Sariska Tiger Reserve is well nestled in the Aravali Hills covering 800 sq km area

divided into the grasslands, dry deciduous forests, sheer cliffs and rocky landscape.
Whether you want to have camel safaris, go out for shopping in the surrounding
places, visit medieval palaces or wildlife watching; Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary is the
best place for you.
Nearly 90% of the area in the sanctuary is covered with dhok trees accommodating
various wildlife species. A variety of other wild animals like the leopard, sambhar,
chital, nilgai, four-horned antelope, wild boar, rhesus macaque, langur, hyena and
jungle cats are found in the Sariska Tiger Reserve apart from the tiger. The Sariska
National Park is home to India's largest population of peafowl, and harbours quail,
sand grouse, golden- backed woodpeckers and crested serpent eagles, among other
species. Also the Siliserh Lake on the edge of the park has a large number of
crocodiles.
The Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary houses the ruins of medieval temples of Garh-Rajor
that date back to the 10th and 11th centuries. Also a 17th century castle on a hilltop
at Kankwari provides a panoramic view of flying vultures and eagles. The Sariska was
declared a sanctuary in 1955 and attained the status of a National Park in 1979.
Sariska park is home to numerous carnivores including Leopard, Wild Dog, Jungle
Cat, Hyena, Jackal, and Tiger. These feed on an abundance of prey species such as
Sambar, Chitel, Nilgai, Chausingha, Wild Boar and Langur.

About Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary

Sharp cliffs of hills and narrow valleys of the Aravallis dominate the landscape of
Sariska, whose forests are dry and deciduous. Within the Sariska wildlife sanctuary
there are the ruins of medieval temples of Garh-Rajor, belonging to the 10th and 11th
centuries.
A 17th century castle on a sharp hilltop at Kankwari, provides a panoramic view of
flying Egyptian vultures and eagles. The area was declared a sanctuary in 1955 and
became a National Park in 1979.
Major Wildlife Attractions
Sariska park is home to numerous carnivores including Leopard, Wild Dog, Jungle
Cat, Hyena, Jackal, and Tiger. These feed on an abundance of prey species such as
Sambar, Chitel, Nilgai, Chausingha, Wild Boar and Langur. Sariska is also well known
for its large population of Rhesus Monkeys, which are found in large numbers around
Talvriksh.
The avian world is also well represented with a rich and varied birdlife. These include
Peafowl, Grey Partridge, Bush Quail, Sand Grouse, Tree Pie, Golden backed Wood
Pecker, Crested Serpent Eagle and the Great Indian Horned Owl.
Hotels in Sariska
Sariska, nestling among the Aravallis, is the closest place to Delhi where one can see
the tiger in its natural surroundings. The place is dotted with ruins and a fort which
reminds one of the past glories of Sariska.

Sariska is replete with abundant woodland and its wildlife includes nilgai, sambar,
mongooses, monkeys, peacocks, wild boars, tigers, parrots and other birds. The best
season to visit the place is between October and April.
One can also visit the old forts and museums that adorn this place but are now in
ruins. Worth visiting is the temple dedicated to Hanuman at Pandupol, the huge fort
of Kankanwadi and the temples of Neelkanth which are dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Places to Stay
In Sariska one can stay at Hotel Sariska Palace and Tiger Haven Sariska but various
budget accommodations are not hard to find at Alwar which is about one hour away
from Sariska.

