When you visit the Sariska Tiger Reserve you will be surprised by the existence of forts and temples in a crumbling state lying here and there. These are the only remains of the glorious past of the place.  Sariska Tiger Reserve contains certain places of historical significance. Kankarwadi fort lies in this area was built by King Jai Singh the second. This fort is roughly in centre of Sariska Tiger Reserve. In this fort Dara Shikoh was imprisoned by his brother Aurangzeb.

Since Aurangzeb was fanatic follower of Islam, he thus destroyed the evidences of each and every Hindu temples that came in his way. These are the remains of his frenzied act. But still some temples can be seen with their imposing structures like the temple located at the Pandupole. It is widely believed that this temple was built by the pandavas when they are hiding during their exile. As a Bharati Temple, it is still popular and about a thousand pilgrims visit this temple each year.

The wildlife are found in this reserve has been enjoying protection since then when there were the rule of the rajas and maharajas in this country. This area was even then set aside for their own private hunting. Hence it was known as the Shikargah. Later, in democratic India, from the very beginning, Sariska's worth was recognised. This place got the status of being a sanctuary in the year 1979. And, in the year 1983 it was finally provided with the prestigious position of being a national park.

In the middle of the ruins of many Hindu and Jain temples a few tigers and also leopards are sometimes seen. These ruins also are used by owls, bats and others as refuge during the day. Nature has re-colonized Sariska, thus endorsing the philosophy of Project Tiger which is based on the fact that the best way towards restoration of degraded habitats is to leave nature strictly alone as it is.

Sariska with its Wild Bengali Roar

The main feature of the Sariska Tiger Reserve is the growing population of its Bengal Tigers. This is the world’s first Tiger Reserve where the Tiger relocation has been a success. The relocation could be carried out smoothly as these tigers adapted to the new place very fast. Hence the population grows too.

 Apart from the Bengali Tiger, leopard, caracal, jungle cat, golden jackal, striped hyena, chital and plenty of bird species and reptiles are also found in this Sanctuary. Birds include peafowl, bush quail, tree pie,  grey partridge, golden-backed woodpecker, sand grouse, crested serpent eagle and the Great Indian Horned Owl.

Sariska Tiger Reserve was once a tiger haven. But then unfortunately it became India’s the first tiger reserve which lost all its tigers to the uncontrollable forest degradation and poaching. In the year 2008, three tigers (two of which were young females and one was a young male) were translocation here; from Ranthambhore. Tiger Population is slowly increasing there now.

This Sanctuary gives bird and nature observers a great opportunity to study them.  Crested Serpent Eagle, Changeable Hawk Eagle and other variety are frequently seen on the top of the tall trees and also nesting there. Other species include the Horned Owl, Flameback, Painted Stork, Spoonbill, Grey Francolin, Ibis, Jacana, Pied Kingfisher, quail, Spotted Dove etc.

Location

Among the Indian national parks, the Sariska Tiger Reserve is one of the most important sanctuaries. This is in Alwar district of Rajasthan. The park is situated 107 km from Jaipur and 200 km from Delhi another important aspect of this place is the water reserve which is of great importance to the state. Though very little rain falls in this area there are many perennial sources of water which supports the wildlife there.

Fauna

Wild life found at Sariska are Royal Bengal Tiger, Jungle Cat, Leopard, Striped Hyena, Caracal, Golden Jackal, Sambhar, Blue Bull, Chinkara, Four Horned antelope and many others. There are the usual variety of reptiles and birds etc.

Flora

Sariska Reserve is like a wooded valley which is surrounded by mountains which are barren and sharp cliffs. Mostly dry-deciduous vegetation covers this area and a few scrub and thorn. The dry deciduous forest is what was declared to be the ideal environment for a tiger. We find the same in Ranthambore Acacia and bamboo forests grow along the dry slopes

Attractive Safari

Sariska Reserve for the tigers is nearest amongst the Tiger Reserves to Delhi. This Tiger Reserve is located across the great Aravali hills and the existence of the Kankarwadi Fort makes it all the more attractive. Access way through the road to Sariska is in very good condition now and one can reach easily from Delhi. Private vehicles are not allowed to enter inside Sariska Tiger Reserve but safaris at a charge are organised regularly

Climate And Best Time to Visit

The summer months from April to June are very hot (between 240C and 370C), but offer more chances of seeing wildlife. In winter the temperature ranges between 110C and 310C. The sanctuary can be visited any time of the year. But July and August months should be avoided as this is the time when the animals prefer to move to the higher grounds. During the months starting from November and till June, the best sights can be seen. Do not forget the fact that the months from April to June are extremely hot and not advisable to visit. But it is also during this time that the sightings are good.

In winter, this starts from October and lasts till February one is allowed to enter the park from 7 in the morning to 4 in the evening. During the rest of the year one can enter from 6.30 in the morning to 5 in the evening.

How to Reach

By Air

Just fly down to Jaipur which is about 108 KMs from the reserve.  And Jaipur happens to be well connected to all the major cities of India.

By Road

Sariska is around 37 KMs from Alwar, a place between the old Delhi-Jaipur routes. Just hire a jeep or a car and enjoy the rough dusty and warm road ahead of you. When you reach the reserve, you will surely know why you took that pain road for yourself earlier.

By Train

Alwar is the nearest and convenient rail station and this in turn is connected to Delhi and Jaipur.