Sariska National Park, a popular tourist destination in India's royal state Rajasthan, is mainly known for its beautiful tiger reserve. Sariska is well known as a wonderful weekend getaway from Delhi and NCR. Sariska town is located at only little more than one hour drive from capital of Rajasthan Pink City Jaipur as it is just away by 110 km.

Sariska has varied landscape that comprises grasslands, dry deciduous forests,cliffs and rocky topography. The Aravalli mountain ranges surround the Sariska park which is covered with thick sub mountain forests provides ultimate beauty to this place.

In Sariska National Park you will get to see tigers, nilgais langurs and a great variety of beautiful Indian birds. Sariska is also bordered by places of historical evidence, temples and monuments as well.

Ajaibgarh,Pratapgarh Bhangarh Fort close to Sariska are also deserves a visit.The National Park of Sariska is extensive than other Project Tiger areas in India. It is spread an area of around 850 sq km.

In the 20th century, Maharaja Jai Singh of Jaipur princely state began his drive to convert this area to a protected area.His initiatives culminated in Sariska being declared a wildlife sanctuary way back in 1958 and after two decade it has got National Park status in 1979.

Despite the Apex Court's ban on mining in this area since 1991,mining of marble has continued which poses a threat to the environment of the Sariska National Park.

Must Know:

Tourists are permitted to take their private vehicles inside the Sariska National Park, but they are prohibited to go off the designated track. So if anybody interested to go off the track inside the dense forest, he or she need to hire vehicles available at the Sariska National Park reception. Private vehicles are charged only Rs 250 on Saturdays and Sundays.

It is necessary for the visitors to bring somebody having ID proofs like passport, driving license, voter ID card with them for seeking entry into the Sariska Park.

Some Facts:

Sariska Tiger Reserve is the single wildlife sanctuary or park in the India that permits the tourists to visit during monsoon (1st July to 30th September) period.

During monsoon period, visitors are allowed only two days that include Tuesday and Saturday between 8 am and 3 pm only.

Pilgrims and tourists are also allowed to go up to see the famous Pandupol Hanuman Temple situated in the park.

Attractions:

Tourists will enjoy the group jungle safaris that begun from the entry gate of the Sariska park. The wildlife can be seen venturing out towards the water holes in the Sariska park during early morning and evening times.

Several watering holes also serve as hides (screened places) stationed around the best spots of animal activities or the most travelled routes by them.

Generally the wildlifes found in the Sariska Tiger Reserve includes the Bengal tiger, chital, sambhar, nilgai, chinkara, four-horned antelope 'chousingha',wild boar, hare, leopard, jungle cat, caracal, striped hyena, golden jackal,Rhesus monkeys,and plenty of bird species and reptiles.Several species like Pea fowls, Grey Partridges, Tree Pies and golden backed Woodpeckers can also be found in Sariska.

Place to Stay:

Sariska Palace which is situated in the National Park has now been converted into a beautiful hotel. Apart from this there are several luxurious resorts found inside the park. But if somebody is looking for budget stay, they need to plan their accommodation at Alwar city, about an hour away from Sariska National Park.

The resorts inside the Sariska park provides the facilities like folk music of Rajasthan swimming pool and dance entertainment at night, gym and sauna bath, to and fro transport from Delhi, Sawai Madhopur and Jaipur, etc.

The hotels and resorts are capable to arrange various leisure activities depending on the demands of visitors like jeep safari, camel and horse safaris, bird watching, nature walks and sightseeing tours to nearby villages.Some lodges in the park also have Ayurvedic health centers where visitors are given proper specialized massages under the supervision of experts.

Where to eat:

Hotels and restaurants in and around Sariska National Park generally serve multi-cuisine spread including traditional Indian, Continental and Chinese food as well.

Some hotels and resorts are equipped with the well-stocked bars serving Indian and imported alcohol to the guests. In the park outside the Pandupol temple, one can find bhajiyas, kachoris, etc. with traditional Rajasthani kadhi.

Best time to Visit:

Summers and Just after the monsoon are excellent choice for visiting the Sariska national park. The second most preferred duration to visit Sariska could between October to March. During winters, a lot of migratory birds from overseas can be spotted in the park area.