Sariska is located in the eastern part of Rajasthan in
the backdrop of Aravally hills. It was once the hunting reserve of the
Maharajas of Alwar, in whose jurisdiction it fell. The beautiful Siliserh
Lake runs along the edge of the reserve, with a quaint hunting lodge
overlooking it. The sanctuary was declared a sanctuary in 1955 and became a
National Park in 1979.
Climate
Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary being part of Rajasthan which experience
tropical climate, so here the summer are extreme hot and same is the
condition in winter season too. But even then people prefer to travel to
Sariska, in the summer because due to the heat, the wild animals are found
hovering around the water spots and it's a sheer delight to watch.
Fauna
The main fauna in the park includes the Tiger, Panther, Hyena, Jungle Cat,
Civet, Sambhar, Chinkara, Nilgai and Four-Horned Antelope. Declared a
Sanctuary in 1955, it became a Tiger Reserve under Project Tiger in 1979.
The other great predator of Sariska's forests is the leopard besides the
ferocious tiger. Sariska has a healthy porcupine population, and this tiny
creature often pits itself against the tiger, which is particularly fond of
porcupine flesh.
The 'Chowsingha' (four horned antelope) is commonly found at Sariska;
exclusively Indian, it is the world's only wild creature, which has two
pairs of horns. The Park's terrain is also congenial to the Chinkara (Indian
Gazelle) and Nilgai.
Remarkable for their lack of timidity are the Rhesus and Langur, which, at
Sariska tolerate human closeness with astonishing equanimity.
The birdlife comprises of the Pea Fowl, Gray Partridge, Quail, Sandgrouse,
Tree Pie, White-Breasted Kingfisher, Golden-Backed Woodpecker, Crested
Serpent, Eagle and Great Indian Horned Owl.
Other Attraction at Sariska
Apart from wildlife, there is touch of historicity as well. Located inside
the park are ruins of medieval temples of the Hindu God Shiva. The ruins of
the temple Garh-Rajor, built in the 10th century, are scattered all over the
jungle. A 17th-century castle on a sharp hilltop at Kanakwari provides an
excellent view of Sariska. It is in this fort that Mughal emperor Aurangzeb
once imprisoned his very own brother, Dara Shikoh. There is also a palace
built by the erstwhile Maharajas of Alwar that has now been turned into a
hotel.
