Sariska National Park lies in the Aravalli hills and is the former hunting preserve of the Maharaja of Alwar. Sariska itself is a wide valley with two large plateaus and is dotted with places of historical and religious interest, including the ruins of the Kankwari Fort, the 10th century Neelkanth temples, the Buddha Hanuman Temple near Pandupol, the Bharthari Temple near the park office, and the hot and cold springs of Taalvriksh.

Within the Sanctuary, there are also historical ruins of monuments symbolic of its past. The Kankwari Fort, where Emperor Aurangzeb once imprisoned his brother Dara Shikoh, the ancient Shiva Neelkanth Temples that date back to the 6th-13th century A.D. and the Palace built by the Maharajas of Alwar, now converted into a hotel, are all great sights.

The large Siliserh Lake is at the north-eastern corner. The forests are drying deciduous, with trees of Dhak, Acacia, Ber and Salar. The Tigers of Sariska are largely nocturnal and are not as easily seen as those of Ranthambore. The park also has good populations of Nilgai, Sambar and Chital. In the evenings, Indian Porcupine, Striped Hyaena, Indian Palm Civet and even Leopard are sometimes seen.

The forests are lush during and immediately following the monsoon, but during the dry months of February May there is a shortage of water and in consequence mammals are attracted to water holes. At this time of year visibility is good because of the sparse foliage. Sariska is excellent for bird watching and has an unusually large population of Indian Peafowl.

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 waterholes.

Best time to visit:
October to June