By: David H.
Submitted: 2011-09-30 21:31:49 | Word Count: 566
Sariska National Park is one of the most wonderful parks created in the country which is open all through the year.It was originally the "hunting reserve" for the Royal Family of Alwar in the Rajasthan region.
Due to the fast depleting population of tigers in this region, the Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary was set up in 1955 and then in 1978, it was taken under the Project Tiger and in 1982 it was converted into Sariska National Park.The National Park is spread across an area of 800 square kilometers, out of which 498 square kilometers form the core region of the Park.
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The National Park is home to the majestic Bengal Tigers, Panthers and Leopards.Till a few years back, the tiger had almost disappeared from the National Park and then two tigers had to be relocated from the Ranthambore National Park to this forest.The main reason behind this is said to be the illegal poaching this wild cat.
One of the most amazing creatures of this jungle is the Four-horned Antelopes (Chausingha) which is the only animal to have two pairs of antlers.Apart from this, there are large numbers of Chinkara (Indian Gazelle), Sambars, Chitals, Nilgai as also lots of Langurs.
The avian population also forma a major part of the jungle eco-system.There are a variety of birds which inhabit this jungle and include species like the Peafowl, Grey Partridge, Bush Quail, Golden Backed Wood Pecker, Great Indian Horned Owl and the Crested Serpent Eagle.
But the main thing which attracts people to this National Park is the presence of several historical and religious monuments present in the precincts of the Park.Some of the major places of tourist significance inside in the Park are:
Kankwari Fort: This fort was originally built by Raja Jai Singh II and is located near the center of the Park.The importance of this fort was also recognized by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb when he briefly kept his brother, Dara Shikoh, a prisoner here.
Hanuman Temple: The Hanuman Temple is located at a distance of 11 kilometers from the entrance of the National Park near the watch tower.It is well hidden among the dense green foliage of the jungle and reflects a mystique quality about it.The temple has a giant idol of Lord Hanuman in a reclining position.The origin of this temple dates back to the Mahabharata days.A large number of monkeys inhabit the temple premise, most of which are harmless enough.
Pandu Pol: One of the must see places in Sariska National Park is the Pandu Pol.As the legend goes, the Pandavas had spent some of their time here during the exile.And this is where Bhima acquired the strength of a thousand elephants after a serious battle with Lord Hanuman, which saw the defeat of the former.
The Pandu Pol is shaped as a natural arch formed due to the constant action of water against the limestone and in the rainy season, one can see a beautiful waterfall that is created.
The Sariska Palace: Sariska was the hunting reserve of the Royal Family of Alwar.The Palace has been built by the Maharaj of Alwar which has now been converted into a heritage hotel.
The Sariska National Park is one of its kinds in the country and is also the one which is visited the most due to its proximity to Delhi and Jaipur.
