Sariska National Park, India

Facts & Figure

Area : 800 Sq. Km
Temperature Range : 45°C to 10°C
Best time to Visit : August to November and October to February

About Sariska National Park

Sariska Tiger Reserve is well nestled in the Aravali Hills covering 800 sq km area divided into the grasslands, dry deciduous forests, sheer cliffs and rocky landscape. Whether you want to have camel safaris, go out for shopping in the surrounding places, visit medieval palaces or wildlife watching; Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary is the best place for you.

Nearly 90% of the area in the sanctuary is covered with dhok trees accommodating various wildlife species. A variety of other wild animals like the leopard, sambhar, chital, nilgai, four-horned antelope, wild boar, rhesus macaque, langur, hyena and jungle cats are found in the Sariska Tiger Reserve apart from the tiger. The Sariska National Park is home to India's largest population of peafowl, and harbours quail, sand grouse, golden- backed woodpeckers and crested serpent eagles, among other species. Also the Siliserh Lake on the edge of the park has a large number of crocodiles.

Sharp cliffs of hills and narrow valleys of the Aravallis dominate the landscape of Sariska, whose forests are dry and deciduous. Within the Sariska wildlife sanctuary there are 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 panoramic view of flying Egyptian vultures and eagles. The area was declared a sanctuary in 1955 and became a National Park in 1979.

Majore Wildlife Attractions at Sariska National Park

Sariska park is home to numerous carnivores including Leopard, Wild Dog, Jungle Cat, Hyena, Jackal, and Tiger. These feed 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 avian world is also well represented with a rich and varied 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.

Other Attractions at Sariska National Park

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.

Access From Airport

The Sanganer airport in Jaipur is the nearest air base. This airport was upgraded to international status in 2005. Kingfisher, Deccan, Indian, Jet airways, Jet lite, Go air and Air India are the major carriers that provide regular flights to the major destinations of India. Jaipur is located at a distance of 110 kms from Sariska.



Access From Railways

The best way to visit Sariska is to board the Fairy Queen. This luxury heritage train is drawn by the record making steam locomotive named Fairy Queen. It is the oldest operational locomotive of the world. This two coach train takes passengers on a fascinating journey to the cities of Delhi and Alwar, and includes an excursion in Sariska National Park. Alwar is the nearest railway station, 36 kms from Sariska. A large number of express and passenger trains pass through Alwar. Ajmer Shatabdi, Mandor express, Ashram Express, Jammu Ajmer express, and Delhi Jaisalmer express are a few of the trains that connect Alwar to Delhi.


Access From Roadways

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.

Travel Tips For Visiting the National Park

Follow the rules, for e.g., do not walk around if you are not permitted to do so

• Do not disturb the animals during day time as most of the nocturnal animals sleep during day time.

• Do not try to irritate the animals or make them angry by teasing them.

• Wear clothes in shades of brown and green as they are less disturbing to the environment.

• Avoid wearing perfumes and do not smoke in restricted areas.

• Animals are extremely weary of the human voice. Don’t make noise, don’t play music and please don’t honk car horn.

• Take official guides along with you on the park trip.

• Do not smoke inside the park.

• Picking of plants and insects is strictly prohibited.

• Wear loose fitting and simple clothes that blend with the park surroundings.

• For the safety of the visitors, walking and hiking within the vicinity of the park is not allowed.

• Camping and picnicking is not allowed within the park.

• Carry plenty of water along with you.

• Carry Personal medication and insect repellent.

• Carry Binoculars, Cameras, film rolls and Flashlight along with books and other reading material.

• Do not use flash or intrusive photography.

• Don’t leave behind any litter and plastic bags are big hazards for animals.

• Comfortable walking shoes are appropriate than the fashionable ones.

• For winter travel heavy woolens are a must especially for open jeep safaris. Cottons are apt for summer months.

• Rain Gear is essential for the monsoons and the last

• Find about the habits of the animal you want to see to avoid disappointment.

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