Sariska National Park
Sariska national park is one such rare National Park in India that has grasslands as well as deciduous forests and rocky landscapes as well. Owing to this very reason, you would be able to find a lot of diverse wildlife in this national park. If you look at the geographical diversity, you would realize that 90% of the park is actually covered by Dhok trees. The national park is located in Rajasthan in the Alwar district. It also has a tiger reserve which means that there is a high probability that you would be able to witness the local tiger species there.
We would today go into the details of this park in order to help you better understand whether it is worth visiting or not.
Sariska National Park History
Sariska National Park is located in the Alwar district of Rajasthan, India. It was declared a national park in 1955 and later became a Tiger Reserve in 1978. The park is known for its diverse wildlife, including tigers, leopards, and several species of deer and birds. The park also has a rich cultural history, with several ancient temples and forts located within its boundaries, including the Kankwadi Fort and the Neelkanth temples. In the early 2000s, it was discovered that the park’s tiger population had declined significantly due to poaching and habitat loss. Efforts have since been made to conserve the remaining tigers and to increase their numbers through reintroduction and breeding programs.
Facts about Sariska National Park
- Sariska National Park is located in the Alwar district of Rajasthan, India, and covers an area of 866 square kilometers.
- It was declared a national park in 1955 and later became a Tiger Reserve in 1978.
- The park is known for its diverse wildlife, including tigers, leopards, and several species of deer and birds.
- Some of the other animals found in the park are Indian hare, wild boar, sambar, chital, nilgai, four-horned antelope, Rhesus Macaque, Hanuman Langur, Indian hare and many more.
- The park is also home to several species of birds, including the great Indian horned owl, the crested serpent eagle, and the peafowl.
- The park has a rich cultural history, with several ancient temples and forts located within its boundaries, including the Kankwadi Fort and the Neelkanth temples.
- The park is open from October to June.
- Sariska is also known for its rich mineral resources, particularly copper and lead.
- The park’s vegetation primarily consists of dry deciduous forest, with some areas of rocky terrain and grasslands.
- Sariska National Park is a part of the Aravalli Range, which is a major reason for the diverse flora and fauna found in the park.
Sariska Tiger Reserve Safari Timings
The safari timings for Sariska Tiger Reserve vary depending on the season and the type of safari. The park is open for visitors from October to June.
- Morning Safari: The morning safari starts at 6:00 am and lasts until 10:00 am.
- Evening Safari: The evening safari starts at 2:30 pm and lasts until 6:30 pm.
It is important to note that the safari timings may change depending on the park’s regulations and the weather conditions. It’s always best to check with the park authorities or tour operators before planning your visit.
Also, keep in mind that the tiger safari timings are different as compared to normal jeep safari. The park opens for tiger safari only between 6:00 am to 9:00 am and 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
Safari in Sariska Tiger Reserve is done by jeep and can be booked from the forest department or through a tour operator. It’s also important to note that the number of jeeps allowed inside the park at a time is restricted to control pollution and disturbance to the wildlife.
Must Visit and Nearby attractions
Kankwari Fort:
This 17th-century fort is located within the park boundaries and offers a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape. The fort was built by the Rajput king Raja Jai Singh, and it is said that the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb once imprisoned his own brother Dara Shikoh in this fort. It is a perfect place for history enthusiasts and for those who want to enjoy the scenic view of the park.
Neelkanth Temples:
These ancient temples dedicated to Lord Shiva are located within the park and are believed to have been built in the 9th and 10th centuries. The temples are a perfect example of ancient Indian architecture and are known for their intricate carvings and sculptures. Visitors can also enjoy the picturesque surroundings of the temples while exploring the rich cultural heritage of the area.
Pandupol:
This is a beautiful spot where Lord Pandavas are believed to have lived during their exile period. It is believed that Bhima, one of the five Pandavas, killed the demon Bakasura here, and thus the place was named Pandupol, which means the “place of Pandavas”. It is a perfect place for those who are interested in Hindu mythology and ancient Indian history.
