Sariska city

Sariska is a well-known and popular wildlife sanctuary in Alwar district of Rajasthan. Till 1954, Sariska was a hunting preserve and was declared as a national park in 1955. This sanctuary substantially contributed in the 'Project Tiger' for the preservation of tigers in India, and also became the first tiger reserve to relocate the tigers successfully.

Entrenched in the Aravali Hills and spread across 866 sq. kilometers, Sariska is a grassland divide into rocky landscapes, deciduous forests and rocky terrains. Due to its location in the Aravali, the weather of Sariska remains moderate amid year. The summers are bearable but turn searing during the months of June-July as the mercury level touches 45° C. The winter season is pleasant as the weather remains cool, misty and serene. The temperature ranges between 8° C -20° C during the season.

Sariska sanctuary is a home to different mammalian species. Apart from the tigers, people can also spot leopard, striped cat, sambar deer, nilgai, chinkara etc. Also, it houses a good number of feathered species like eagle owl, woodpecker, kingfisher, peacock etc. that lure the tourists.

Places of Interest

Kanakwari Fort - One of the best illustrations of a jungle fort in India, the Kanakwari Fort lies within the Sariska reserve area within the ranges of 18 kms from the entrance gate. The spot is obviously hard to find as it lies deep inside the tiger infested forest. This was the place where Prince Dara Shikoh, heir to the Mughal throne, was held captive by his brother Aurangzeb. A steep rise of stairs will lead to the fort to bring the faded ancient wall paintings that still reflect the Rajputana eloquences.

Sariska Palace - The Sariska Palace inside the reserve area was once the hunting lodge for Maharaja Jai Singh of Jaipur. This is the most visited place for the number of tourists, even if they are not dwelling for the tiger tours in Sariska. The palace is decked with sprawling lawns, antique furniture and interesting photographs of the Royal Shikar of the 1920s and is now converted into a museum.

Naldeshwar Temple - The Naldeshwar Temple is being located at some distance away from the reserve area at the Alwar-Jaipur highway joining Sariska to Alwar. This temple is easily accessible by foot once reaching at the highway. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is surrounded by dense greenery to bring a pristine environment for much overwhelming moments. This 18th century old temple showcases some different ambience around the deserted land of Rajasthan.

Neelkanth Temple - The temple of Neelkanth, dedicated to Lord Shiva is encircled by the Aravali ranges and is quite closer to the Sariska reserve. This ancient temple also looks like a rocky museum which is studded with sculptures, carvings and scriptures similar to the ones excavated at Khajuraho and so also has some historical importance too.

Bharthrihari Temple - Located at 30 kms away from the Sariska reserve, this temple is dedicated to an ancient sage Bhartrihari to attract many Hindu devotees. This temple stands above the samadhi of Yogi Bhartrihari Nath and is known for its excellent Rajasthani style of architecture.

How to Reach Sariska?

By Air : Saganer airport is the nearest airport to reach Sariska by Air. The beautiful national park and wildlife sanctuary is at the distance of 110 km from airport that is covered by either taking a taxi or bus.

By Rail : Alwar at the distance of 36 km is the nearest railway station to reach Sariska by Train. The remaining 36 km distance can be covered by bus or taxi.

By Road : There are regular busses from Alwar, Jaipur, Gurgaon and Delhi to reach Sariska by bus. You can also take a taxi from nearby cities to reach as per your choice. Reaching by your car is also safe and secure.