Sariska
Location : Sariska, District Alwar, Rajasthan
Known for : Sariska National Park, Wildlife, Birds and Ancient Monuments.
Best time to visit : All year round but best time remains between October and June
Temperature : Extreme. Up to 49 degrees centigrade in summers and till 4 degrees
centigrade in winters
Nearest town : Alwar (36 Kms)
Nearest Railway station : Alwar
Nearest Airport : Jaipur (110 Kms)
Distance from Delhi : Approximately 200 Kms via Daruhera through Alwar
Overview
Sariska is located in Alwar district of Rajasthan and can be considered a central point for visiting various attractions within its vicinity. Located close to Sariska are three old settlements Bhangarh Fort, Ajaibgarh and Pratapgarh. The Sariska terrain has taken roots in this semi arid deserts of Rajasthan and supports scrub-thorn arid and dry deciduous forests that are full of rocks and grass patches intertwined with some thick foliage. The wildlife present in the area is diverse and is a perfect example of adaptability and symbiosis between nature and animals. The climate, as in any desert, is dry and varies towards the extremes.
The place is also famous for old temples and palaces around Sariska. The temples and chhattris and even the rare waterfall offer an exquisite view. However, the ruins of many of these monuments only serve as a reminder of how glorious the history of this land has been.
Sariska Tiger Reserve is in an area of 800 sq. kms. It was declared a sanctuary in 1955 and it became a Tiger Reserve under Project Tiger in 1979.
Sariska, with its awe inspiring craggy canyons and the tropical dry deciduous scrub jungles and limited water supply, was the western limits of the distribution of the tiger in India. Tigers could be seen in the area even during the day time till 2002 or so. But unfortunately, due to poaching and many other reasons Tigers disappeared from Sariska. The State Government started an all out effort to re-introduce Tigers and Sariska now has four of these animals.
Flora Fauna:
Flora: The forests are of a typical dry deciduous type with Dhok as the dominant tree species of gentle to moderate slopes constituting over 90% of the tree canopy. The ridges support Salar on steep dry slopes. Khair and Cheela occur in vally beds. Bamboo grows to a limited extent along the moist and cooler parts. Aam, Jamun, Arjun and Bahera, which grow in moist depression and on nallah banks attain large sizes. The ground cover is mainly Ber, and Adusa. Zizyphus and Grewia are good fodder species. The dried and fallen leaves of Dhok help the herbivores to tide over the fodder scarcity during summer months. The forests become lush green in the monsoon months and completely dry in the summer months. Other prominent varieties are Palas (Butea monosperma), Amla (Emblica officinalis), Gugul (Commiphora wightii) and Kadaya (Sterculia urens)
Fauna: Sariska has rich wild-life. Tiger, Panther, Leopard, Hyena, Jackal and Jungle cat are the carnivores of the forest. Caracal and Wild dog are also seen but are rare sightings. Among the prey population are the Sambhar, Chital, Nilgai, Wild boar, Hare and Porcupine etc.
Sariska is unique in animal distribution. The wild animals here seem to have decided their area -limits. Slopka is best for observing the Sambhar, Kundli for Chitals and Tarunda & Kalighati for Nilgai. Four -horned antelopes or chausingha can be seen in the Pandupole Nallah. Chausingha is exclusively Indian and is the only buck on earth with four horns.
Sariska is also famous for its population of common Langurs and the Rhesus monkeys. Talvriksh is where the main population of Rhesus exists and one can see hundreds of them at a time. Langurs can be seen in large numbers at Pandupole, slopka and Kalighati as well.
In Sariska, observing Wildlife at the water holes is quite fascinating during the hot days of April, May and June. Water requirements increase and animal activities get restricted to the water holes,specially around Kalighati and Slopaka. Sambars, Chitals, Nilgais, Chausinghas, Jackals, Wild boars, Langurs etc. visit water holes throughout the day. The predators appear around dusk or during the silence of the night.
Stay: Accommodation is a mix of Cottages and Deluxe tents set amidst the beautiful hillocks of the Aravallis and unending lush farming fields. The campsite has ample green space and self contained dining and barbecue area.
Leisure Activities/ Recreational Facilities
» Folk music and dance entertainment can be organized on request for the visiting
groups.
» Veranda for relaxing, snacking, chatting.
» Picnics at nearby, beautiful lakes.