TOP

Hotel Tiger Haven Sariska

Neighbour to the Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary, Sariska Tiger Haven is a three star
equivalent wildlife jungle resort.
Accommodation
The hotel offers 10 double bedded rooms replete with modern amenities like attached
baths, running hot and cold water and round the clock room service.
Dining
The hotel has a multi cuisine restaurant to tickle your taste buds. The restaurant
serves delectable Indian, Continental and Chinese cuisines.
The well stocked bar of the hotel serves both Indian and imported spirits and is the
right place to relax.
Conference and banquet facility
The hotel also has a conference hall which is equipped with all the latest audio visual
equipments.
Recreation
The guests can take a splash in the swimming pool of the hotel. Folk music and dance
entertainment at night are organized on request. To and fro transport from Delhi,
Sawai Madhopur and Jaipur can be arranged on paying extra charge. Various leisure
activities are also organized on request such as - wildlife viewing by jeep safari, bird
watching, nature walks, camel and horse safaris and sightseeing tours and visits to
nearby villages.
Health and fitness center
For the health conscious the hotel has a health club which has facilities of a well
equipped gymnasium, steam, sauna and Jacuzzi. For total relaxation of body, mind
and soul the hotel also has an Ayurvedic health centre where the guests are given
specialized massages under expert supervision.
Morning receive you from Delhi Hotel and straight drive to Sariska, upon arrival
Check into the hotel, after having some rest proceed to take Evening Jungle Safari in
Sariska, dinner & over night stay at hotel.

Sariska Tiger Reserve is well nestled in the Aravali Hills covering 800 sq km area
divided into the grasslands, dry deciduous forests, sheer cliffs and rocky landscape.
Whether you want to have camel safaris, go out for shopping in the surrounding
places, visit medieval palaces or wildlife watching; Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary is the
best place for you.

Nearly 90% of the area in the sanctuary is covered with dhok trees accommodating
various wildlife species. A variety of other wild animals like the leopard, sambhar,
chital, nilgai, four-horned antelope, wild boar, rhesus macaque, langur, hyena and
jungle cats are found in the Sariska Tiger Reserve apart from the tiger. The Sariska
National Park is home to India's largest population of peafowl, and harbours quail,
sand grouse, golden- backed woodpeckers and crested serpent eagles, among other
species. Also the Siliserh Lake on the edge of the park has a large number of
crocodiles.

The Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary houses the ruins of medieval temples of Garh-Rajor
that date back to the 10th and 11th centuries. Also a 17th century castle on a hilltop
at Kankwari provides a panoramic view of flying vultures and eagles. The Sariska
was declared a sanctuary in 1955 and attained the status of a National Park in 1979.

Wildlife in Sariska Tiger Reserve

The Sariska Tiger Reserve is home to a number of carnivores including Leopard, Wild
Dog, Jungle Cat, Hyena, Jackal, and Tiger. The herbivore category in Sariska
includes Sambhar, Chitel, Nilgai, Chausingha, Wild Boar and Langur. Sariska wildlife
sanctuary is also known for its large population of Rhesus Monkeys.

There are also many bird species in Sariska Tiger Reserve, namely; Peafowl, Grey
Partridge, Bush Quail, Sand Grouse, Tree Pie, Golden Backed Wood Pecker, Crested
Serpent Eagle and the Great Indian Horned Owl. Special Attractions in Sariska
Wildlife Sanctuary.

Sariska excursions consist of some of the finest places near the city.
Excursions around Sariska, Rajasthan are a must see for those visiting the
city. Some of the famous places to visit around Sariska are:
Tiger sightings have become quite rare these days in India, reason being the Tiger
killings because of its multitude of medicinal or magical properties that is why
tiger trade is very profitable. Genuinely the tiger skin is not fashionable but the
smuggling of Tiger fur coats and rugs are not difficult for the impoverished
hunters. Even after the bans made by the government warning not to gather even
wood from the former hunting grounds, poaching of tigers continue.
Still efforts are continuously made to preserve these magnificent predators from
extinction. The Project tiger was launched in India in 1972 as conservation
programme for saving the Indian Tiger Population. Some of the best examples of
this programmes success can be seen in the national parks situated in the high
Himalayan region, to the mangrove swamps of the Sundarbans and the thorny
scrubs of Rajasthan. But more wildlife conservation laws and awareness among
people is still required to make Indian sanctuaries a safe haven for tigers. Project
 Tiger Reserve
Check out the place where firstly and formostly the white Tigers of Rewa were
discovered Bandhavgarh. This park is some of the left out preserved wild pockets
of Madhya Pradesh of what were once splendid forests that extended across the
whole of Central India.
Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary
Probably the most visited park in India, Sariska was also a hunting reserve
previously just like other national parks in India. The reserve was declared a
wildlife sanctuary in 1958 and came under the "Project Tiger" as a tiger reserve in
1979.

