Sariska Tiger Reserve
Best time to visit: October to June
Fauna: Tiger, Nilgai, Wild-Boar, Fox, Gaur, Sambar, Chital, Hyena, Four Horned Antelope
Accommodation: Sariska Palace and Tiger Den
Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary, located at about 34 km from Alwar town in Rajasthan, is one of the most famous tiger reserves of India. Spread over an area of 800 sq km, the sanctuary is well nestled in the Aravali hills, which support the growth of scrub-thorn arid forests, dry deciduous forests, and grasses, making it a haven for wild animals. The sanctuary is covered under the famous Project Tiger of India as it houses a significant number of tigers. The Sariska was declared a sanctuary in 1955 and attained the status of a National Park in 1979. The ruins of medieval temples of Garh-Rajor, belonging to the 10th and 11th centuries are evident in the Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary.

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.

The Park is rich in fauna as well; besides the omnipresent Peafowl other birds such as Wood Peckers, Partridges, Crested Serpent Eagle, Sand Grouse, Tree Pie, Quails, Great Indian Horned Owl and several species of raptors may be spotted with patience and bit of luck. The tiger reigns supreme in the forests of Sariska, but other animals cohabit with the "Great Cat" and herds of Chital (spotted deer), solitary Nilgai (Blue Bull) and Sambar (largest Asiatic deer), Wild Boar, Indian Porcupine, Wild Dog and Hare may be seen on a safari through the Park. Leopard, Wild Dog, Jungle Cat, Hyena, Jackal, and Tiger form the wild wealth of the Sariska Park.

As a Ranthambhore National Park, also in Rajasthan, this park contains ruined temples as well as a fort, pavilions and a palace (now a hotel) built by the maharajas of Alwar, the former owners of this area. The sanctuary can be visited year-round, except during July/August when the animals move to higher ground, but the best time is between November and June. You will see most wildlife in the evening, though tiger sightings are becoming more common during the day.

Other Attractions in Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary
The Kankwari Fort: Among the historic landmarks located within the Sariska National Park, includes the Kankwari For, where, Emperor Aurangzeb once imprisoned his brother, Dara Shikoh.

The Ancient Shiva Temples: Within the area of the Sariska Tiger Sanctuary, Neelkanth Temples that dates back to the 6th-13th century AD now in ruins, afford a wonderful sight to the visitors.

The Palace: Sariska was known as the royal reserve of the rulers of Alwar. This palace built by the Maharajas of Alwar, has now been converted into a hotel.

How to Reach Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary?
By Train: The nearest airport from Sariska National Park is at Jaipur.

By Train: The nearest railhead is at Alwar at a distance of 37 km.

By Road: Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary is situated on the Delhi-Jaipur highway near Jaipur and Delhi. Sariska is also well connected with Alwar.