Sariska National Park

One of the most famous and easily recognised wildlife havens in India, Sariska National Park is also known as Sariska Tiger Reserve. It was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1955 and got the status of a national park in the year 1982. The nearest railway station from Sariska National Park is Alwar which is about 35 kms away. Due to its proximity to New Delhi (200 kms), this wildlife haven also sees many weekend tourists from the capital city. Since then it has been a much sought after destination for wildlife enthusiasts for tiger viewing and tiger preservation. Cuddle up by the majestic Aravali range, Sariska National Park is a 800 sq km of wilderness made of grasslands, dry deciduous forests, sheer cliffs and rocky landscape. It is located in the state of Rajasthan and is 122 kms away from the state capital of Jaipur, which is a major tourist destination in itself. Apart from tigers, one can spot animals like leopard, sambhar, chital, nilgai, four-horned antelope, wild boar, rhesus macaque, langur, hyena and wild cats in Sariska. The wilderness that happens to be Sariska National Park today was initially the hunting grounds for the Royal family in the early 18th and 19th century. In fact, the wildlife sanctuary still houses the ruins of medieval houses and temples that date back to the 10th and 11th centuries, suggesting that the wildlife sanctuary was occupied by inhabitants a long time ago, although there is no documentary evidence suggesting the same.

The park surrounds a couple of historical spots that are also frequented by tourists such as the ancient Kankawadi Fort, the Nilkanth Temple, both built by the local Bargujars, and the Sariska Palace. The national park is now being visited for a lot more reasons than just the wildlife. However, the deciduous, acacia woods, the safaris and the marsh animals by the lake are still the popular highlights of the wildlife sanctuary. Endangered species, such as the Indian tigers, are commonly sighted at this national park, and are also the highlights here. 'Pandupole' is a popular pilgrimage spot build by the mythological characters, the 'Pandavas', which is also flocked by tourists and pilgrims alike. One can visit Sariska National Park any time of the year but the best time to be here is from October to March. Sariska National Park timing is from 6 AM to 3 PM. The best way to explore this wildlife haven is by a jungle safari. Sariska National Park safari will take you close to the amazing flora and fauna of the forest area.