|
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 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.
Remarkable for their lack of timidity are the Rhesus and
Langur, which, at Sariska tolerate human closeness with
astonishing equanimity.
The birdlife comprises of the Pea Fowl, Gray Partridge,
Quail, Sandgrouse, Tree Pie, White-Breasted Kingfisher,
Golden-Backed Woodpecker, Crested Serpent, Eagle and Great
Indian Horned.
Viewing the Wildlife in Sariska
Wildlife Sanctuary
The best way to visit the Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary is by
jeep and these can be arranged at the Forest Reception
Office on Jaipur Road.
Booking a `hide', overlooking one of the waterholes, can
provide an excellent opportunity for viewing and
photographing wildlife. So, pick up your sleeping bag and
some food and settle down to watch.
Prime Sites
Within the park are the ruins of many temples.
The Kankwari Fort
The Sariska Park has historic overtones. Here, Emperor
Aurangzeb once imprisoned his brother, Dara Shikoh.
The Ancient Shiva
Temples
In the precincts of the park, Neelkanth temples (6th-13th
century AD), which are now in ruins, afford a wonderful
sight to the visitors.
The Palace
at Sariska was once the royal reserve of the rulers of
Alwar. This palace built by the Maharajas of Alwar, has now
been converted into a hotel.
How to get there
Air
Jaipur is the nearest airport.
Rail
The nearest raiway station is Alwar (21 km).
Road
Sariska is situated off the Delhi-Alwar-Jaipur Road. The
nearest town is Alwar (21 km). Jaipur is located at a
distance of 110 km and Delhi at 200Kms. There are direct
buses to Alwar from Delhi and Jaipur. Frequent buses travel
between Alwar and Sariska. |
Location
: