Sariska 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.

Sariska is located in the eastern part of Rajasthan in the backdrop of Aravalli hills. It was once the hunting reserve of the Maharajas of Alwar, as the park was under their jurisdication. The beautiful Siliserh Lake runs along the edge of the reserve, with a quaint hunting lodge overlooking it.
 

Transport And Communication

Air : Jaipur is the Nearest Airport (110 Kms).

Rail : Alwar is nearest Railway Station Connected with All Major Rail Tracks, Alwar is on Delhi - Jaipur Rail Track, Hence Connected in and Outside the State.

Road : A network of bus services joins Sariska with many nearby places. Alwar and Jaipur Are the main nearby destinations of the Sariska.

Wildlife at Sariska

Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary, being part of Rajasthan which experience tropical climate, so here the summer are extreme hot and same is the condition in winter season too. But even then people prefer to travel to Sariska, in the summer because due to the heat, the wild animals are found hovering around the water spots and it's a sheer delight to watch.

Barren mountains surround the Sariska and dry deciduous forests cover the entire Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary. It makes the sanctuary a haven to various wild species including Tiger, Panther, Hyena, Jungle Cat, Civet, Sambhar, Chinkara, Nilgai and Four-Horned Antelope. The park is not only reputed for its for flora and fauna, but there are various ancient monuments too that increase its attraction. The Kankwari Fort, Ancient Shiva Temple and Palace are the prime attraction of the park.

The main fauna in the park includes the Tiger, Panther, Hyena, Jungle Cat, Civet, Sambhar, Chinkara, Nilgai and Four-Horned Antelope. Declared a Sanctuary in 1955, it became a Tiger Reserve under Project Tiger in 1979.

The other great predator of Sariska's forests is the leopard besides the ferocious tiger. Sariska has a healthy porcupine population, and this tiny creature often pits itself against the tiger, which is particularly fond of porcupine flesh.

The 'Chowsingha' (four horned antelope) is commonly found at Sariska; exclusively Indian, it is the world's only wild creature, which has two pairs of horns. The Park's terrain is also congenial to the Chinkara (Indian Gazelle) and Nilgai.

Places of Interest

Other Attraction of Sariska
Apart from wildlife, there is touch of historicity as well. Located inside the park are ruins of medieval temples of the Hindu God Shiva. The ruins of the temple Garh-Rajor, built in the 10th century, are scattered all over the jungle. A 17th-century castle on a sharp hilltop at Kanakwari provides an excellent view of Sariska. It is in this fort that Mughal emperor Aurangzeb once imprisoned his very own brother, Dara Shikoh. There is also a palace built by the erstwhile Maharajas of Alwar that has now been turned into a hotel.

Excursions

Siliserh (15 km.) This is a beautiful lake set quietly against wooded hills. Siliserh is famous for its Lake and enchanting Palace. This resort overlooking the lake is converted into a hotel. A motor launch is available for cruising on the lake.

Deeg (76 km.) Famous for its fort and palaces laid out amidst lovely gardens, tanks and fountains

Sariska (37 km.) Sariska Wild life sanctuary offers a unique opportunity for viewing a variety of wild life.

Bairath (66 km.) it is famous for minor-rock edict of Emperor Ashok.

Rajorgarh (64 km.) The ruins of the 7th - 10th centuries AD Kingdom of Gorjara - Pratiharas lie in this deserted valley.

Talvvaksha and a Nilkanth Mahadev Shrine are other important sites worth a visit.

Jaisamand Lake (6 km.) A beautiful picnic spot with ornamental pavilions.

Vijay Mandir Palace (10 km.) - Over-looking a picturesque lake it was built by Maharaja Jain Singh.

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