Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary

This park is situated only 200 km from Delhi and 107 kms from Jaipur. Although larger than Ranthambor, it is less commercialised and has less tigers but a similar Physical Features. 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 area was declared a sanctuary in 1955 and became a National Park in 1979.

The landscape of Sariska comprises of hills and narrow valleys of the Aravali hill range. The Physical Features 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 Seasons of Rajasthan here is variable as well as erratic.

It is located in the contemporary Alwar district and is the legacy of the Maharajas of Alwar. Pavilions and Temples within Sariska are ruins that hint at past riches and glory. The nearby Kankwadi Fort has a long and turbulent history. In morning and evening, wildlife in Sariska heads towards the many water holes, which litter the park, thus providing the guests with their best chance of viewing game. At some of these watering holes it is possible to book hides which are situated in prime spots for wildlife viewing.

The park is home to numerous carnivores including Leopard, Wild Dog, Jungle Cat, Civets Hyena, Jackal, and Tiger. These 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.
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. Best Time to Visit Visitors can visit Sariska wildlife sanctuary throughout the year, still the beast period is during the months of October to June.

How to get there
By Air: Jaipur is the nearest airport from Sariska at a distance 107-kms. The place is well connected by Indian Airlines flights from Delhi (6:05, daily), Mumbai (15:30, daily) and Kolkata (15:45, daily). Jet Airways also connects Mumbai and Delhi to Jaipur through daily flights.

By Rail: The nearest railway station is at Alwar (37-kms). The place is connected to Delhi through the Jammu JP Exp. (4:40, daily), Mandor Exp. (20:50, daily), Ashram Exp. (156:05, daily), DLI JSM Exp. (18:00, daily) and HW ADI Mail (22:50, daily).

By Road: Sariska wildlife sanctuary is situated off the Delhi-Alwar-Jaipur Road. Sariska is well connected with Alwar, which is further directly connected with bus services from Delhi and Jaipur. The road route from Delhi is through the NH8 to Shahpura via Gurgaon and Behror. From there state road leads to Sariska via Bairat and Thana Ghazi. To travel by road from Jaipur, take the NH8 to Shahpura via Amer and Chandwaji, and state road to Sariska.