In the Indian state of Rajasthan’s Alwar district is the Sariska Tiger Reserve, a tiger reserve. It covers an area of 881 km2 and is made up of rocky hills, grasslands, dry deciduous forests, and scrub-thorn desert forests. In 1958, the Alwar state’s hunting preserve was transformed into a wildlife sanctuary. In 1978, it became a tiger reserve, becoming a part of India’s Project Tiger. The wildlife refuge, which has a total area of around 273.8 km2, was designated a national park in 1982. It is the only tiger reserve in the world where tigers have been successfully transferred. Within the Northern Aravalli leopard and wildlife corridor, it is a significant location for biodiversity.
| 1 | Name of the National Park | Sariska Tiger Reserve |
| 2 | Year established | 1978 |
| 3 | Area in Sq Km | 881 km2 |
| 4 | Elevation in m | 300 meters to 722 meters |
| 5 | State / States spread in | Rajasthan |
| 6 | Main Animals found | Tigers, leopards, jungle cats, caracals, striped hyenas, jackals, Indian wild boars |
| 7 | Main Birds found | Indian peafowl, grey partridge, Indian eagle owl, and the white-rumped vulture |
| 8 | Main reptiles found | Indian python, cobra, Indian monitor lizard |
| 9 | Best time to visit | October to June |
Sariska Tiger Reserve has a semi-arid climate with hot summers and cool winters. Summers start from March and last till June, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 45°C. Monsoon season begins in July and lasts till September, with the park receiving an average annual rainfall of around 650 mm. Winter starts from November and lasts till February, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 25°C.
Geology
The geology of Sariska Tiger Reserve is primarily composed of quartzite, granite, and slate rocks. The park is also known for its hilly terrain, with the highest peak being the Kankwari Fort, which stands at an elevation of 1130 meters above sea level.
Type of Forests and Trees
The forest type is tropical dry deciduous with a mix of dhok and khair trees dominating the landscape. Other common tree species include ber, tendu, and arjun. The vegetation is mainly of scrub thorn arid nature with some patches of grasslands. The dry deciduous forest is well-adapted to the region’s hot and dry climate, with trees and plants shedding their leaves in the dry season to conserve moisture.
The most prominent species of tree in the forests of the Sariska Tiger Reserve is the dhok (Anogeissus pendula), but there are also several other types of trees found in the area. These include salar (Boswellia serrata), kadaya (Sterculia urens), dhak (Butea monosperma), gol (Lannea coromandelica), ber (Ziziphus mauritiana), and khair (Acacia catechu). Additionally, there are some other trees that can be found in the forests such as bargad (Ficus benghalensis), arjun (Terminalia arjuna), gugal (Commiphora wightii) or bamboo. There are also many shrubs in the region, including kair (Capparis decidua), adusta (Adhatoda vesica), and jhar ber (Ziziphus nummularia).
Biodiversity of Sariska National Park
Animals that can be seen in the Sariska Tiger Reserve include:
- Bengal Tiger
- Leopard
- Indian Bison (Gaur)
- Sambar Deer
- Chital Deer
- Wild Boar
- Rhesus Macaque
- Langur
- Civet
- Jungle Cat
- Jackal
- Hyena
- Fox
- Porcupine
- Hare
- Pangolin
Birds that can be found in the reserve include:
- Peafowl
- Grey Partridge
- Sandgrouse
- Tree Pie
- Golden-backed Woodpecker
- Crested Serpent Eagle
- Great Indian Horned Owl
- Drongo
- Sunbird
- Grey Heron
- White-breasted Kingfisher
- Golden Oriole
- Great White Pelican
- Darters
- Nightjars
- Wagtails
Reptiles that can be found in the reserve include:
- Indian Python
- Cobra
- Viper
- Russell’s Viper
- Indian Chameleon
- Monitor Lizard
- Common Skink
- Garden Lizard
- Indian Star Tortoise
- Common Krait
- Rat Snake
- Saw-scaled Viper
- Indian Rock Python
In 2003, the reserve was home to 16 tigers. However, in 2004, no tigers were found in the reserve, and there was no evidence of their presence such as paw marks, tree scratch marks or droppings. The Rajasthan Forest Department and Project Tiger staff believed that the tigers had temporarily migrated outside the reserve and would return after the monsoon season. However, by January 2005, it was confirmed that there were no tigers left in Sariska.
In July 2008, two tigers were relocated to Sariska from Ranthambore National Park, and another female tiger was moved there in February 2009. In 2012, two tiger cubs and their mother were spotted in the reserve, increasing the total number of tigers to seven. In July 2014, two more cubs were seen, bringing the total number of tigers to 11.
As of October 2018, there were 18 tigers, including five cubs, in the reserve. By 2020, the tiger population had increased to 20.
Best time to visit Sariska National Park
The best time to visit the Sariska Tiger Reserve is from October to June, when the weather is mild and the chances of spotting wildlife are higher. The park remains closed during the monsoon season from July to September due to heavy rainfall. However, it’s important to note that the park can get very hot during the summer months, with temperatures sometimes exceeding 45°C, so visitors should be prepared for the heat if they plan to visit during this time.
Sariska Tiger Reserve is surrounded by several other places of interest that visitors can explore. The ancient Kankwari Fort, located within the reserve, is a popular attraction. The fort has a rich history and provides stunning views of the surrounding area. The Neelkanth Temple, situated near the fort, is another site of interest. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and attracts many devotees. The Siliserh Lake, located 13 km from the reserve, is a beautiful lake that offers boating facilities and is a popular picnic spot.
In conclusion, Sariska Tiger Reserve is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. With its diverse flora and fauna, it offers a unique and enriching experience. Visitors can witness the majestic tigers in their natural habitat, explore the beautiful forests, and indulge in various adventure activities. The reserve’s close proximity to other places of interest adds to its charm, making it an ideal destination for a relaxing and enjoyable vacation.
