Cradled in the northern section of the rugged Aravalli hills of Alwar, Rajasthan, the emerald forests of Sariska stand out amidst a dry and austere landscape. Justifiably called the Jewel of the Aravallis, apart from it s legendry wildlife, Sariska is a water reserve of unparalleled importance to the state. Sariska is one of the great national parks, home to leopards and the magnificent Kankwadi fort where Dara Shikoh, the brother of Aurangzeb was imprisoned in the. Sariska was once the royal reserve of the rulers of Alwar. Declared a sanctuary in 1955, it became a Tiger Reserve in 1979 under Project Tiger Herds of sambar, chital, nilgai and sounders of wild boar - the prey population for predators like the tiger and leopard, roam the 765.80 sq km Reserve. Other carnivores include the hyena, jungle cat, and caracal. Interestingly enough, the dhole or wild dog has been sighted in the Park only in the last few years. A picturesque Silserh Lake lies along the edge of the Sariska Tiger Reserve. The Silserh Lake is also worth visiting. Here crocodiles bask in the sun alongside a variety of waterfowl that frequent most of Sariska’s wetlands in winter.
In Sariska, wildlife observation at the water holes is most fascinating in the summer months of April, May and June. These afford fine opportunities for viewing and photographing wildlife. Splendid ruins scattered in the vicinity of Sariska give it an added interest. This park is situated only 200 km from Delhi and 107 km from Jaipur. Although larger than Ranthambore, it is less commercialised and has less tigers but a similar topography. It covers an area of 800 sq km in total, with a core area of approximately 500 sq km. The Northern Aravali Hills dominate the skyline with their mixture of sharp cliffs and long narrow valleys. The area was declared a sanctuary in 1955 and became a National Park in 1979.
The Sariska National Park is home to numerous carnivores including Leopard, Wild Dog, Jungle Cat, Civets Hyena, Jackal, and Tiger. These feed on species such as Sambar, Chital, Nilgai, Chausingha, Wild Boar and Langur. Sariska is also well known for its large population of Rhesus Monkeys, which are found around Talvriksh.
The avian world is also well represented with Peafowl, Grey Partridge, Bush Quail, Sand Grouse, Tree Pie, Golden backed Woodpecker, crested Serpent Eagle and The Great Indian horned Owl. The park can be visited year-around, except during July/August when the animals move to higher ground. But the best time to visit is between November and June. Bear in mind that the months of April, May and June are extremely hot though sightings are good. In winter (October to February) the park is open from 7 am to 4 pm and for the rest of the year from 6.30 am to 5 pm. Wonder into the Sariska National Park with the Grand Tours India can be a unique wildlife experience.
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