SARISKA NATIONAL PARK
Nature reserve converted into a national park, home to a dozen felines, a must-see during a 4 to 5 hour safari
Former hunting territory of the maharajas of Alwar, a nature reserve was established on this site in the 1950s. A national park since 1982, the State failed in its mission to protect the tigers, as the species had totally disappeared in 2005. Since then, a reintroduction policy has been undertaken with tigers from the neighboring Ranthambore National Park. Today, the reserve is home to about ten tigers, but the villagers in the reserve are hostile to this program. The relocation of 28 villages outside the park in order to protect the endangered species has provoked the ire of the expropriated inhabitants who can hardly bear the danger of the presence of tigers near their houses.
The best time to try to see a tiger is from March to June, when the drought pushes it towards the rare water points. If it does not present itself to your eyes, know that the reserve counts many other animal species (sambar, chital, wild boar, peacock or panther...). Sariska is appreciated by the amateurs of safaris who take pleasure in watching and tracking the animals with their camera.
If you have time, do not miss to go to the fort of Kankwari, a ruin sunk 22 km inside the park. You will cross some villages and will be able to admire the magnificent landscape. Count 4 to 5 hours of safari. Do not forget to take your water bottles. The legend assures that Aurangzeb would have made imprison one of his brothers, rival candidate to the Mughal throne.