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 :
Suggested
Itinerary : Day 01 : Depart by surface from Delhi to
Sariska ( 235 km; 06 hrs driving time approx.). Upon arrival, check-in to
your hotel Sariska Palace for five nights. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 02-05 : Enjoy your morning and afternoon jeep-safaries in
the Park. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 06 : Depart by
surface from
Sariska Wildlife Santuary to Delhi. Upon arrival you will be transferred to a
nearby airport hotel for lobby use & facilities (meal &
accommodation not included). Later in the evening, transfer to the
International airport to connect your flight for onward destination.
Wildlife in India
