Tourist Places To Visit In Sariska Tiger Reserve

Sariska National Park, a great habitat of tigers and other wildlife in Rajasthan, has the advantage of being the sanctuary closest to the capital city of New Delhi. Since it lies in close proximity to other cities of tourist attraction like Alwar and Jaipur as well, you get an oppurtunity to explore what the Land of Maharajas has to offer in abundance. By itself, an enticing blend of the natural, man-made and the mystical,  Sariska Tiger Reserve has in store lots of tourist places to visit, including ancient monuments, haunted forts, ruins of temples and beautiful lakes. While you are on a visit to Sariska Tiger Reserve, you can also drive to Alwar, which has its own collection of monuments and museums.

Located about 25 km away from the entrance to the Reserve is the Kankwari Fort. It was here that in the 17^th century Dara Shikoh, the youngest son of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan was imprisoned by his rebellious brother Aurangzeb. The fort remains open from October to July. The panoramic view of the jungles from the top of the fort is breathtaking.

According to Mahabharata, the Pandavas spent their final year of exile in a place described such that it can only be the modern-day Sariska. The Reserve thus, has its ancient temples. You can visit the Pandupol Hanuman Temple, which sees a steady flow of visitors on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

Neelkanth Temple for Lord Shiva lies on a buffer zone, resting on a lonely hill. Built around the 10^th century, the temple stands majestic in its architectural splendour, amid the ruins of what are believed to be 300 temples around this site. A steep track leads towards the temple, which is open on all days, except Sundays.

Close to the Neelkanth temple, once stood the Naugaza Digamber Jain Temple. Now, all that remains among the dilapidated ruins, is a statue of Jain Thirtankara Shanthinatha built in the Digamber style of architecture.

Bhangarh Fort is a haunted fort and lies beyond the inner area of the Reserve, nestled among the foothills of the Aravalli. Built in the 17^th century by Maharaja Man Singh I, the historical ruins are said to be one of the most haunted places in India. Outside the fortress lie ruins of what must have been once a bustling marketplace. A signboard put up by the Archaeological Survey of India prohibits entry into the Bhangarh Fort before sunrise and after sunset. While at Bhangarh, you might also visit the ancient temples of Gopinath, Ganesha and Shiva, the havelis and the mosques.

With the hoary Aravalli Mountains as the backdrop, the manmade Silserh Lake is a picturesque sight; and on the banks of this lake stands the Sariska Palace. The lake teems with life- crocodiles and migratory birds. Silserh Lake has the largest number of crocodiles in the country and walking along the banks of the river, you can find these reptiles sunning on the grass.

Housed in the City Palace at Alwar, the museum has a valuable collection of ancient musical instruments, paintings and armaments used by the Mughals and Rajput Rulers of Rajasthan. On display are the swords used by Emperor Akbar, Aurangzeb and Sultan Ghori. The museum is open from 10am to 4.30 pm and is closed on Fridays and public holidays.

Garbhaji Falls, a blissful silvery surge down a hill, lies 25 km away from Alwar city. Visiting hours are from 10 am to 8 pm and winter is the best time to visit. Visit the old Hanuman temple close by.

Just outside the Alwar Palace, Moosi Maharani Ki Chhatri is a red sandstone and marble cenotaph, built in 1815 in honour of Queen Rani Moosi, who committed sati on the funeral pyre of her husband, Maharaja Bakthawar Singh. It’s one of the most popular tourist places in Rajasthan. The Chhatri is open from 9 am to 4.30 pm on all days, except Fridays.