Rajasthan Travel Guide

Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary
THE WILD IN THE WOODEN VALLEY
Located 107 kms from Jaipur, the Sariska National Park is in a wooden valley, surrounded by barren mountains. The dry deciduous forests of the ancient Aravalli range cover the area of the Sariska National Park and Tiger Reserve. The Sariska Tiger Reserve is dominated by sharp cliffs of hills and narrow valleys of the Aravallis. Within the dry and deciduous forest landscape lies the ruins of medieval temples of Garh-Rajor, belonging to the 10th and 11th centuries. A 17th century castle on a sharp hilltop at Kankwari, provides a impressive view of flying Egyptian vultures and eagles. Spread over an area of 765.80 sq km, the Sariska Tiger Reserve was declared a sanctuary in 1955 and became a National Park in 1979.


The Major Wildlife Stock
The Sariska park is home to several carnivores including Leopard, Wild Dog, Jungle Cat, Hyena, Jackal and Tiger. They survive on an abundance of prey species such as Sambar, Chitel, Nilgai, Chausingha, Wild Boar and Langur. Sariska is also well known for its large population of Rhesus Monkeys, which are found in large numbers around Talvriksh.

The park also has a rich birdlife. These include Peafowl, Grey Partridge, Bush Quail, Sand Grouse, Tree Pie, Golden backed Wood Pecker, Crested Serpent Eagle and the Great Indian Horned Owl.
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.


How to Approach
Sky Way: Jaipur is the nearest airport from Sariska at a distance 107-kms.

Trackway: The nearest railway station is at Alwar (37-kms). If can spend more, the luxurious trains like - the Place on Wheels and The Fairy Queen can also take you to this sanctuary.

Expressway: Sariska wildlife sanctuary is situated off the Delhi-Alwar-Jaipur Road. Jaipur is located at a distance of 107-kms and Delhi at 200-kms from Sariska. Sariska is well connected with Alwar, which is further directly connected with bus services from Delhi and Jaipur.

Sights to Visit
The Kankwari Fort
Among the historic landmarks located within the Sariska national park, includes the Kankwari For, where, Emperor Aurangzeb once imprisoned his brother, Dara Shikoh.

The Ancient Shiva Temples
Within the area of the Sariska tiger sanctuary, Neelkanth temples, that dates back to the 6th-13th century AD, now in ruins, afford a wonderful sight to the visitors.

The Palace
Sariska was known as the royal reserve of the rulers of Alwar. This palace built by the Maharajas of Alwar, has now been converted into a hotel.


Jeep Safari
The best way to visit the Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary is by jeep. You can get them arranged at the Forest Reception Office on Jaipur Road. Jeep safari at Sariska offers you an excellent opportunity for wildlife viewing and wildlife photography within the Sariska Sanctuary.