Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary |
Over a-Aru Biosphere Reserve located 76 km from Srinagar, near
Pahalgam, it has an area of 32 sq km. Several species of birds
as well as fauna are found here -- musk deer, brown bear, leopard
to name a few. The altitudinal range varies from 3,000 to 5,425
meters above sea level. Prime viewing time for the upper areas
is from May to August In the lower areas, for bird viewing the
best time is March to May and for animal viewing from September
to March. Accommodation in two bedroom huts is available. For
passes contact the Regional wildlife Warden, Srinagar.
The Sariska Tiger Reserve is just 40 kms. from Alwar
and about 107 Kms. from Jaipur and 200 Kms. form Delhi. The
sanctuary can be visited all year-round except during July-August
when animals move to higher ground. The senctuary is in a wooded
valley surrounded by barren mountains. 'Dhok' (Anogeissus
pendula) is the dominant tree species of the lower hill
slopes, forming almost the pure crop. On higher and steeper
slopes it is replaced by strands of 'Salar' (Boswellia
serrata) trees and in the valleys by 'Ber' (Zizyphus
species), 'Dhak' (Butea monosperma), 'Ronj'
(Acacia leucophloea )and khair (Acacia catechu).
Sariska has a very good population of sambhar, chital, nilgai,
four-horned antelope, wild boar and common langur. The caracal
and jungle cat, Porcupines, purely nocturnal rodents, are conspicuous
after sunset. Water holes have been created at number of spots
in the sanctuary. These water holes are now acting as the nerver
centers of the sanctuary. Common birds at Sariska are partridges
(Grey and black), peacock, red spurfowl, pigeons
(blue, rock and green),qualis, Sand grous,
parakeets baya, kits, eagle and vultures.
You see mainly deer during the two-hour tour, most of them fleeing
in panicat the approach, at tremendous speed, of a lurching
minibus full of screaming tourists with a man halfway out of
the cab waving a spotlight and shouting excitedly. A better
way to see the game is to hook a 'hide' overlooking one of the
waterholes for Rs 10 (Rs 20 for foreigners). Take along food,
drink and a sleeping bag(mattersses are provided). Entry to
the park costs Rs 2 (Rs 10 for foreigners)
Number of spots of historical importance are scattered all over
the reserve. Pandu Pol temple narrates the stroy of the Mahabharat
period when the mighty Bhim was taught a lesson on humility.
The ruins of Ghar Rajor date back of 9th and 10th century. A.D.
Here an area of approximately three square kilometers is literally
covered with invaluable pieces of rare sculptures and architecture.
Historians believe that some of the art pieces were carved as
early as in the 4th or 5th enctruy A.D. A stone incription of
10th centruy mentions about the destruction caused to the structures
by an earthquake. Only three monuments that survived the earthquake
present some glimpses of the past glory of the area. These are
Neelkanth temple of Lord Shiva, a 16 feet high. Single stone
statue of a Jain Tirthankar and a temple of Thankuriji. The
ruins of Kankwari Fort reminds the visitor of the events of
the 17th centruy. Bharathari is a sacred Place for thousands
of Hindus living in the adjoining areas.The place is named after
Raja Bharathari of Ujjain who meditated here for a number of
years before finally taking 'Samadhi' on 8th of 'Shukla-Paksha
in the Bhadon month of the Hindu calendar. Devotees, in hundreds
of thousands from far and near,gather here on this day every
year to commemorate the event. The area is well forested and
is served by a perennial stream of water. It has a good population
of Hanuman langurs. Tal Vrakhsha,located about 20 kms. fromt
he Sariska comples, is another interesting place. It is believed
that a Rishi (saint) Mandava lived and meditated here and he
acquired divine knowledge at this spot. He worshipped lord Shiva
and for salvation of the people living in the region, brought
the sacred river Ganga', in the form of two streams of hot and
cold water to this area. Temples of Ganga Mata and Lord Shiva
still attract devotees to the area. Tal Vrakhsha now has a small
grove of Arjun trees with a large population of rhesus monkeys.
Both these places are worth visiting.
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