 Sariska,
in Rajasthan, the erstwhile royal preserve
of the rulers of Alwar, became a sanctuary
in the year 1958. The sanctuary came under
the Project Tiger in 1979 and became a national
park in 1982. It is located at Kankwari
fort, near Alwar, on the Delhi - Jaipur
Highway. The terrain is predominantly hilly,
as it lies in the Aravalli range. It has
total area of 788 sq. kilometres, with a
core area of approximately 474 sq. kilometres.
The beautiful Siliserh Lake runs along the
edge of the reserve, with a quaint hunting
lodge overlooking it.
At last count in 1985, there 35 tigers were
reported. Other carnivores of the area are
the panther, jungle cat, jackal and hyena.
Three caracals were also reported during the
last census in 1985. Other animals include
the sambar, chital, wild boar, hare, nilgai
and umpteen porcupines.Sariska is open to
visitors throughout the year, although certain
jungle tracks are closed during the monsoon
and the breeding season. The best time to
visit the park is late in the winter around
January or February. If you don’t mind the
heat, April to June is a great time to see
animals at the water holes. |
Kumbhalgarh
is just 90 kms. from Jodhpur on the Udaipur
- Pali - Jodhpur road. This jungle adjoins
the historical Khumbhalgarh Fort and used
to shield the fort from invaders. Now it
protects the rare species of animals, struggling
for their survival.Situated in the lush
green region of Udaipur, Khumbhalgarh is
the only sanctuary of Rajasthan, where activities
of the rarely found wolf can be seen. More
than forty wolves inhabit the Job area of
the sanctuary. During summer, when water
becomes scarce, pack of wolves roaming around
water holes is a common sight.
