Home of the majestic Tiger, Sariska is one of the many protected sanctuaries in India where Project Tiger met with success. Set amidst the scrubby Aravali Hills, the Sanctuary sprawls across dry thorny deciduous forests, covered almost ninety per cent by the Dhok tree. Sariska was declared a Sanctuary in 1955 and became a Tiger Reserve under in 1979.
Within the Sanctuary, there are also historical ruins of monuments symbolic of its past.The Kankwari Fort, where Emperor Aurangzeb once imprisoned his brother Dara Shikoh, the ancient Shiva Neelkanth Temples that date back to the 6th-13th century A.D. and the Palace built by the Maharajas of Alwar, now converted into a hotel, are all great sights.
Unique Attraction
Sariska National Park is known for its tigers, its most popular resident, According to the latest available data, there are about 35 tigers at Sariska. Rajasthan is a pristine platform for viewing wildlife in the country because of its two national parks and over a dozen sanctuaries.
Avifauna in Sariska
The birdlife comprises of the pea fowl, gray partridge, quail, sand grouse, tree pie, white breasted kingfisher, golden - backed woodpecker, crested serpent eagle and great Indian horned owl.
Other Attractions
Its most popular resident, the tiger along with other wildlife including sambhar, chital, wild boar, hare, nilgai, civet, four-horned antelope, gaur (Indian bison) and porcupine.
Fauna Attractions
The landscape of Sariska comprises of hills and narrow valleys of the Aravali hill range. The topography of Sariska supports scrub-thorn arid forests, dry deciduous forests, rocks and grasses. The broad range of wildlife here is a wonderful example of ecological adoption and tolerance, for the climate here is variable as well as erratic, especially in terms of rainfall, which is desperately needed to replenish the region.
