Sariska
National Park
The
picturesque Siliserh Lake lies along the edge
of the Sariska Tiger Reserve and a charming
hunting lodge overlooking it, is a marvellous
place for visitors to stay. The dry deciduous
forests of the ancient Aravalli range are excellent
tiger country and Sariska was once of the royal
reserve of the rulers of Alwar.
Declared a sanctuary in 1955, it became a Tiger
Reserve in 1979 under project Tiger.Herds of
sambar, chital, nilgai and sounders of wild
boar - the prey population for predators like
the tiger and leopard, roam the 765.80sq. km.
Reserve. Other carnivores include the hyena,
jungle cat, and caracal. Interestingly enough,
the dhole or wild dog has been sighted in the
Park only in the last few years. The park has
hides carefully located near the water holes.
These afford fine opportunities for viewing
and photographing wildlife.
Splendid
ruins scattered in the vicinity of Sariska give
it an added interest. The Neelkanth temples
(6th-13th century AD) are just 32 km. From the
Park and the historic Kankwari Fort inside the
Reserve, is where the Emperor Aurangzeb once
imprisoned his brother Dara Shikoh. A splendid
palace complex built in 1902, with a 'French'
pavilion and swimming pool, is now a hotel.