The Wild in the Wooden Valley
Located 107 kms from Jaipur, the Sariska National Park is in a wooden
valley, surrounded by barren mountains. The dry deciduous forests of the
ancient Aravalli range cover the area of the Sariska National Park and Tiger
Reserve.
The main fauna in the park includes the Tiger, Panther, Hyena, Jungle Cat,
Civet, Sambhar, Chinkara, Nilgai and Four-Horned Antelope. Declared a
Sanctuary in 1955, it became a Tiger Reserve under Project Tiger in 1979.
The other great predator of Sariska's forests is the leopard besides the
ferocious tiger. Sariska has a healthy porcupine population, and this tiny
creature often pits itself against the tiger, which is particularly fond of
porcupine flesh.
The 'Chowsingha' (four horned antelope) is commonly found at Sariska;
exclusively Indian, it is the world's only wild creature, which has two
pairs of horns. The Park's terrain is also congenial to the Chinkara (Indian
Gazelle) and Nilgai.
Remarkable for their lack of timidity are the Rhesus and Langur, which, at
Sariska tolerate human closeness with astonishing equanimity.
The birdlife comprises of the Pea Fowl, Gray Partridge, Quail, Sandgrouse,
Tree Pie, White-Breasted Kingfisher, Golden-Backed Woodpecker, Crested
Serpent, Eagle and Great Indian Horned Owl.
Viewing the Wildlife in Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary
The best way to visit the Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary is by jeep and these
can be arranged at the Forest Reception Office on Jaipur Road.
Booking a `hide', overlooking one of the waterholes, can provide an
excellent opportunity for viewing and photographing wildlife. So, pick up
your sleeping bag and some food and settle down to watch.
§ Prime Sites
Within the park are the ruins of many temples.
§ The Kankwari Fort
The Sariska Park has historic overtones. Here, Emperor Aurangzeb once
imprisoned his brother, Dara Shikoh.
§ The Ancient Shiva Temples
In the precincts of the park, Neelkanth temples (6th-13th century AD),
which are now in ruins, afford a wonderful sight to the visitors.
§ The Palace
at Sariska was once the royal reserve of the rulers of Alwar. This palace
built by the Maharajas of Alwar, has now been converted into a hotel.
