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Located
107 kms from Jaipur, the Sariska National Park is in a
wooden valley, surrounded by barren mountains. The dry
deciduou s
forests of the ancient Aravalli range cover the area
of the Sariska National Park and Tiger Reserve.
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.
VIEWING THE WILD
he best  way to visit the Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary is
by jeep and these can be arranged at the Forest
Reception Office on Jaipur Road.
Booking a `hide', overlooking one of the waterholes,
can provide an excellent opportunity for viewing and
photographing wildlife. So, pick up your sleeping bag
and some food and settle down to watch.
PRIME SITES:
Within the park are the ruins of many temples.
The KANKWARI FORT
The
Sariska Park has historic overtones. Here, Emperor
Aurangzeb once imprisoned his brother, Dara Shikoh.
THE ANCIENT SHIVA TEMPLES in the precincts of the
park, Neelkanth temples (6th-13th century AD), which
are now in ruins, afford a wonderful sight to the
visitors.
THE PALACE,
Sariska was once the royal reserve of the rulers of
Alwar. This palace built by the Maharajas of Alwar,
has now been converted into a hotel |