» Bonfire.
» Library stocked with books on wildlife.
» Recreational centre.
» Indoor/ Outdoor games.
Activities:
Jungle Safari in Sariska tiger Reserve: Sariska provides an opportunity to view tiger, langur, nilgai and various many bird species. However, apart from the wildlife and forest Sariska is surrounded by numerous places of historical interest, interspersed with temples and monuments.
Sariska Tiger Reserve , once a part of the ancient 'Matsya' kingdom is also supposed to have sheltered the exiled Pandavas. It is believed that Bhima, smote the rock face of a cliff with his cudgel at Pandu Pol and made a passage through a gorge in the sanctuary. The sight of the huge gaping orifice with a picturesque spring emerging from the rocks, is an awe-inspiring sight.
While in the sanctuary, trek on the numerous rugged hills and explore the ruined palaces located atop them. The mornings and evenings are the busiest periods in a day and the same holds true even in the forests. The Jungle Safari organized for groups is a thrilling ride full of amusement and trepidation throughout. It's the dawn and dusk period when the wildlife ventures out of compulsion towards one of the many water holes scattered around the Park. The game is not the correct word to describe these extremely beautiful creatures that roam fearlessly in their own domain thus providing the tourists the best chances of an awe inspiring spectacle.
Kankwari Fort: If Rajasthani sand speaks about the tales of friendship and brotherhood then it is also full of tales of betrayal and sibling rivalries. The Fort of Kankwari stands witness to one such bloody battle between the two sons of the Mughal Emperor Shahjahan. Dara Shukoh, Shahjahan's youngest son had used the Fort of Kankwari as his last hiding resort before fate caught up with him in the form of his brother Aurangzeb. This magnificent fort lies within the barriers of the Sanctuary around 25 Km from the entry point. The route to the fort is full of huge boulders and troughs throughout the way. The striking terrain of green landscapes and fertile meadows surrounding the fort create a pleasant welcome for the tourists.
Naldeshwar: The land of warriors cannot be spared by places of worship. The temples of Rajasthan are a class apart and the temple of Naldeshwar near Sariska is a masterpiece. The temple is located at some distance off the highway joining Sariska to Alwar. The temple itself has to be approached on foot after reaching the alighting point on the highway. The Naldeshwar shrine is dedicated to and houses an old Mahadev (Lord Shankar/ Shiva) temple. The shrine is surrounded by thick greenery and the walk to the shrine and the time spent in this pristine environment is worth every second spent. The thick forest cover, the 18th century temple and the peaceful natural habitat brings out the spiritual best in every visitor.
Neelkanth: Continuing with the temple pilgrimage the Neelkanth Mahadeva temple town located in the vicinity of Tehla, is famous for accommodating ruins of more than 300 temples dedicated to the Hinduism and Jainism. These temples believed to be constructed between the 7th and the 12th centuries resemble the carvings of Khajuraho (Chandelas). The temples are an awe inspiring example of the artistic glory that prevailed in the area even a millennium ago. The idols, the temple yards and architecture have been so delicately crafted that the feat without use of any scientific instruments is unthinkable even today.
Jai Samand Lake (35 kms. from Alwar): Not only is Alwar blessed with green hills, it also has several beautiful lakes in its vicinity. The best time to visit them is, of course, the monsoon. The lake nearest to the city is the Jai Samand Lake, created in 1910 by Maharaja Jai Singh of Alwar as a picnic spot. He even built a large island in its midst that has lasted these 96 years. But the prettiest sight at the lake is the string of canopied pavilions lining the promenade.
Siliserh Lake (26 kms.): The most famous and, no doubt, most beautiful of the lakes around Alwar was formed in 1845, during the reign of Maharao Raja Viney Singh, who dammed a tributary of the River Ruparel. The lake spreads over 10.5 sq km during monsoon, and is a marvellous sight with green hills around it and white clouds above.
Thanagazi Fort: Located just 5 kms away from the gates of the National Park, the big fort of Thanagazi sitting atop a hill is estimated to be about 400 years old. A nice trek can be taken to the fort through a village and barren land.
Bhangarh Fort: Majestic ancient structure rumoured to be haunted, located about one hours drive from Sariska
Village Tour: A visit to the villages dotted around the sanctuary opens an insight into the day to day life of the villagers and how some of them have still retained the mystical charm of the rich and ancient culture of Rajasthan
Known for : Sariska National Park, Wildlife, Birds and Ancient Monuments.
