Location of Sariska Tiger Reserve
Sariska Tiger Reserve lies along the edge of the picturesque Siliserh Lake.
This beautiful park is at a distance of only 200 km from Delhi and 107 kms
from Jaipur. Though the park is larger than Ranthambor, it is less
commercialized and has less tigers. Still it has 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 landscape of Sariska comprises of hills and narrow valleys of the
Aravali hill range. The topography of Sariska supports scrub-thorn arid
forests, dry deciduous forests, rocks and grasses. The broad range of
wildlife here is a wonderful example of ecological adoption and tolerance,
for the climate here is variable as well as erratic.
About The Sariska National Park
Sariska Tiger Reserve was established in 1978. The area was declared a
sanctuary in 1955 and became a National Park in 1979. The present area of
the Reserve is 866 sq. km. In the pre-independence period, the forests
within the Reserve were a part of the erstwhile Alwar State and were
maintained as a hunting preserve for the royalty. After independence, these
were first notified as a Reserve, wherein it was unlawful to hunt, shoot,
net, trap, snare, capture or kill any kind of wild animals in 1955.
The Reserve status was upgraded to a Sanctuary in 1958. Later, in view of
the preservation of wild animals in a better way, a few forest areas
contiguous to the Sanctuary were also incorporated. The primary notification
to declare part of the core as National Park was issued in 1982. The final
notification is pending in view of the need to relocate a few villages from
the Park.
Wildlife in Sariska National Park
The park is home to numerous carnivores including Leopard, Wild Dog, Jungle
Cat, Civets Hyena, Jackal, and Tiger. These animals 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. Dhok Anogeissus
pendula is the dominant tree species covering over 90 per cent area of the
forest. Boswellia serreta and Lannea coromandelica grow on the rocky
patches.
Katha
Acacia catechu and bamboo are common in the valleys. Some valleys support
palas Butea monosperma and ber Zizyphus species. Besides these, some
noteworthy tree species are Arjun Terminalia arjuna, gugal Commiphora
wightii, kadaya Sterculia urens, amla Emblica officinalis, bahera Terminalia
bellerica.
How to get there at Sariska Tiger Reserve?
The park is open almost whole year-round, but for wildlife viewing and your
comfort it is best to visit from October to April. Safaris are provided by
jeep. You can reach this exotic park through air , rail or road.
» By Air - The nearest Airport is at Jaipur at a
distance of180 km. Several flights from Delhi, Mumbai and other parts of
India are available.
» By Rail - The nearest rail junction is Alwar at a
distance of 35 km, from where you can hire a taxi or travel by bus to the
park.
» By Road - There are direct buses that ply between
Delhi and Jaipur also go via Alwar and Sariska
Cities
of Rajasthan
