Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary

Sariska in Rajasthan, located just 200 kms from Delhi, is one of the closest National Parks to the capital. Sculpted out of the Aravalli hills, it spreads over 800-sq kms and is home to the majestic tiger, deer, Nilgai, partridges, wild boar, fox, gaur, sambar, chital, hyena, and the four-horned antelope. The dry deciduous forest are a perfect home to the jungle cat and the Siliserh Lake which lies at the edge of the Park is the watering holes that has preserved the natural habitat of the region, despite it being close to the desert.

The landcape of Sariska is dominated by sharp cliffs of hills and narrow valleys of the Aravalis. The forests are dry deciduous.

Within the sanctuary there are the ruins of medieval buildings. The ruins of temples of Garh-Rajor of the 10th and 11th centuries are scattered in the jungle. A 17th century castle on a sharp hilltop at Kanwari, provides a panoramic view of flying Egyptian vultures and eagles.

Once of the royal reserve of the rulers of Alwar, Sariska is now part of Project Tiger. Sariska has many hides located near the water holes which are perfect for viewing and photographing wildlife in the jungles. Inside the Park are the ruins of a splendid 17th century castle at Kankwari. Also close by are the Neelkanth temples (6th-13th century AD) and the glorious Paandu Pol waterfalls. A must visit is the Sariska Fort which, despite being in a state of ruin, offers a magnificent vie of the sunset.

You must carry mosquito repellent creams, coils, and mats. A first-aid kit with antiseptic lotion, Band-Aid, cotton swabs, sunscreen SPF +15, tissue, sun-glasses, a backpack, sturdy trekking shoes, binoculars, camera with zoom lens, cash, and snacks to fight between-meal hunger pangs. In case you are planning to carry a video camera, it will cost you Rs 200 to take it into the sanctuary.