Sariska National Park
Lying between the two major cities of India Sariska National park has a wide variety of plants and animals. Previously a hunting reserve of the Maharaja of Alwar, Sariska National Park has come to be known for the Leopards, herbivores like Spotted deers, Blue bulls, Sambur and hundred of species of birds
Sariska National Park (NP) is the nearest to the national capital New Delhi and Rajasthan state capital Jaipur, where one can find carnivores like leopards. Once famous for tigers, Sariska NP still has that regal charm. This semi-arid region of Aravalli Hill Range has beautiful forest, mainly of Dhok trees. Once the tiger's ideal habitat, where it could stalk its plentiful supply of prey - chital, sambar and wild pig.
The park is spread over an area of 880 square km of scrubland, forests and ravines. After a debacle of poaching when in 2005 it came to light that all the tigers of Sariska have killed by poachers. There is hope as a proposal is been put up for re-introduced tigers back into Sariska forest sometime in the month of November 2007.
Accessibility By Road :
Sariska national Park is easily accessible from both New Delhi and Jaipur. It lies about 30 km from the the national highway Number 8. It fits very well for travelers visiting Jaipur from New Delhi or visa versa. There are very good and comfortable places to stay among them Amar Bagh is one of them. By road It takes about 3 to 3 ½ hrs drive. The nearest railhead from Sariska NP is Alwar which is also district capital. Starting from New Delhi along the National Highway 08, one passes through Gurgaon, Manesar, Dharuhera. At Dharuhere one can continue on the NH8 or take a Bhiwadi-Alwar toll road though not a highway but the ride is smooth and comfortable. Alwar is about 34 km from Sariska NP.
History :
Historically also whole place is teeming with evidence of ruins of a bye gone era. It was in Kankarwari fort which lyies in the middle of the forest that Aurangzeb one of the Mogul King of India who imprisoned his brother Dara Sheiokh. Dara was heir to the throne but in the battle between the brothers, Aurangzeb won and removed Dara Sheiokh and kept him at this place. Located at a height in the middle of the Sariska forests the fort still exits in all its glory and solitude, silently telling a tale of intrigue and ramose, of brothers playing with each other as children and killing each other as audults.
Sariska NP and Tigers :
Sariska NP hasbeen news but for wrong reasons. Here a healthy population of tigers was wiped out by poachers. This fact came to light in the year 2005. This created a uproar as India was shocked by news that the entire tiger population in Sariska had been wiped out with poachers slaughtering at least 13 tigers over four years.
Future of Sariska :
From 40000 tigers at the turn of the 19th Century to about 3700 tigers today, game hunting and poaching were the main reason for the tiger population decline in India. The worse is over for Sariska, with the arrest of poachers who had caused this mayhem. During the month of November 2007, a new chapter would begin for Sariska NP when 2 tigers for nearby Ranthambhore National Park would be brought here. This would be first re-location of wild tigers in the world. Tigers like any cat family are very resilient and have ability to re-produce provided their habitat is not disturbed. According to Rajesh Gupta, deputy field director of the reserve, the time is right to bring back the tigers. With a beautiful habitat and an increase in the prey population of the tiger and enriched biodiversity. As per International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) guidelines, five young adult tigers - three females and two males - will be introduced over a staggered period of three years.
First a tiger and tigeress would be introducted and subsequently 3 more tigers would be brought over the next three years to prevent in-breeding If successful, further tigers would be brought in. The Ranthambhore NP has been chosen because of the similar topography and habitat. The villages insides the forests would be shifted to better locations so that tigers do not have any kind of disturbances.
Places of intersest around Sariska NP :
Sariska itself is a wide valley with two large plateaus and is dotted with places of historical and religious interest, including the ruins of the Kankwari Fort, the 10th century Neelkanth temples, the Budha temples, Lord Hanuman Temple near Pandupol, the Bharthari Temple near the park office, and the hot and cold springs of Taalvriksh. At Taalvriksh one can sight leopards during evenings. The large Siliserh Lake is at the north-eastern corner, where boating is an experience to remember. The forest is mainly dry deciduous forests of Dhak, Acacia, Ber and Salar.
Ungulates of the Carnivores :
The park also has good populations of Sambar, Nilgai, Chetal or Spotted Deer. Here one can also find Indian Porcupine, Striped Hyena, Indian Palm Civet and leopards. Been in semi arid regions the forests are dry and thorny. During monsoon months, which is the rainy season, Sariska NP where an emerald green look as the place is becomes a lot greener and full of vegetations. The best time to visit ise between October till March when migratory birds also arrive into the park and the temperatures are pleasant is cool.
