SARISKA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Sariska in Rajasthan, located just 200 kms from Delhi, is one of the closest National Parks to the capital. Sculpted out of the Aravalli hills, it spreads over 800-sq kms and is home to the majestic tiger, deer, Nilgai, partridges, wild boar, fox, gaur, sambar, chital, hyena, and the four-horned antelope. The dry deciduous forest are a perfect home to the jungle cat and the Siliserh Lake which lies at the edge of the Park is the watering holes that has preserved the natural habitat of the region, despite it being close to the desert.
The forest is typical dry deciduous, dramatically changing with the change in season. The terrain is undulating plateau lands and wide valleys. Besides tiger, herbivores, spotted deer, sambar, blue bull can be commonly seen and found in good density.
Once of the royal reserve of the rulers of Alwar, Sariska is now part of Project Tiger. Sariska has many hides located near the water holes which are perfect for viewing and photographing wildlife. Inside the Park are the ruins of a splendid 17th century castle at Kankwari. Also close by are the Neelkanth temples (6th-13th century AD) and the glorious Paandu Pol waterfalls. A must visit is the Sariska Fort which, despite being in a state of ruin, offers a magnificent vie of the sunset.
You must carry mosquito repellent creams, coils, and mats. A first-aid kit with antiseptic lotion, Band-Aid, cotton swabs, sunscreen SPF +15, tissue, sun-glasses, a backpack, sturdy trekking shoes, binoculars, camera with zoom lens, cash, and snacks to fight between-meal hunger pangs. In case you are planning to carry a video camera, it will cost you Rs 200 to take it into the sanctuary.
Forest Types
Tropical Dry Deciduous Forest, Tropical Thorn Forest.
Major Flora
Dhok (Anogeissus pendula) is the dominant tree species. covering over 90 per cent area of the forest. Boswellia serreta and Lannea coromandelica grow at rocky patches. Kattha (Acacia Catechu)and Bamboo are common in the valleys. Some valleys support Palas (Butea monosperma)and Ber (Zizyphus spp.) Besides these some noteworthy tree species are Arjun (Terminalia arjuna), Gugal (Commiphora wightii), Kadaya (Sterculia urens), Amla (Emblica officinalis), Bahera (Terminalia bellerica).
Major Fauna
Tiger, Leopard, Caracal, Rusty Spotted Cat, Jungle Cat, Four-horned Antelope, Sambar, Spotted Deer, Wild Boar, Blue Bull, Jackal, Hyena etc.
How to Get Here :
Sariska is 200 km from Delhi and 107 km from Jaipur.
Buses between Delhi and Jaipur go via Alwar and Sariska.
The nearest railhead is Alwar (37 km).
The nearest airport is Jaipur.
