Sariska Attractions - Tourist Places To Visit In Sariska

Sariska Palace, located in the Sariska National Tiger Reserve of Rajasthan, was built in 1902 and served as the hunting lodge of the Maharaja of Alwar. The palace which depicts a mixed architectural style has now been converted into a luxury hotel.

Silserh Lake, spread over an area of 7 sq km, is a beautiful lake located in the Alwar District in the northeastern part of Rajasthan. The lake was built by Maharaja Vinay Singh in the year 1845 so that its water could be channeled to the Alwar City.

A beautiful lake palace, built by Maharaja Vinay Singh for his queen Shila, is also situated here. It served as the royal palace and a hunting lodge. This palace has now been converted into a hotel and is laden with all the modern day amenities. Boating and sailing facilities are also offered on the lake.

Bhangarh Fort, located in the Bhangarh town in Alwar District of Rajasthan, is a medieval fort. The fort was built in 1613 by Madho Singh, the son of the great Mughal General, Man Singh of Amber. The fort, which is now in ruins, is surrounded by a wall in a partially dilapidated condition. The fort premises contain natural springs, waterfalls, gardens, havelis and banyan trees.

Temples of Lord Someshwar, Gopinath, Mangala Devi and Keshava Rai are also present here. There is also a hilltop chhatri, which is secluded from the rest of the area. People believe that the fort and the town of Bhangarh are haunted since many centuries.

According to legends, Bhangarh Fort was cursed by an ascetic, Baba Balanath, when Ajab Singh violated the agreement that was previously made between his grandfather Madho Singh and the saint. People believe that it was for this reason that the fort was abandoned soon after its construction, and the town was deserted, as it became haunted.

Excavations by Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) have given enough evidence of the fact that the town is a prehistoric site. The ASI has strictly prohibited tourists from entering the area both before sunrise and after sunset as there is a fear that the peculiar atmosphere of Bhangarh can cause a strange restlessness among the people visiting this place.

Sariska National Park also referred to as the Sariska Tiger Reserve, is located in the Alwar district of Rajasthan, off the Delhi-Alwar-Jaipur Road. The area served as the hunting reserve to the erstwhile Alwar State, and later in 1955, it was declared as a wildlife sanctuary which attained the status of a National Park in 1979.

This National Park is nestled in the scenic Aravalli Hills and spreads over an area of 800 sq km. It comprises varied terrains like grasslands, dry deciduous forests, sheer cliffs and rocky landscapes. A major part of the area is covered with dhok trees and accommodates various wildlife species.

The Sariska National Park is home to a variety of wild animals, which include leopards, sambars, chitals, nilgais, four-horned antelopes, wild boars, rhesus macaques, langurs, hyenas and jungle cats. A large number of peafowls, sand grouse, golden-backed woodpeckers and crested serpent eagles are also found in this National Park.

Ruins of the medieval temples of Garh-Rajor that date back to the 10th and 11th centuries can also be seen in the park. A 17th-century castle is also present on a hilltop inside the Sariska National Park, and it provides a mesmerising view of flying vultures and eagles. The Tiger Reserve is home to a large number of other carnivores as well, which include leopards, wild dogs, jungle cats, hyenas, jackals etc.

Neelkanth Mahadev (Blue Throated Lord Shiva) is a temple complex located inside the Sariska National Park in Rajasthan. It is located at a distance of 32 km from the entrance of Sariska National Tiger Reserve. The complex accommodates ruins of more than 300 temples, of which a few are still being worshipped by devotees.

The Neelkanth Temple is surrounded by thick forests that add to its beauty. Although in a dilapidated condition, the temple is very much similar to an old museum. The temples in this complex date back to the 6th and 13th centuries and are known for their excellent stone carvings.

Kankawari Fort, located inside the Sariska National Reserve in Rajasthan has great historic significance. This fort, though in ruins now, was once used by Emperor Aurangzeb for keeping his elder brother Prince Dara Shikoh in captivity. As the fort is situated on the top of a hill, it provides a panoramic view of the surrounding areas of the Tiger Reserve.

Pratapgarh Fort, located in Pratapgarh Town near Sariska in Rajasthan, is a historical place known for its natural beauty. The Pratapgarh Town has a deep-rooted connection with the history and legends of Bhangarh. This historic fort is located on the top of a hill and overlooks Pratapgarh and the beautiful landscape around it.

Vijay Mandir Palace, located at a distance of about 10 km from Alwar in Rajasthan, was built by Maharaja Jai Singh in the year 1918 and served as the royal residence. Known for its architectural marvel, the palace has 106 grand rooms and a beautifully laid out garden. The palace, which is located on the banks of Vijay Sagar Lake, was designed by the Maharaja himself.

Ajabgarh Fort, an attraction in the Alwar District of Rajasthan, lies between Bhangarh and Pratapgarh fort and is quite close to Sariska. This fort is closely associated with the history and mythology of the Bhangarh Fort and town.

The Fort was built by Ajab Singh Rajawat, the grandson of Madho Singh and is famous for its picturesque beauty. Ajabgarh Town and its adjoining areas are clearly visible from the fort.

Hanuman Temple of Pandupol, located inside the Sariska National Tiger Reserve of Rajasthan, is one of the most visited locations in Sariska. An enchanting spring emerges from hard and compact rocks at Pandupol or Pandu Gate. According to legends, the Pandava brothers took refuge here while they were on exile. Another myth adds to it, stating that at this place, Bheema (the strongest among the Pandavas) was defeated by Lord Hanuman.

The Hanuman Temple here enshrines a huge idol of Lord Hanuman. During the rainy season, waterfall can be found at this place, and birds of various kinds can also be spotted. Langurs and macaques can also be seen in the premises of the temple.    

Naldeshwar Shrine, located some distance off the Sariska-Alwar Highway in Rajasthan, is dedicated to Lord Mahadev (Shiva). This 18th-century temple is surrounded by dense forests, and a peaceful environment prevails in the place. The beautiful greenery and the presence of the shrine make this place a hotspot for tourists.

Bhartrihari Temple is located at a distance of 30 km from Alwar in Rajasthan and is quite close to the world famous Sariska National Tiger Reserve. The temple which is dedicated to Yogi Bhartrihari Nath attracts a large number of devotees from all over the country.

It stands above the samadhi of Yogi Bhartrihari Nath and is known for its excellent Rajasthani style of architecture.

Jaisamand Lake is an artificial lake located at a distance of 6 km from the city of Alwar. The lake, which is a popular picnic spot today, was constructed by Maharaja Jai Singh, in the year 1910. Here, visitors can enjoy water sports and angling.

Kalighati refers to an area inside the Sariska National Park of Rajasthan and is named after the Kalighati village, which is located near the entrance of the park. The area around Kalighati is famous for sighting tigers and panthers.

Jungle Safari in Sariska National Park is full of thrill and excitement as the park houses a large number of wild animals and is home to some of the rarest flora and fauna. Jungle Safari by walking, hiking, trekking or by Jeep is an exciting exploration of the hidden insights of Sariska.

Though famous as a Tiger Reserve, the Sariska National Park also has other forms of wildlife including sambhar, chital, wild boar, hare, nilgai, civet, four horned antelope, gaur (Indian Bison) and porcupine. Visitors can also sight various kinds of birds including peafowls, grey partridges, tree pies and golden-backed woodpeckers, to name a few.