Though Sariska was popular as a Princely State of Alwar in the olden time, it is more popular now as Sariska National Park. Yesteryear’s favorite hunting ground of Royals became a sanctuary in 1955 and a Tiger Reserve in 1978. Sariska is located about 110 kms from Jaipur. The Sariska tiger reserve covers 800 sq kms with hills and valleys in the Aravalli hill range in the Alwar district of Rajastan. One can see that Alwar had a glorious past in the past when one visits the Temples and pavilions in Sariska. Kankwadi fort is the silent witness to its past history. The park houses many wild animals like Leopards, Jackals, Hyenas etc. However it is reported that the Tigers no more exist in Sariska. One can also see other animals like Wild boar, Chital, Sambar etc. Sariska also has a large number of Rhesus Monkeys. There are many water holes in the park and it is feast for the eyes when you watch different animals coming to water holes in the mornings as well as in the evenings. The park also has great variety of birds like Peacocks, Woodpeckers, The Great Indian horned Owl and many other rare birds.
Though there is lot of greenery, Sariska is hot in summer with temperature levels reaching a maximum of 42°C. Even the nights are warmer at 28°C. However, the summer lasts between March and June only. Monsoon is between July and September. Winter between December and February is pleasant as the temperatures fluctuate between 8°C to 23°C. Rainfall (per annum) is around 650 mm and the humidity is around 70%. Best Time to Visit Sariska Tiger Reserve is October to June.
Sariska is a small place and it is advisable to carry Indian Rupees. Few hotels may accept credit cards. Money exchangers may not be available. Hence it is best to get your money changed at one of the larger cities before arriving at Sariska.
No special permits are required to visit Sariska except a valid visa to India. Although permission is required to be obtained to visit Vijay Mandir Palace.
By Air Sariska has no Airport and one may arrive at Jaipur which is about 110 km. There are several regular flights to Jaipur from Delhi, Mumbai and other cities in india.
Major Airport:
Sariska has no Airport. The nearest international airport is at Jaipur.
International Flight:
There are no International flights operating to Sariska.
Roadways Buses are better connected. There are direct buses that ply between Delhi and Jaipur also go via Alwar and Sariska.
There are few interesting places to visit. First and foremost visit Sariska National Park and then the Hanuman Temple called Pandu Pole where one is greeted with a giant idol of Hanuman. The visitors then can visit Siliserh Lake near the Sariska tiger reserve off the Alwar-Sariska road. Boating and sailing facilities are available at the lake. However visitors are generally informed about the presence of crocodiles in the lake. Vijay Mandir Palace which is 10 km away was built by Maharaja Jai Singh in 1918. This palace has a Sita Ram Temple. The ground floor houses government offices and district courts. Upper floor has a museum. Permission is required to visit Vijay Mandir Palace. Maharaja Jai Singh built a beautiful artificial lake, called Jai Samand Lake in 1910. This lake is worth visiting if one is a nature lover. Kankawadi Fort built by emperor Aurangzeb, the ancient Shiva Temples within the area of the Sariska tiger sanctuary and Neelkanth temples are other places worth visiting.
Nearby Place:
Generally the visitors are suggested a Sariska weekend Getaway covering Delhi - Sariska – Jaipur.
Sariska is a National park and you can eat at many places near the National park. But it is recommended to have breakfast, lunch and dinner in the hotel where you stay. The hotels offer a good variety of food. But if you want to venture eating at roadside hotels, ensure that the place is clean and healthy.
There are three good hotels in Sariska. Alternately you could stay at Alwar. Alwar is a town which is very close to Sariska and has many good hotels at lower tariffs. Hotel Sariska Palace is a good place to stay. This hotel is located near the Sariska Tiger reserve. This was designed by a French architect and was built by Maharaja Jai Singh of Alwar in 1892. Hotel Tiger Haven Sariska is near the Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary and has facilities equivalent to a three star hotel.
Moderately recommended. Generally one day is sufficient to visit the tourist places. If you are a wildlife lover, spend more time here.
