiger Reserve apart from the tiger. It is also a home the India's largest population peafowl, and harbours quail, sand grouse, golden- backed woodpeckers and crested serpent eagles, among other species. The Siliserh Lake at the edge of the park has a large number of crocodiles. Not only the animals you can also enjoy a rich bird life specially in the lakes and in the water holes of the park.

Crested Hawkeagle,Goldenback woodpecker,Pied Kingfisher, Lapwings are some of the avian population may catch your your sights here.

Forts and Temples – Another attractions of Sariska are medieval forts and temples, though in ruins the park is dotted with old memories. Sariska Palace was built in 19^th century, now it has been turned into a hotel. There is a famous temple inside the park which is dedicated to Hanuman at Pandupol, which the folklore has it was created by the Gada of Bhima of Mahabharata when he struck it on a cliff to make way for the Pandavas. There is another temples of NeelKanth dedicated to Lord Shiva. There is a huge fort built by Aurangeb and view from the top of the fort is really amazing.

What to do

You can go for a jeep safari or take your own vehicles to spot the animals. Spend sometimes near the water lakes and Neelkanth temple to have some rare sights.