What to Know Before You Go Sariska Tiger Reserve Rajasthan
On the main highway to Jaipur 34 km (21 miles) south of Alwar, lays the Sariska Tiger Reserve and National Park. Sariska is one of the few remaining pockets of forest in the Aravalli range of hills and the area now consisting of 800 sq. km (308 sq. miles) is the core area. The reserve has been under Project Tiger since 1979 and before that, since 1955, a smaller sanctuary. But earlier still it was a hunting area for the Maharajas of Alwar and was strictly protected. The forest is mainly hilly with two extensive plateaus, Kankwari and Kiraska, and a wide valley starting at the Baran Tal Gate and running south to Thana Gazi. At the northeastern corner, just off the road between Alwar and Sariska, is the Silliserh Lake. Although there are few large mammals to be seen near the lake, crocodiles are often spotted and, during the winter, there are many migrant water birds. In spring, the surrounding hillsides are filled with colour as the "flame of the forest...