Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary

The romance of Sariska has captured the hearts of tourists for centuries, so it is logical that the place is a superb honeymoon destination for those who are fond of wildlife and would love to have their honeymoon in wilderness. It is the place of ruggedly beautiful contrasts and untamed wildernesses, wonderful wildlife and the subtle seduction of canvas and crisp linens in classic safari camps and lodges.

Sariska National Park is located in the Aravalli hills and is the former hunting preserve of the King of Alwar. Sariska is a wide valley with two large plateaus and is interspersed with places of historical and religious interest, including the ruins of the Kankwari Fort, the 10th century Neelkanth temples, the Budha Hanumab Temple near Pandupol, the Bharthari Temple. Hot and cold springs of Taalvriksh are the places not to miss.

Forests of Sariska are dry deciduous, with trees of Dhak, Acacia, Ber and Salar. The Tigers of Sariska are nocturnal and are not as easily seen as those of Ranthambhor. The park also has also Nilgai, Sambar and Chital in abundance.

Climate
Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary, part of Rajasthan province, experiences tropical climate. Summers are extremely hot and winters are very cold. Despite the heat people prefer travelling to Sariska in summer, because in summer the wild animals are found hovering around the water spots. It is pure delight to watch these creatures in wilderness.

Historical Interest
Apart from wildlife, Sariska has places of historical value too. The Kankwari Fort where the last great Mughal Emperor, Aurangzeb imprisoned his elder brother Dara Shikoh is located atop a hilltop. There are the Neelkanth Temples erected during the 6th-13th century AD and a temple at Pandupole within the Park. Legend holds that the temple was built by the Pandava princes, heroes of epic Mahabharata during their exile period. Wildlife of Sariska thrives amidst this glorious past.

Major Wildlife Attractions
The Sariska park is the home of innumerable carnivores including Leopard, Wild Dog, Jungle Cat, Hyena, Jackal, and Tiger. These feed on beasts like Sambar, Chitel, Nilgai, Chausingha, Wild Boar and Langur. Sariska is also renowned for its large population of Rhesus Monkeys, found in large numbers around Talvriksh.

The avian world is also well represented with a rich and varied birdlife. These include Peafowl, Grey Partridge, Bush Quail, Sand Grouse, Tree Pie, Golden backed Wood Pecker, Crested Serpent Eagle and the Great Indian Horned Owl.

Other Attractions in Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary

The Kankwari Fort :
Among the historically important places located in the Sariska national park, includes the Kankwari Fort, where Emperor Aurangzeb once incarcerated his brother, Dara Shikoh.

The Ancient Shiva Temples :
Within the precinct of the Sariska tiger sanctuary, Neelkanth temples, harking back to the 6th-13th century AD, now in ruins, afford a wonderful sight to the tourists.

The Palace :
Sariska was known as the royal reserve of the rulers of Alwar. This palace built by the Maharajas of Alwar, has now been converted into a hotel.

Jeep Safari
The best way to enjoy the Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary is by jeep. The vehicles can be arranged at the Forest Reception Office on Jaipur Road. You can also book a `hide', overlooking one of the water holes. It would provide an excellent opportunity for wildlife viewing and wildlife photography.

Avifauna in Sariska:
The birdlife in Sariska Park comprises of the pea fowl, gray partridge, quail, sand grouse, tree pie, white breasted kingfisher, golden - backed woodpecker, crested serpent eagle and great Indian horned owl.

Other Attractions
Most popular resident of Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary is tiger. Other wildlife creatures of the park include sambhar, chital, wild boar, hare, nilgai, civet, four-horned antelope, gaur (Indian bison) and porcupine.