Sariska national park

Sariska is probably one of the most visited parks in India. Unfortunately though, the main reason for this is not wildlife enthusiasm but only it's excellent proximity to some large towns like Delhi and Jaipur. The park was, as with many other parks, the hunting reserve of the royal family in the area. In this case, it was the Royal family of Alwar. The reserve was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1958 and came under the "Project Tiger" as a tiger reserve in 1979. The park covers quite a large area of 800 square kilometers, 480 square kilometers of which form the core area of the national park. It is located among the Aravalli hill ranges in the Alwar district of Rajasthan. Due to the presence of monuments of religious importance located within the park boundaries, the park authorities are compelled to keep the park open throughout the year. Unfortunately, the only restrictions they are able to impose during this "off-season" period are those on entry into the jungle routes. The main road is kept open all year round. The season during which the jungles can be properly explored is from November to June. The summer months are better for animal viewing but are extremely hot with temperatures going up to as high as 49 degrees centigrade. In the winter months, the temperature touches a low of 4 degrees.

The Park also shelters many different species of birds including Bush Quails, Sand Grouses, Tree Pies, Golden backed Woodpeckers, crested Serpent Eagles and Great Indian horned Owls. Animal lovers would definitely love this place which will offer them some of the best scenes to remember. The best place to spot the wildlife is at the waterholes where animals come to satisfy their thirst. You can trace hundreds of birds at the Kalighati Waterhole and Nilgai can be spotted at Salupka waterhole. Siliserh Lake is another attraction which is inhabited by crocodiles on the edge of the sanctuary. You would find innumerous monkeys and langurs all over the Park doing activities. The Kankwadi Fort is also worth visiting that has a long chaotic history. According to one of the beliefs, here Dara Shikoh was imprisoned by Aurangzeb. Bharathari is another place

which is named after Raja Bharathari of Ujjain who took 'Samadhi' in this holy place. Devotees from all over Rajasthan come to this place on 8th of shukla-paksha of Bhadon month. Sariska Palace is also worth a visit, which has been converted into a heritage hotel. Besides all this, you can visit the Pandupol, a place where Bhima adjusted a stick in the rock face of a cliff to make a pathway. You can also opt for Jeep Safaris which are easily available to explore the National Reserve. Sariska National Park is an enthralling sanctuary, where you can visit the rich heritage sites and enjoy the beauty of natural world. The Kankwari Fort: The major historic structure within the Sariska National Park includes the Kankwari Fort where Emperor Aurangzeb once imprisoned his brother, Dara Shikoh. The Ancient Shiva Temples: The Neelkanth Temples within the Sariska Tiger Sanctuary date back to the 6th -13th century AD, though in dilapidated condition, is a must visit. The Sariska Palace: The Maharajas of Alwar built the Sariska Palace standing amidst the Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary. The Palace has now been converted into a hotel. Jeep Safari : The best way to explore the Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary is by jeep which can be arranged at the Forest Reception Office on Jaipur Road. You can even book a `hide' overlooking one of the water holes, and also provides an excellent opportunity for wildlife viewing and wildlife photography within the Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary. When to Visit Sariska Tiger Reserve : As such, the Sariska Tiger Reserve can be visited throughout the year; still the best time to have Sariska tour is from October - June and January - February. Certain jungle tracks are closed during the monsoon and the breeding season just to safeguard the animals and the reserve. If you can tolerate heat, April to June is ideal to catch-hold of the animals at the waterholes.