About
These cats have an elongate and muscular body. Their paws are broad and their ears are
short. In tropical regions their coats tend to be shorter and sleeker, whereas in colder
climates their fur is longer and denser. The coloration varies from the color of straw to
grayish to even chesnut. The backs of the ears are black except for a spot either located
centrally or near the tips.
These appear to other animals as eyes. The throat, chest, belly, and the insides of the
limbs are white. The rest of the head, throat, chest, and limbs all have small black spots.
The belly has larger black spots, almost like blotches. Region and habitat have an affect
on the appearance of P. pardus.
In Africa, leopards living in hilly areas tend to be larger than those living in lowlands.
There is a tendency to melanism (black coloration) in this species. This characteristic is
more frequent in densely forested areas where being darker is probably beneficial in
remaining unseen as compared to open areas. Whether spotted or black, leopards'
coloration is extremely effective. Scientists have been unable to spot these cats just a few
yards away even knowing that they were present. Leopards have been recorded as long as
2.92 meters but that is extreme, 1.37-1.67 is more common.
Habitat
Pantera pardus could at one time be found from British Isles to Japan and throughout
most of Asia. Today they can still be found in Africa, except for the true deserts of
Sahara and Kalahari, and some parts of Asia such as Sri Lanka. Leopards are more
common in Eastern and Central Africa. Conversely, they are rare in Western and
Northern Africa and most of Asia (Nowak, 1997; Sanderson, 1972).
Behavior
Leopards are famous for their ability to go undetected. They may live practically among
humans and still be tough to spot. They are graceful and stealthy. Amongst the big cats
they are probably the most accomplished stalkers. They are good, agile climbers and can
descend from a tree headfirst. Along with climbing, they are strong swimmers but not as
fond of water as tigers; for example, leopards will not lay in water. They are mainly
nocturnal but can be seen at any time of day and will even hunt during daytime on
overcast days.
In regions where they are hunted, nocturnal behavior is more common. These cats are
solitary, avoiding one another. However, 3 or 4 are sometimes seen together. Hearing and
eyesight are the strongest of these cats' senses and are extremely acute. Olfaction is relied
upon as well, but not for hunting. When making a threat, leopards stretch their backs,
depress their rib cages between their shoulder blades so they stick out, and lower their
heads (similar to domestic cats). During the day they may lie in bush, on rocks, or in a
tree with their tails hanging below the treetops and giving them away.
Food Habits
The diet of these big cats is surprisingly varied. Prey for this species includes: wildebeest,
impalas, reed-bucks, Thomson's gazelles, jackals, baboons, and storks. These are the
most common food sources with Thomson's gazelles and reed-bucks making up the
majority. However, other prey are included in leopards' diet. At times they seem to show
a preference for canines, even attempting in the past to snatch dogs right from the feet of
their masters.
They will eat fish and domestic stock such as goats. They will even eat carrion,
scavenging tiger kills. These cats are capable of sneaking right up next to the prey before
being spotted, almost appearing from nowhere. Bite marks occur on the nape of the neck
and the throat. The bite on the back of the neck often occurs when animals are attacked
from behind.
Lifespan / Longevity
Leopards live 21-23 years in captivity. In the wild, life span is not exactly known. It can
be approximated from reports of "man-eaters" (see negative effects), which are easier to
follow; from the beginnings of their attacks until the end, life span in the wild can be
estimated around to be 7-9 years.
Expected Lifespan In Wild: 7 to 9 years
Expected Lifespan In Captivity: 21 to 23 years
Economic Importance for Humans
Positive
The skins of these cats have been sought after throughout history. There is still a market
for them today, although much of the hunting is illegal. Produces - Fur, leather or wool.
Negative
When living near populated areas these cats will attack and kill domestic stock such as
goats and pigs. Where this prey is provided leopards will achieve unusually high densities
and the problem persists. They will also attack and kill humans. One particular leopard in
India, known as "Kahani man-eater" killed over 200 people although this behavior is not
the norm.
Bites or stings
Conservation
The status of P. pardus ranges from endangered to critically endangered to threatened
depending on the geographic region. Even though these cats are highly adaptable, they
still face many problems. These include habitat destruction, being hunted as trophies and
for their fur, and persecution as killers. Illegal hunting of leopards for their fur became so
common in the 1960s that as many as 50,000 skins were marked annually.
The word "Langur": "Langur" is a Hindi word, possibly from Sanskrit, for "tailed."
"Hanuman" is a Sanskrit word for "having jaws."
Location: India and Pakistan.
Habitat: Arboreal and terrestrial. Forests, but also in open terrain.

