The Sariska’s area which is Aravalli Range’s part is rich in the mineral resources eg- copper. Though the Supreme Court has issued a ban in 1991 for mining in that area but this is still continuing hence is a threat to the environment.

Few wildlife that is found in Sariska Tiger Reserve are reptiles, ample of the birds species, Rhesus monkeys, hanuman langur, hare, wild boar, four horned antelope / chousingha (extinct) chinkara, nilgai, sambhar, chital, golden jackal, striped hyena, caracal, jungle cat, leopard, and Bengal tiger. Birds which are found are Great Indian Horned Owl, Crested Serpent Eagle, Golden Backed Wood Pecker, Tree Pie, Sand Grouse, Bush Quail, Grey Partridge and Peafowl.

The trees which are found plenty in this forest is the dhok (Anogeissus pendula). Other trees include e.g., khair (Acacia catechu), ber (Ziziphus mauritiana), gol ( Lanneacoromandelica), dhak (Butea monosperma), kadaya (Sterculia urens) and salar (Boswellia serrata). Also gugal (Commiphora wightii), arjun (Terminalia arjuna), Bamboo or Bargad (Ficus benghalensis) can also be found in few places. There are many shrubs like jhar ber (Ziziphus nummularia), adusta (Adhatoda vesica) and kair (Capparis decidua), adusta (Adhatoda vesica) and jhar ber (Ziziphus nummularia).

General Information

History

This reserve has many sites which are of historical importance like the Kankwadifort, which was built in the 17th century by Jai Singh II and is located in the center of park. In order to get the throne Aurangazeb The Mughal Emperor had imprisoned Dara Shikoh his brother there. One of the Pandava’s retreats is said to be the in the hills the Pandupol which is in center of reserve. Pandupol’s Hanuman temple is pilgrimage site which is the favorite pilgrimage site and hence leads to problems for the wildlife as it gives way to heavy traffic. The Bargujars built the Nilkanth temples. Bargujar’s capital was Rajor Garh or Neelkanth. In the north there is the Tal Briksh which is special due to its warm spring water. Pilgrims throng at the place Bhartrihari, which is near to the Sariska village. Raja Bhartrihari,Ujjain’s ruler used to meditate here. The area has buildings that are associated with the Alwar kings like Sariska Palace, which used to be MaharajaJay Singh’s royal hunting lodge.

Best Time To Visit

Visitors can visit Sariska at any part of the year, though few jungle tracks remain closed in the breeding and monsoon season. Later part of the winter say January or February is said to be an ideal time to visit this park. The ideal time to see the animals at waterholes is from April to June.

How To Get There

One has to go through Alwar from Delhi to reach Sariska, mostly called as ‘Tiger gate of Rajasthan’. There are two different routes one passes through Sohna and is avoided. The other route is via NH 8 till Dharuhera, turning left to reach Bhiwadi in order to catch up with the toll road towards Alwar via Tijara. One can reach Sariska in about 4 hours. TIP It is not necessary to go via Always city as one can go via the bypass or road to reach Sariska. A short diversion can be taken about 10 kms from Alwar towards the Siliserh lake to halt on the way. At a distance of 30 kms from Alwar is Sariska. Alternatively Sariska can be reached by another route which is a bit longer and that is via the NH 8 before Shahpura and take the State Highway route to Sariska via Thanagazi.

Train - The Nearest One Is At Alwar.

Things To Do In National Park

Own vehicle is allowed in the park but has restrictions in regards to driving on metalled road uptill Pandupol and not halt in Kucha. The better way to visit the park is in their official four wheeler which are available outside the park. If time permits go for the whole day else book it for a little while. You feel awesome while you drive through the kucha and the roads which are non existent. One need to reach Pandupol and then turn towards Neelkanth and Kankanwadi for the real fun filled action as there are higher chances of seeing the wild life and Tigers. Bird life can be found around the Kankanwadi lake. One can either take a guide or jeep drivers as both have equal knowledge of the place. If you want to have the best of the view then the water holes are the right spot during the dusk and dawn. Don’t forget to carry your binoculars, food, cap, sun glasses and insect repellant cream.

Location Map

Accommodation

Sariska Palace which was built by Maharaja Jai Singh in 19th century was hunting lodge for maharajas for many years. This is now a Heritage hotel with the best of amenities like lawn tennis, swimming pool, huge lawns for playing cricket, football, table tennis etc and to relax. This is spread on an area of 100 acres and amidst of Rajasthan their lush green lawns and façade is worth watching.

The Sariska Palace has maintained the ambience and charm of this place so as to remind people of the Rajas and the Maharajas.  Sariksha Wild Life Sanctuary and The Sariska Palace are side by side. Sariska is easy to reach and from Delhi it is 4 hours and From Gurgaon it is 3 hours.

Sariska Palace has 85 suites & rooms and all are air conditioned and are divided into different blocks like Lord’s Corner, Queens Corner etc.

Bar & Restaurants Their two dining halls serve Chinese, Indian, Rajasthani cuisine and Continental. Their mutton curries are a must have and also the amazing confectionery. And the bar to lift up your spirits.

Sariska Palace Conference – They have 3 conference halls, lovely lawns and advanced visual audio facilities to conduct trainings, Sariska Palace is a perfect venue for the corporate outings, both for meeting and for fun types. The capacity of the hall is around 100 theatre style.

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