Sariska
National Park lies in the Aravalli hills and is the former hunting
preserve of the Maharaja of Alwar. Sariska itself is a wide valley with
two large plateaus and is dotted with places of historical and religious
interest, including the ruins of the Kankwari Fort, the 10th century
Neelkanth temples, the Budha Hanumab Temple near Pandupol, the Bharthari
Temple near the park office, and the hot and cold springs of Taalvriksh.
The
large Siliserh Lake is at the north-eastern corner. The forests are dry
deciduous, with trees of Dhak, Acacia, Ber and Salar. The Tigers of
Sariska are largely nocturnal and are not as easily seen as those of
Ranthambhor. The park also has good populations of Nilgai, Sambar and
Chital.
In the evenings, Indian Porcupine, Striped Hyaena,
Indian Palm Civet and even Leopard are sometimes seen. The forests are
lush during and immediately following the monsoon, but during the dry
months of February May there is a shortage of water and in consequence
mammals are attracted to water holes. At this time of year visibility is
good because of the sparse foliage. Sariska is excellent for
birdwatching and has an unusually large population of Indian Peafowl.
SeasonOpen
year round, the best period being November-April, especially
March-April.