Sariska is excellent for bird watching and has an unusually large population of Indian Peafowl.
Reach :
By Air : Jaipur the capital of the state of Rajasthan is the nearest international airport, which is about one and half hours drive. The nearest major city is New Delhi about three and hours drive. The Sariaks NP is well connected by air, rail and road. The most convenient way to reach here is by road.
Staying in Sariska NP :Aman Bagh Resorts :
Aman Bagh is opulence at its best. The name Aman mean peace in Sanskrit and bagh stands for garden. There 16 Pool Pavilions and 24 opulent suites for the king and queen in you. The swimming pool located right in the middle of the resort, also There is a lake next the resort. An ancient fort overlooks the place adding to the scenic beauty of the area.Walks are arrange upto the fort. Boating on the lake is another option. The boats designed for comfort and nicely decorated would make you feel that you in another era
This is one best rated hotels and highly recommended for who would be stay in comfort and style.
Food & Beverage Facilities :
Multi cuisine restaurant serving Indian, Continental and Chinese cuisines. The bar serves both Indian and imported spirits.
The Sariska Palace Hotel :
Once being the hunting lodge of the royal family of of Alwar. Now a heritage hotel Sariska Palace is a majestic palace located just outside the Sariska National Park in the northwestern state of Rajasthan in India. The beautiful Sariska Palace is set amidst the dry arid forest of Dhok trees forest and tranquil valleys. The Maharaja of Alwar originally built the palace as a hunting lodge in the late 19th century AD.
Facilities at Sariska Palace :
Accommodation Facilities :
There are total 80 rooms in the hotel, which includes 19 A/C rooms, standard rooms and deluxe suites. All have attached bath, with modern amenities in gracious, old world ambience, Palace lawns and a restaurant housing trophies and, antique furniture.
Room Facilities :
Telephone, Running hot and cold water, Refrigerator in rooms.
Food & Beverage Facilities :
Multi cuisine restaurant serving Indian, Continental and Chinese cuisines. The bar serves both Indian and imported spirits.
Entertainment Facilities :
A swimming pool, tennis, squash and boating, Ayurvedic health centre & health club, Folk music and dance entertainment at night on request, for the visiting groups.
Leisure Activities :
Wildlife viewing by jeep safari, Bird watching, Nature walks, Camel & horse safaris, Sighseeing tours and visits to the nearby villages.
Sariska Tiger Haven :
Category : 3 Star Equivalent Wildlife Jungle Resort
Location : Sariska Tiger Haven is located 190 km from Delhi, 130 km from Jaipur in Rajasthan. Tiger Haven Sariska Jungle Resort is located just at a distance of 4 km from the Sariska Tiger Reserve (National Park).
The Tiger Haven Sariska Resort :
The Tiger Haven Sariska Resort has been promoted by a naturalist & wildlife expert, Dinesh Durani. Tiger Heaven Resort offers luxury rooms in cottage style with terracota stone roof. Surrounded by vast green lawns to laze around and an ambience of village life with cobbled pathways, Tiger Haven is spread over an area of 5 acres. The resort provides optimum facilities to the visitor coming from all around.
Facilities at Tiger Haven Sariska :
Accommodation Facilities :
The accommodation includes 10 double-bedded rooms with attached bathrooms as well as hot and cold running water facility.
Guest Room Facilities :
Attached Bath/Toilet, Cable / Movies, Fan, Hot & Cold Water, Phone, Room Service, Shower, Television.
Food & Beverage Facilities :
A restaurant where Indian, Continental and Chinese cuisine are served. A bar that serves both Indian and imported spirits
Business Facilities :
Fax Service, Meeting Facilities.
Entertainment Facilities :
A swimming pool, Ayurvedic health centre & health club, Folk music and dance entertainment at night on request, for the visiting groups.
Hotel Facilities :
A stand-by generator backup, Conference hall, Doctor on call, Fan, Health Club, Laundry Facilities, Parking, Power Back-Up, Room Service, Travel Desk.
Other Facilities :
To and fro transport from Delhi, Sawai Madhopur or Jaipur can be arranged on paying extra charge.
Leisure Activities :
Wildlife viewing by jeep safari, Bird watching, Nature walks, Camel & horse safaris, Sighseing tours and visits to the nearby villages.
