 Dry
deciduous forests, undulating terrain of low hills, steep
escarpments, wide valleys interspersed with medieval ruins
make Sariska
National Park easily a favourite
wild life retreat, in the state of Rajasthan. Used to be the
hunting reserve of the Maharajas
of Alwar, the park is a fine
fusion of history and nature. A tour to Sariska is like enjoying
the wilderness from a pristine platform.
Had the forests around the park not been vandalized by human
intervention in recent decades Sariska
would have been the abode of the highest population of tiger
today. Being the victim of continuous poaching and mining
activities, Sariska almost lost its pristine natural charm
and also many of its inhabitants vanished. It was then the
villagers who depended on the same eco-system came to its
rescue. Sariska
National Park today is the
result of this very sincere effort on part of the locals.
One of the most interesting features of Sariska National Park
is that apart from the close encounters with the wild inhabitants
of the jungle you also have the opportunity to visit some
of the ravishing historical sites within and around the park
area. Imagine sighting a tiger
in some magnificient ruins or
having a panoramic view of the
birds of Sariska from a massive 17 th century castle
on top of a beautiful hillock.
Apart from the tigers, the park is inhabited by many other spectacular animals like the Chital, Four-Horned Antelope, Civet, Fox, Indian Bison, Jungle Cat, Jackal, Hare, Hyena, Nilgai, Panther, Porcupine, Sambhar and Wild Boar. It is also home to a number of local and migratory birds such as the Sand Grouse, Grey Partridge, Peafowl, Tree Pie, Wood Pecker, Great Indian Horned Owl, Bush Quail, and the Crested Serpent Eagle.
One can have the best view of the game from the hides overlooking the many water holes that filter the park. The water holes are the most frequented places by wild inhabitants here. On the edge of the Park is the picturesque crocodile inhabited Silisher Lake. While enjoying the game you can also go for some boating and sailing at the lake. The lake overlooks a huge 19 th century palace and makes a good picnic spot too.
|
