Sariska - The Destination
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Sariska
in Rajasthan, situated 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 the habitat
of the majestic tiger, deer, Nilgai, partridges,
wild boar, fox, gaur, sambar, chital, hyena,
and the four-horned antelope. The dry deciduous
forests 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. |
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Sharp cliffs, hills and narrow
valleys of the Aravalis describe the landscape
of Sariska. The forests are dry and deciduous.
Go further into the forests and you will notice
numerous man-made tanks - a simple but effective
method of water harvesting. It is with an optimistic
spirit therefore, that you enter the Sariska
tiger sanctuary, rejoicing in the fact that
heavens such as these exist. And that the most
majestic of all creatures can still roam the
surface of our planet, unhindered.
Within the sanctuary are found 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 steep hilltop at Kanwari, provides a panoramic
view of flying Egyptian vultures and eagles.
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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.
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.
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You must carry mosquito repellent creams,
coils, and mats. A first-aid kit, a backpack,
sturdy trekking shoes, binoculars, camera
with zoom lens, cash, and snacks to fight
between-meal hunger pangs. |
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Sariska - Facts
at a Glance
| State : |
Rajasthan |
| Area
: |
800 sq kms |
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Temperature : |
Max
. 49° C Min 24° C (Summer)
Max . 31° C Min 11° C (Winter) |
| Rainfall
: |
650
mm |
| Best
Season : |
October-June |
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History of Sariska
Once an ancient Rajput state, formerly known
as Mewat, Alwar was nearest to the imperial
Delhi. The people of the state did not accept
any external interference’s and daringly
resisted against foreign invasions. In the 12th
and 13th centuries, they formed a group and
raided Delhi. But finally Sultan Bulban (1267
A.D - 1287 A.D) suppressed them, bringing the
area under the Muslims rule. In 1771 A.D. Maharaja
Pratap Singh, a Kuchhwaha Rajput belonging to
the clan of Jaipur’s rulers, won back
Alwar and founded his own principality.
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