Best time to visit : All year round but best time remains between October and June
Temperature : Extreme. Up to 49 degrees centigrade in summers and till 4 degrees
centigrade in winters
Nearest town : Alwar (36 Kms)
Nearest Railway station : Alwar
Nearest Airport : Jaipur (110 Kms)
Distance from Delhi : Approximately 200 Kms via Daruhera through Alwar
Overview
Sariska is located in Alwar district of Rajasthan and can be considered a central point for visiting various attractions within its vicinity. Located close to Sariska are three old settlements Bhangarh Fort, Ajaibgarh and Pratapgarh. The Sariska terrain has taken roots in this semi arid deserts of Rajasthan and supports scrub-thorn arid and dry deciduous forests that are full of rocks and grass patches intertwined with some thick foliage. The wildlife present in the area is diverse and is a perfect example of adaptability and symbiosis between nature and animals. The climate, as in any desert, is dry and varies towards the extremes.
The place is also famous for old temples and palaces around Sariska. The temples and chhattris and even the rare waterfall offer an exquisite view. However, the ruins of many of these monuments only serve as a reminder of how glorious the history of this land has been.
Sariska Tiger Reserve is in an area of 800 sq. kms. It was declared a sanctuary in 1955 and it became a Tiger Reserve under Project Tiger in 1979.
Sariska, with its awe inspiring craggy canyons and the tropical dry deciduous scrub jungles and limited water supply, was the western limits of the distribution of the tiger in India. Tigers could be seen in the area even during the day time till 2002 or so. But unfortunately, due to poaching and many other reasons Tigers disappeared from Sariska. The State Government started an all out effort to re-introduce Tigers and Sariska now has four of these animals.
Flora Fauna:
Flora: The forests are of a typical dry deciduous type with Dhok as the dominant tree species of gentle to moderate slopes constituting over 90% of the tree canopy. The ridges support Salar on steep dry slopes. Khair and Cheela occur in vally beds. Bamboo grows to a limited extent along the moist and cooler parts. Aam, Jamun, Arjun and Bahera, which grow in moist depression and on nallah banks attain large sizes. The ground cover is mainly Ber, and Adusa. Zizyphus and Grewia are good fodder species. The dried and fallen leaves of Dhok help the herbivores to tide over the fodder scarcity during summer months. The forests become lush green in the monsoon months and completely dry in the summer months. Other prominent varieties are Palas (Butea monosperma), Amla (Emblica officinalis), Gugul (Commiphora wightii) and Kadaya (Sterculia urens)
Fauna: Sariska has rich wild-life. Tiger, Panther, Leopard, Hyena, Jackal and Jungle cat are the carnivores of the forest. Caracal and Wild dog are also seen but are rare sightings. Among the prey population are the Sambhar, Chital, Nilgai, Wild boar, Hare and Porcupine etc.
Sariska is unique in animal distribution. The wild animals here seem to have decided their area -limits. Slopka is best for observing the Sambhar, Kundli for Chitals and Tarunda & Kalighati for Nilgai. Four -horned antelopes or chausingha can be seen in the Pandupole Nallah. Chausingha is exclusively Indian and is the only buck on earth with four horns.
Sariska is also famous for its population of common Langurs and the Rhesus monkeys. Talvriksh is where the main population of Rhesus exists and one can see hundreds of them at a time. Langurs can be seen in large numbers at Pandupole, slopka and Kalighati as well.
In Sariska, observing Wildlife at the water holes is quite fascinating during the hot days of April, May and June. Water requirements increase and animal activities get restricted to the water holes,specially around Kalighati and Slopaka. Sambars, Chitals, Nilgais, Chausinghas, Jackals, Wild boars, Langurs etc. visit water holes throughout the day. The predators appear around dusk or during the silence of the night.
Stay: Accommodation is a mix of Cottages and Deluxe tents set amidst the beautiful hillocks of the Aravallis and unending lush farming fields. The campsite has ample green space and self contained dining and barbecue area.
Leisure Activities/ Recreational Facilities
» Folk music and dance entertainment can be organized on request for the visiting
groups.
» Veranda for relaxing, snacking, chatting.
» Picnics at nearby, beautiful lakes.
» Bonfire.
