Sariska Tiger Reserve, located in the Alwar district of Rajasthan, India, is a prominent wildlife sanctuary known for its rugged terrain and rich biodiversity. Covering an area of approximately 881 square kilometers, the reserve features a variety of landscapes, including dry deciduous forests, grasslands, rocky hills, and arid regions. The area was designated as a wildlife sanctuary in 1955 and later declared a tiger reserve in 1978 under Project Tiger.

Flora and Fauna
Sariska is renowned for its population of Bengal tigers, which were reintroduced after local extinction in the early 2000s. The reserve now serves as a critical habitat for these majestic predators. Besides tigers, Sariska is home to leopards, striped hyenas, caracals, jungle cats, and Indian jackals. Herbivores like sambar deer, chital, nilgai (blue bull), wild boar, and langur monkeys are commonly seen. The avian population is diverse, with species such as the Indian peafowl, crested serpent eagle, and various waterfowl inhabiting the reserve.

Historical and Cultural Significance
Sariska's significance extends beyond its natural beauty. The reserve houses several historical and cultural sites, including the ancient Kankwari Fort, which offers panoramic views of the landscape. The fort has historical relevance as the site where Emperor Aurangzeb imprisoned his brother, Dara Shikoh. Another notable attraction is the Pandupol Hanuman Temple, a popular pilgrimage site believed to be associated with the Pandavas from the Mahabharata.

Conservation and Eco-Tourism
Conservation efforts at Sariska have faced challenges, particularly due to past poaching incidents that led to the temporary disappearance of tigers. However, reintroduction programs and enhanced protection measures have shown positive results. The reserve emphasizes eco-tourism, offering jeep safaris and guided tours that allow visitors to explore the park's wildlife and scenic beauty responsibly. These activities help raise awareness about conservation while providing economic benefits to local communities.

Community Involvement
Local communities play a vital role in the reserve's conservation strategy. Initiatives to promote sustainable livelihoods and involve locals in eco-tourism and conservation efforts have been implemented, fostering a cooperative environment for wildlife protection.

Sariska Tiger Reserve stands as a testament to the resilience of nature and the importance of continued conservation efforts, offering a unique blend of wildlife, history, and cultural heritage.

Flora

The vegetation of Sariska Tiger Reserve is primarily dry deciduous forest, with significant tree species including Sal, Dhak, and Acacia. The reserve also hosts a variety of shrubs and grasses. Prominent among these are the Indian gooseberry, various types of Euphorbia, and shrubs like Lantana. The grasslands within the reserve support a range of grasses, including perennial species that provide essential food sources for herbivores.

Fauna

Sariska is renowned for its Bengal tigers, which are the reserve’s flagship species. The tiger population is supported by a diverse prey base, including sambar deer, chital (spotted deer), and the Nilgai (blue bull). Other significant mammals include leopards, which are frequently seen in the reserve, and smaller carnivores like the Indian wild dog (dhole) and jackals. Herbivores such as wild boars and Indian hares also thrive in the reserve.

Birdlife in Sariska is rich, with species including the Indian Peafowl, the Great Hornbill, and various raptors like the Indian Eagle Owl. The reserve’s water bodies attract numerous waterfowl and migratory birds, adding to the avian diversity.

Reptiles such as the Indian Rock Python, various species of cobras, and monitor lizards are found in Sariska. Amphibians include various frogs and toads that inhabit the reserve’s wetlands and seasonal water sources.

By Air-
The Jaipur International Airport, which is located in the Sanganer, a suburb in Jaipur, is the nearest airport to the Sariska National Park. The distance between the Airport and the park is 122 km which can be traveled either by road or by train. There are consistent flights to Jaipur from all the major cities of India. The air terminal in Jaipur is an International air terminal so the city is additionally very much associated through the flight with different abroad urban areas. The direct bus and taxi services are available from the airport itself to reach the Alwar where the Sariska National Park is located.

By Rail-
Railway connectivity is also good for Sariska National Park. The Alwar railway station is the nearest railway station from Sariska Park. The station is located at a distance of about 37 km from the park and the tourist can catch the local bus, taxi, or cab to reach the Sariska National Park from the Alwar Railway station. There are direct trains to Alwar station from the major cities of India like Jaipur, Delhi, Mumbai, and others. The station is a Royal heritage railway station and the best tourist-friendly station in India. The journey of Luxury trains like Fairy Queen ends here in Alwar. Fairy Queen, one of India’s national treasures and the oldest working engine in the world, lead the way of the train from Delhi encampment to Alwar in Rajasthan. The engine was built by a British firm in 1855 and acquired by the Eastern Indian Railways. The train that hitches up this engine is now used for tourism.

By Road-
The Sariska National Park is directly connected through the road with all the major cities and towns of India. By availing of the state bus service or hiring private or government buses and taxis, tourists can easily reach the Sariska National Park from the cities like Jaipur, Jodhpur, Kota, Delhi, Agra, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Ajmer, etc.

Road Distance between Sariska and other cities-
Jaipur to Sariska – 110 Km
Delhi to Sariska – 200 Km
Agra to Sariska – 202 Km
Jodhpur to Sariska – 444 Km
Udaipur to Sariska – 504 Km
Mumbai to Sariska – 1266 Km