Sariska National Park is also one of the important tiger reserves of India. The forest was once the hunting ground of the maharaja of Alwar, an erstwhile princely state of Rajasthan. Under Maharaja Jai Singh, the area received protection for the first time. The forest was declared a sanctuary in 1955 and was declared a tiger reserve in 1979. A wide range of flora and fauna combined with historic buildings and a fascinating landscape makes Sariska one of the premier tourist attractions in Rajasthan. It is among the last few places where wildlife in Rajasthan is being preserved. Sariska received National Park status in 1982.

The park has a healthy tiger population, but they are under constant threat from poachers. This region has been known as tiger country for centuries. Naturally, tiger hunting became a favorite pastime of the royalty as well as the British residents and officials in the 19th and 20th centuries. After being brought under protection, the park has seen a rise in the tiger population, but the struggle against poaching continues, worrying conservators and wildlife activists. An area of 800 square kilometers is under protection in Sariska National Park, with a core area of 480 square kilometers. Besides the tigers, the other major carnivores of the forest include panther, hyena, jackal, and jungle cat. Wild dogs and caracal have been sighted, but they are very rarely spotted and the exact data regarding them is not available.

Among the animals of prey, sambar, chital (spotted deer), nilgai, wild boar and hare are the most commonly sighted. Herds of sambar and nilgai can be sighted commonly at water holes and grazing fields. If you are lucky you may witness a tiger at hunt. Crocodiles can be sighted basking in the sun along the banks of the Siliserh Lake which lies on the edge of the tiger reserve.

The bird population of Sariska National Park is equally varied. Common pea foul, quails, sand grouse, kingfishers, woodpeckers, gray partridges, crested serpent eagle, and Great Indian horned owl.

The best way to observe wildlife in Sariska National Park is to drive at dawn, or towards evening. Surfaced roads to Salopka, Kalighati, and Padhupole are the most frequented and you are likely to come across many animals on your drive on this route. There are many other routes and tracks that an expert guide can guide you through. The park authorities have provided various hides at different elevations for observing wildlife at close quarters. There are hides at Kalighati and Salopka that have been designed for the comfort of tourists.

Sariska National Park is also known for a number of historic buildings. Among these, the Kankwari Fort is notable. The Palace complex built by Maharaja Jai Singh of Alwar is another famous tourist attraction in Sariska, though the main palace has been converted into a hotel. The Neelkanth temples are situated about 32 kilometers from Sariska, and are worth a visit.

The best time to visit the Sariska National Park is from November to march. In the summer months, however, it is easier to spot animals as they come out at the water holes. Accommodation can be found at Tiger Den tourist bungalow, and Hotel Sariska Palace.

Alwar is the nearest railhead located 36 kilometers away while Jaipur is the nearest airport, at a distance of 110 kilometers. A unique way to travel to Sariska would be to avail of the Fairy Queen. This is a heritage railway package that takes tourists on a tour of Delhi, Alwar, and Sariska by a luxury train carried by the oldest running locomotive of the world.

To know more about the Sariska National Park and the other attractions of tourism in Rajasthan, log on to touristplacesinindia.com.