Description: The langur has a slender body and arms, and long fingers and toes except for
the small but opposable thumbs. There are various subspecies which differ in coat color,
which is usually gray or brown, and in the varying position of the tufts of hair around the
face. The face and hands are black. Length of head and body 17 to 32 in, tail longer at 21
to 42 in, weight 20 to 44 lbs, female about 70% of male weight.
Behavior: The langur is distinguished from the other subfamily of Old World monkeys
by their leaf-eating specializations, such as complex stomachs and better developed cross
ridges on the teeth. It feeds on young leaves, fruit, and flowers, and is the most terrestrial
of these monkeys, descending to the ground to drink, gather food, or move from one area
to another. It lives in socially organized groups, each with its own territory, headed by
one or more males. In one-male groups, takeovers by a new male occur every few years,
sometimes resulting in the death of infants.
Reproduction: Gestation lasts about 200 days. All the females in the group take part in
the care of the single newborn young.
Apparently the rarest avian creature in the Auroville bioregion is the Bubo bubo
bengalensis, the Indian sub-species of the Eurasian eagle owl. Confined to peninsular
India, Sind in Pakistan and Marakan in Burma (where it may now be extinct), it faces
a high risk of total extinction in the near future (conservative estimates put the
country-wide population of breeding birds at less than 2,000 pairs).
Reasons for its endangered condition
An inhabitant of the deeply scored ravines and gullies, it clings to a precarious
existence as human pressure drives it out of its preferred habitat (land development
activities treat ravines and gullies as sewage dumps, the rock faces are intensely
mined for pebbles and 'blue metal chips', and erosion leads to build-up of silt, which
slowly but steadily fills up the canyons). The indiscriminate use of pesticides in the
environment, which steadily build up in the tissues of this bird, rendering it infertile
(adding to its mortality), is another apparently insurmountable problem. Add to this
local mythical beliefs (which consider owls as creatures of ill omen and harbingers of
death) and the general apathy towards the plight of this species by environmentalists
themselves, and their future looks very bleak indeed.
Peculiar and distinctive 'who-whooo' call
This impressive bird, with its arresting orange-yellow eyes, can be seen in the
Ravena, Forecomers, Success, Utility and Bommaiyapalayam canyons. It spends the
day sitting motionless in a cleft in a rock face or under a bush, relying on its
cryptically coloured plumage for camouflage. At dusk it sets out from its hiding place,
preceded and accompanied by its peculiar and distinctive 'who-whooo' call, which
though not loud, has a curious far-carrying quality.
Predatory nature
The various species of rodents found in these parts (gerbils, mice, mole rats and rats)
constitute the prey base of 'Bubo bubo' (a single owl has been known to consume
nearly 300 rodents in a year), and the predatory nature of the species keeps their
numbers in check. At times other birds, snakes, lizards, frogs and even other owls are
consumed.
Breeding habits
The breeding period in these parts of its range is from December to April. Sometimes
three, but more commonly two, eggs are laid on the ground in a sheltered spot
among the rocky cliffs (no nest is made) at staggered intervals. After an incubation
period of approximately 45 days, the eggs hatch, again at irregular intervals, so much
so that when the last chick emerges the eldest is 15 days old and capable of feeding
by itself. Usually only one chick survives (cannibalism and Cainism is all too frequent
- the larger chick killing and eating its younger nest mates). The survivor matures
rapidly, and is capable of flying in less than 45 days.
Unfortunately, most details concerning the natural history of this bird remain
unknown and shrouded in myth. Hopefully, at some stage, someone will make an
effort to unravel the fascinating secrets of its private life before it's too late; in fact,
the sooner the better..!
The most common of all deer found in the subcontinent, it is easily identifiable by its
beautiful golden brown coat that is decorated with big white spots. An average stag
is about 85-90 cm tall at its shoulder, and weighs 80kg. Unlike other ungulates, the
coat of the spotted deer remains more or less the same throughout the year. Large
herds can be seen in almost all the National Parks of North India.