Hanuman Temple:
This is a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman and is located close to the park. The temple is known for its beautiful architecture and is said to be one of the oldest Hanuman temples in Rajasthan. Visitors can also enjoy the peaceful surroundings of the temple and take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Sariska Palace:
This palace was built by the Maharaja of Alwar in the 19th century and is now converted into a heritage hotel. The palace is a perfect blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture and offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the Maharajas. Visitors can also enjoy the beautiful gardens and the scenic views of the surrounding landscape.
Alwar City:
The city of Alwar is located just outside the park and is known for its rich history and culture. It is famous for its palaces and forts such as the Bala Quila Fort, the Vijay Mandir Palace and the City Palace. Visitors can also explore the local markets and try the delicious Rajasthani cuisine.
Siliserh Lake:
This beautiful lake is located about 10 kilometers from Sariska National Park. Visitors can enjoy boating and picnicking at the lake. The lake also offers a great opportunity for bird watching and photography.
Bhangarh Fort:
This 17th-century fort is located about 40 kilometers from Sariska National Park and is known for its eerie legends and ghost stories. Visitors can explore the fort and its ruins, and also enjoy the scenic views of the surrounding landscape.
Dera Dune:
This is a popular picnic spot located about 20 kilometers from Sariska National Park, known for its beautiful sand dunes and sunset views. Visitors can also enjoy camel safari and other adventure activities in the area.
Flora and Fauna
Sariska National Park is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. The park is known for its rich biodiversity and is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers.
Flora: The park is home to a diverse range of plant species, including tropical dry deciduous forest, scrub forest, and grasslands. Some of the common tree species found in the park include Dhok, Khair, Ber, and Kulu. The park is also home to a wide variety of medicinal plants and herbs.
Fauna: The park is home to a wide variety of animals, including the Bengal tiger, leopard, striped hyena, golden jackal, sambar, chital, nilgai, and wild boar. The park is also home to a wide variety of bird species, including the crested serpent eagle, the great horned owl, and the Indian peafowl. Visitors can also spot reptiles like the Indian cobra, the common krait, and Russell’s viper.
In addition, the park is also home to a variety of endangered and threatened species, such as the Indian pangolin and the Indian vulture. The park’s conservation efforts are aimed at protecting these species and maintaining the park’s biodiversity.
It’s always a good idea to check the park’s official website or contact the park authorities for the most up-to-date information about the flora and fauna of the park.
Best time to visit Sariska National Park
The best time to visit Sariska National Park depends on the type of experience you are looking for. Generally, the park is open for visitors from October to June.
- October to March: This is the best time to visit if you are interested in wildlife viewing. The weather is cool and comfortable during these months, making it the perfect time to spot tigers and other animals in the park.
- April to June: This is the best time to visit if you are interested in bird watching. The park is home to a wide variety of bird species, and the warmer weather during these months is perfect for bird watching.
- July to September: The park is closed for visitors during these months as it is the monsoon season in the region. The park receives heavy rainfall during this time, making it difficult to spot animals and birds.
Keep in mind that the park timings and safari timings vary depending on the season and the time of the day. It’s always a good idea to check the park’s official website or contact the park authorities for the most up-to-date information.
In addition, it’s also important to note that the park has a certain number of visitors allowed per day, and you may need to book your safari in advance.
How to reach Sariska National Park
Sariska National Park is located in the Alwar district of Rajasthan, India. The park is well connected by road, rail, and air.
By Road: Sariska National Park is well connected by road to major cities in Rajasthan and nearby states. The park is located about 200 kilometers from Delhi, and the drive takes around 5 hours. Regular bus services are available from Delhi and other major cities in the region. Taxis and private cars can also be hired for the journey.
By Rail: The nearest railway station is Alwar, which is about 35 kilometers from the park. Alwar railway station is well-connected to major cities in Rajasthan and nearby states. From Alwar, visitors can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the park.
By Air: The nearest airport is Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, which is about 180 kilometers from the park. From the airport, visitors can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the park.
Once you reach the Sariska National Park, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the park entrance. From there, you can take a safari or go on a jungle walk to explore the park.
