
The picturesque Siliserh Lake lies along the edge of the Sariska Tiger Reserve and a charming hunting lodge overlooking it, is a marvellous place for visitors to stay. The dry deciduous forests of the ancient Aravalli range are excellent tiger country and Sariska was once of the royal reserve of the rulers of Alwar. Declared a sanctuary in 1955, it became a Tiger Reserve in 1979 under project Tiger. Herds of sambar, chital, nilgai and sounders of wild boar - the prey population for predators like the tiger and leopard, roam the 765.80 sq. km. Reserve. Other carnivores include the hyena, jungle cat, and caracal. Interestingly enough, the dhole or wild dog has been sighted in the Park only in the last few years. The park has hides carefully located near the water holes. These afford fine opportunities for viewing and photographing wildlife.
Splendid ruins scattered in the vicinity of Sariska give it an added interest. The Neelkanth temples (6th-13th century AD) are just 32 km. From the Park and the historic Kankwari Fort inside the Reserve, is where the Emperor Aurangzeb once imprisoned his brother Dara Shikoh. A splendid palace complex built in 1902, with a 'French' pavilion and swimming pool, is now a hotel.
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