The spotted deer forms the main diet of almost all predatory animals. To counter
attacks from its enemies, the spotted deer has evolved a unique vigilance system in
which the entire herd takes part. The weak and the sick animals form the periphery
of the herd while the cubs and their mothers remain towards the middle of the
group. While grazing, each and every member of the herd is on the alert. The
lookout habitually lifts its head to try and get a whiff of predators. It stands still to
sense danger. If the threat is for real, it stomps its hind legs, and emits a shrill call
– a signal for the entire herd to flee to a safer area.
The spotted deer has what can be called a 'memorandum of understanding', with
lemurs. Lemurs keep it informed about any possible attack from its predators. The
spotted deer also benefits from the leftovers that lemurs keep dropping from trees.
In fact, the relation between the two species is so symbiotic that they explore the
jungle together.
Another interesting fact about the spotted deer is that it does not wallow during the
rut (and why should it, given its beautiful golden coat). Instead it emits a shrill call,
and walks proudly, displaying its antlers. The mating season of the spotted deer is
not very well defined and varies in different parts of the country. The species breeds
once every six months, and the litter comprises of a single fawn.

The avian population in the park is also very healthy. During late summer and in the
monsoon months, it is possible to see large numbers of peacocks with their tail
feathers fanned out and doing their famous shimmering "dance". Some of the bird
species visible in the park are Peafowl, Red Jungle Fowl, Spur Fowls, White Breasted
Kingfishers, Golden Backed Woodpeckers, Great Indian Horned Owls, Quails,
Partridges, Sangrouse, Tree Pies, Crested Serpent Eagles, Parakeets, Drongos,
Sunbirds and Vultures.
BIRDS OF NORTH INDIA
Indian Union covers an area of about 3,267,500 square kilometers and stretches
from north about 3,200 kms and from east to west about 3,000 kms. In the north
are the snow-covered Himalayas with some of the highest peaks of the world. In the
south, the triangular Deccan plateau is bounded by jungle-covered hills to the north
and by the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal on the other two sides. Between the
Himalayas and the Deccan lies the fertile Gangetic Plain, about 1,920 kms long, with
the Great Indian Desert to the west of it.
Inevitably, this vast region has a diverse climate. There is, thus, a great variation in
physical and climatic conditions and consequently, in the character of vegetation.
Such environmental conditions have greatly influenced the character of wildlife.
Because of its geographical position the wildlife of India comprise numerous
representatives of Malayan, north and west-Asian, European and African Fauna.
India has a unique fauna and excels in the range and diversity of its wildlife. There
are over 500 species of mammals, 2,060 species of birds. 748 species of reptiles
and 30,000 species of insects. To preserve its unique wildlife, India has created 11
National Parks and 135 Sanctuaries in the country, covering a total area of 26,000
sq. km
Sariska wildlife Sanctuary is part of the Project Tiger. The Sanctuary extends over
an area of 800 sq. kms, and has a wide spectrum and rich population of wildlife. A
rich avifauna of more than 200 species of birds, which includes Babbler (Common,
Jungle & Large Grey). Black/Red Headed Bunting. Little Brown Dove, Crested
Serpent Eagle, Pale Harrier, Gray Hornbill, White Breasted Kingfisher, Small Minivet,
Golden Oriole, Great Gray Shrike, Tailor Bird, Wryneck Woodpecker and many
more, makes it an ideal place for birdwatching.s
Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary, better known as Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, is