» Library stocked with books on wildlife.
» Recreational centre.
» Indoor/ Outdoor games.
Activities:
Jungle Safari in Sariska tiger Reserve: Sariska provides an opportunity to view tiger, langur, nilgai and various many bird species. However, apart from the wildlife and forest Sariska is surrounded by numerous places of historical interest, interspersed with temples and monuments.
Sariska Tiger Reserve , once a part of the ancient 'Matsya' kingdom is also supposed to have sheltered the exiled Pandavas. It is believed that Bhima, smote the rock face of a cliff with his cudgel at Pandu Pol and made a passage through a gorge in the sanctuary. The sight of the huge gaping orifice with a picturesque spring emerging from the rocks, is an awe-inspiring sight.
While in the sanctuary, trek on the numerous rugged hills and explore the ruined palaces located atop them. The mornings and evenings are the busiest periods in a day and the same holds true even in the forests. The Jungle Safari organized for groups is a thrilling ride full of amusement and trepidation throughout. It's the dawn and dusk period when the wildlife ventures out of compulsion towards one of the many water holes scattered around the Park. The game is not the correct word to describe these extremely beautiful creatures that roam fearlessly in their own domain thus providing the tourists the best chances of an awe inspiring spectacle.
Kankwari Fort: If Rajasthani sand speaks about the tales of friendship and brotherhood then it is also full of tales of betrayal and sibling rivalries. The Fort of Kankwari stands witness to one such bloody battle between the two sons of the Mughal Emperor Shahjahan. Dara Shukoh, Shahjahan's youngest son had used the Fort of Kankwari as his last hiding resort before fate caught up with him in the form of his brother Aurangzeb. This magnificent fort lies within the barriers of the Sanctuary around 25 Km from the entry point. The route to the fort is full of huge boulders and troughs throughout the way. The striking terrain of green landscapes and fertile meadows surrounding the fort create a pleasant welcome for the tourists.
Naldeshwar: The land of warriors cannot be spared by places of worship. The temples of Rajasthan are a class apart and the temple of Naldeshwar near Sariska is a masterpiece. The temple is located at some distance off the highway joining Sariska to Alwar. The temple itself has to be approached on foot after reaching the alighting point on the highway. The Naldeshwar shrine is dedicated to and houses an old Mahadev (Lord Shankar/ Shiva) temple. The shrine is surrounded by thick greenery and the walk to the shrine and the time spent in this pristine environment is worth every second spent. The thick forest cover, the 18th century temple and the peaceful natural habitat brings out the spiritual best in every visitor.
Neelkanth: Continuing with the temple pilgrimage the Neelkanth Mahadeva temple town located in the vicinity of Tehla, is famous for accommodating ruins of more than 300 temples dedicated to the Hinduism and Jainism. These temples believed to be constructed between the 7th and the 12th centuries resemble the carvings of Khajuraho (Chandelas). The temples are an awe inspiring example of the artistic glory that prevailed in the area even a millennium ago. The idols, the temple yards and architecture have been so delicately crafted that the feat without use of any scientific instruments is unthinkable even today.
Jai Samand Lake (35 kms. from Alwar): Not only is Alwar blessed with green hills, it also has several beautiful lakes in its vicinity. The best time to visit them is, of course, the monsoon. The lake nearest to the city is the Jai Samand Lake, created in 1910 by Maharaja Jai Singh of Alwar as a picnic spot. He even built a large island in its midst that has lasted these 96 years. But the prettiest sight at the lake is the string of canopied pavilions lining the promenade.
Siliserh Lake (26 kms.): The most famous and, no doubt, most beautiful of the lakes around Alwar was formed in 1845, during the reign of Maharao Raja Viney Singh, who dammed a tributary of the River Ruparel. The lake spreads over 10.5 sq km during monsoon, and is a marvellous sight with green hills around it and white clouds above.
Thanagazi Fort: Located just 5 kms away from the gates of the National Park, the big fort of Thanagazi sitting atop a hill is estimated to be about 400 years old. A nice trek can be taken to the fort through a village and barren land.
Bhangarh Fort: Majestic ancient structure rumoured to be haunted, located about one hours drive from Sariska
Village Tour: A visit to the villages dotted around the sanctuary opens an insight into the day to day life of the villagers and how some of them have still retained the mystical charm of the rich and ancient culture of Rajasthan