Located amidst the hill cliffs and valleys of the mountains of Aravali, Sariska Tiger Reserve is a major wildlife haunt in Alwar district of Rajasthan. Inside the dry and deciduous forests of the park there are some ancient temples dating back to 10th and 11th centuries. This tiger reserve was once the hunting ground of the maharajas of Alwar state and in 1955 it was established as a wildlife reserve. The Indian Government declared it as a national park in 1978 and started the Project Tiger. The park covers an area of 866 square kilometers. Travel to Sariska is planned by tourists mainly for its wildlife viewing and sightseeing of the palace, forts and temples.

Major Wildlife Attractions of Sariska Park

The major wildlife attractions of the Sariska Park is its wide variety of wildlife species found inside which includes Leopard, Wild Dog, Jungle Cat, Hyena, Jackal, and Tiger. These feed on an abundance of prey species such as Sambar, Chitel, Nilgai, Chausingha, Wild Boar and Langur. Sariska is home to a large population of Rhesus Monkeys, which are found in large numbers around Talvriksh.

The birdlife at this wildlife park includes Peafowl, Grey Partridge, Bush Quail, Sand Grouse, Tree Pie, Golden backed Wood Pecker, Crested Serpent Eagle and the Great Indian Horned Owl. Though Sariska is known for its tiger population, now the population has decreased due to poaching.

Other Attractions in Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary

Sariska travel guide includes sightseeing of the forts, palace and temples located nearby and within Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary. The major nearby attractions are

Kankwari Fort

Among the historic landmarks located within the Sariska national park, includes the Kankwari from where, Emperor Aurangzeb once imprisoned his brother, Dara Shikoh. While in Sariska tourists must visit this fort.

Ancient Shiva Temples

Neelkanth temples, that dates back to the 6th-13th century AD, now in ruins, are located inside the Sariska Tiger Reserve. The ruins of the temples will take the tourists to an ancient time.

Sariska Palace

This palace was built by the Maharajas of Alwar, has now been converted into a hotel. It was the royal hunting lodge of Maharaja Jai Singh. It is a worth visiting heritage site in Sariska.