considered the best bird marsh in the world. It has 29 square kms of marsh,
woodland and scrub. It is also described as "one of the most magical places for bird
watching on earth" featuring both nesting indigenous as well as migratory water
birds. It is a big shallow lake divided by various roads and dykes into smaller
compartments, depth nowhere exceeding 2.5 meters. More than 330 species of
birds have already been identified. Local birds such as Painted Storks, Open Bill
Storks, Spoonbills, Cormorants, Darters, Ibises, Moorhen, Pheasant - tailed Jacana,
Purple Coot, White-breasted Waterhen, Paddy Bird, Night Heron, Comb Duck
(Nukta) and Dabchick, begin nestling when the rains are about to start. Migratory
birds start arriving in October which include a variety of Ducks, Geese, Raptors,
Waders, Warblers and Cranes (including the Siberian Crane, of which there are
about only 350 birds in the world and the Sanctuary is the wintering ground for
about 52 such Cranes).
Corbett is regarded as one of the true bird parks of the world. Out of the 2,060
species and subspecies of birds recorded in the Indian subcontinent, over 600
species/subspecies of birds have been recorded from Corbett at one time or
another. This number is greater than the total number of bird species found in
Europe and represents around one fourth of the available diversity found in India.
Out of the 69 species of raptors found in India, 49 can be seen in Corbett making it
a striking element of the local avifauna. The reserve, which covers 520 sq. kms. is
not less than a paradise for bird-watchers. European bird-watchers are some of the
keenest visitors to the reserve during winters when the bird diversity is at its peak.
Birds which can be spotted at the banks of River Ramganga on the outskirts of
Corbett Park include Brown Fish Owl, Himalayan Kingfisher, Brown Dipper and
Plumbeous/White-Capped Redstarts. One can also see Little/Staty backed Forktails
and Mountain/Rufousbellied Hawk-Eagles here. Inside Corbett Park, Blue Whistling
Thrush and Red Jungle Fowl are immediate possibilities. But with some efforts one
can spot Oriental White-eye, Jungle Owlet, Alexandrine Parakeet, Himalayan
Swiftlet, Lesser Fish-Eagle or even Great Thick-knee, Stork-billed Kingfisher and
many more. Mammals include Tiger, Indian Elephant, Chital, Sambhar, Muntjack
(Barking Deer), Hog Deer and Common Langur. A trip to these magnificent
Sanctuaries will also take you through Jaipur (Pink City) and Agra (City of Taj)
which will add the experience of Indian culture, heritage, history and hospitality to
your memories.

A national park is a reserve of natural or semi-natural land, declared or owned by a

national government, set aside for human recreation and enjoyment, and protected from
most development. While ideas for national parks had been suggested previously, what is
held to be the first one established was the United States' Yellowstone National Park,
established in 1872.

An international organization, the International Union for Conservation of Nature

77(IUCN), and its World Commission on Protected Areas, has defined National Parks as
its category II type of protected areas. The largest national park in the world meeting the
IUCN definition is the Northeast Greenland National Park, which was established in
1974. According to the IUCN, there are now 6,555 national parks worldwide (2006
figure)[1].

A wildlife refuge, also called a wildlife sanctuary, may be a naturally-occurring

sanctuary, such as an island, that provides protection for species from hunting, predation
or competition, or it may refer to a protected area, a geographic territory within which
wildlife is protected. Such wildlife refuges are generally officially designated territories,
created by government legislation, though the land itself may be publicly or privately
owned.