Rajasthan is a pristine platform for viewing wildlife in the country because of its two national parks and over a dozen sanctuaries. Sariska National Park is known for its tigers. According to the latest available data, there are about 35 tigers at Sariska. Other predators of the forest include the panther, jungle cat, jackal, hyena, and fox. Also found are sambhar, chital, wild boar, hare, nilgai, civet, four-horned antelope, gaur (Indian bison) and porcupine. Birds found here include peafowl, gray partridges, quails, sand grouses, tree pies, white-breasted kingfishers, golden-backed woodpeckers, crested serpent eagles, vultures and horned owls. Since the last decade, caracals have also been spotted here.

The landscape of Sariska comprises of hills and narrow valleys of the Aravali hill range. The topography of Sariska supports scrub-thorn arid forests, dry deciduous forests, rocks and grasses. The broad range of wildlife here is a wonderful example of ecological adoption and tolerance, for the climate here is variable as well as erratic, especially in terms of rainfall, which is desperately needed to replenish the region.

Apart from wildlife, there is touch of historicity as well. Located inside the park are ruins of medieval temples of the Hindu God Shiva. The ruins of the temple Garh-Rajor, built in the 10th century, are scattered all over the jungle. A 17th-century castle on a sharp hilltop at Kanakwari provides an excellent view of Sariska’s avian inhabitants in full flight. It is in this fort that

Mughal emperor Aurangzeb once imprisoned his very own brother, Dara Shikoh. There is also a palace built by the erstwhile Maharajas of Alwar that has now been converted into a hotel.

The park’s wild inhabitants may be spotted at the many water holes of the park. However, if the region has kindled the wild spirit in you or if you are determined not to leave without some good wildlife photographs, then booking a `hide' is an excellent option. These spots overlook the various water holes of Sariska, which the animals frequent.

Sariska National Park is 200 km from Delhi and 107 km from Jaipur. Tourists conveniently drive down from both these urban centers. Buses that ply between Delhi and Jaipur also go via Alwar and Sariska. The nearest rail junction is Alwar at a distance of 35 km, from where you can hire a taxi or travel by bus to the park. The nearest national airport is Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan.

There is good and reasonably priced accommodation in and around Sariska National Park. Options range from forest lodges to the former royal residence of the Maharaja of Alwar. Sariska Palace Hotel, RTDC Tiger Den Tourist Bungalow, Siliserh Palace Hotel, Hotel Lake Palace are few of the popular ones. Eating is no cause for concern as most of these rest houses and hotels provide Continental as well as Indian cuisine.

Telephone facilities are available at all the places providing accommodation. Stamped mail may also be left for dispatch at the forest reserve itself. The town nearest to Sariska Park is Alwar where good medical (chemists, hospitals) and communication (post, telegraph, phone and fax) facilities are available.

During summer, light cottons are suitable, but for the winters, woolen clothing is recommended. While staying out for the night in one of the park’s many hides, carrying your own sleeping bag is advisable although provisions for food can be made at one of the region’s many hotels and lodges.