Sariska National Park, Jaipur

Sariska Tiger Reserve is made of dry deciduous vegetation. Situated in the Alwar district of Rajasthan, Sariska is prime tiger country. It was earlier the hunting reserve of Alwar’s royalty and subsequently it has played an important role in the conservation of tigers. The vegetation here is extremely dramatic, changing as it does with the change in seasons.

Spread over a vast 800 sq km, Sariska covers grasslands, dry deciduous forests, sheer cliffs and rocky landscape. Animals like leopard, sambhar, chital, nilgai, four-horned antelope, wild boar, rhesus macaque, langur, hyena and jungle cats abound in Sariska. Peafowl, harbor quail, sand grouse, golden- backed woodpecker and crested serpent eagle form the bird life in Sariska.

Sariska is one of the most visited national parks in India as its attractions include not just tigers and an active animal and bird life but also the ruins of medieval temples of Garh-Rajor from the 10th and 11th centuries and a fort from the 17th century. The fort is on top of a hill at Kankwari and is excellent for viewing the eagles and flying vultures. The palace here was built by the Maharaja of Alwar and is now a heritage hotel.

Jaipur has the nearest airport. It is situated 110 km away. The nearest railway station is at Alwar that is just 36 km away. Sariska can also be reached within three hours by road from Delhi.

The climate here is extremely hot in summer and cold in winter. The best time to explore is from November to June. The best way to explore Sariska is through a jeep safari.