Sariska Tiger Reserve

The rustic embrace of forests in the Aravali Ranges

The Sariska Tiger Reserve is located around 35 km away from Alwar district in Rajasthan and is peacefully settled in the Aravalli hills. This rustic Indian national park is known for craggy canyons and even the semi -deciduous trees. Spread over 866 sq. km, the national park is also known for remnants of old forts along with lakes and hot and cold springs. It was declared as a wildlife reserve in 1955 and it was in 1978 when it was officially called as the Sariska Tiger Reserve. Its close proximity to both Jaipur and Delhi gets it several visitors through out the year.

History reveals that Sariska Tiger Reserve was initially utilised as a hunting ground for the Royal Family of Alwar in Rajasthan. Over the years, Sariska, which is larger than the Ranthambore National Park has been less commercialised.

Following are the main tourist attractions of the Sariska Tiger Reserve

Flora:  The deciduous forest making the flora of Sariska Tiger Reserve is the only patch of forest present in the Aravali Hills. The most common trees found in Sariska are Salar, Gol, Ber, Kadaya, Dhok tree, Bamboo and Gugal trees. The forest type of Sariska is dry and deciduous type due to the climate. There are several shrubs also found in Sariska like the Jhar Ber, Adusta and Kair. The main vegetation consists of Tendu, Kadam, Gum Karaya and Salar. Through the monsoon season, the vegetation of Sariska remains lush green and captivating.

Fauna: Few numbers of Bengal tiger can be still found in this not so very commercial Sariska Tiger Reserve. One can spot several carnivores in the Sariska Tiger Reserve such as Tiger, Jackal, Jungle Cat, Wild Dog and Leopard. Rhesus Monkeys are the speciality of this tiger reserve. Foxes, Four Horned Deers, Hares, Sambar deer, Indian Langur and golden Jackal can be found here. There are several bird varieties also present in the Sariska Tiger Reserve such as the Grey Partridge,  Tree Pie, Peafowl, Great Indian Horned Owl and Sand Grouse.

Excursions from Sariska Tiger Reserve
There are several religious places and fort near to the Sariska Tiger Reserve. The Kankwadi Fort which was built by Jai Singh II is one of the exquisitely designed forts. One can also visit the ruins of  Temples of Naldeshwar and Temple of Neelkanth near the Sariska Tiger Reserve. There are few important temples also around this tiger reserve like the Hanuman Temple and Bharhrihari Temple near the Sariska Tiger Reserve.

One can also visit the Lake Siliserh which is approximately 30 km away from Sariska. Its beautiful to watch sunrise here and along with it, there are boating facilities also available. The tourists can also visit the pre-historic Bhangarh town which is located near to edge of the Sariska Tiger Reserve. This town is known for old palaces and mosques.

When to Reach
The best time to visit the Sariska Tiger Reserve is in between October to June. The park is closed for the visitors otherwise.

How to Reach
Air: The nearest airport to Sariska Tiger Reserve is the Jaipur Sanganer Airport which is approximately 101 km away from the city of Sariska. The important destinations are covered with the Jaipur Airport.
Rail: The nearest railway station to the tiger river is Sawai Madhopur railway station which is located at a distance of 11 km.
Road: This tiger reserve is located enroute Delhi-Alwar-Jaipur route. Alwar is fondly also known as the Tiger Gate of Rajasthan.