In the Captivating Aravalis and newfound Home to the Royal Bengal Tiger lies - Sariska. The region is a strewn with stories and relics from the time of Mahabharata , Mauryan and Mughal empire making it a unique mix of History , Wildlife and Mythology. Sariska falls in District Alwar which was once an ancient Rajput state , formarly known as “Mewat” The region came under Muslim rule in year 1287 A.D during the time of Sultan Balban . In Year 1775 A.D Maharaj Pratapsingh a Rajput belonging to the clan of Jaipur rulers ,won back Alwar and founded the principality of his own . History apart, the region has rich heritage ,serene lakes and can be considered a central point for visiting various attractions within its vicinity. The Sariska terrain has taken roots in this semi arid deserts of Rajasthan and supports scrub-thorn arid and dry deciduous forests that are full of rocks and grass patches intertwined with some thick foliage. The wildlife present in the area is diverse and is a perfect example of adaptability and symbiosis between nature and animals. The climate, as in any desert, is dry and varies towards the extremes. Sariska provides an opportunity to view tiger, langur, nilgai and various many bird species. However, apart from the wildlife and forest Sariska is surrounded by numerous places of historical interest, interspersed with temples and monuments. The region was once a part of the ancient 'Matsya' kingdom, and was ruled by the Mighty Mauryans and the Mughals , The place is also famous for old temples and palaces around the city. The temples and chhattris and even the rare waterfall offer an exquisite view. However, the ruins of many of these monuments only serve as a reminder of how glorious the history of this land has been. Enjoy the famous Sariska Tiger reserve in these forests, once a part of the ancient 'Matsya' kingdom, are also supposed to have sheltered the exiled Pandavas. It is believed that Bhima, smote the rock face of a cliff with his cudgel at Pandu Pol and made a passage through a gorge in the sanctuary. The sight of the huge gaping orifice with a picturesque spring emerging from the rocks, is an awe-inspiring sight. Sariska provides an opportunity to view tiger, langur, nilgai and various many bird species. However, apart from the wildlife and forest Sariska is surrounded by numerous places of historical interest, interspersed with temples and monuments. While in Sanctuary, trek on the numerous rugged hills and explore the ruined palaces located atop them. The mornings and evenings are the busiest periods in a day and the same holds true even in the forests. The Jungle Safari organized for groups from the entrance is a thrilling ride full of amusement and trepidation throughout. It's the dawn and dusk period when the wildlife ventures out of compulsion towards one of the many water holes scattered around the Park. The Game is not the correct word to describe these extremely beautiful creatures that roam fearlessly in their own domain thus providing the tourists the best chances of an awe inspiring spectacle.
Bhangarh is a village famous for its historical ruins and is one of India's many haunted locations. It is situated in the Rajgarh municipality of the Alwar district in Rajasthan. Bhangarh is at the edge of the Sariska Tiger Reserve and is a pre-historic site and tourist spot. The town was established in 1573 during the rule of Kachwaha Rajput ruler of Jaipur Bhagwant Das as the residence of his second son Madho Singh, the younger brother of Emperor Akbar's general, Man Singh I.The most remarkable aspects of Bhangarh are its old buildings - the main palace is protected by two inner fortifications across the valley and the town is separated from the plain by ramparts with five gates :. Other buildings include the Hindu temples of Gopinath, Shiv, Hanuman, Ganensh, Vishal Devta, Lavina Devi, and several havelis....
The abandoned fort of Kankwari tells of the grim story of the Mughal Empire, where Prince Darah Shikoh was kept in prison for years by his younger brother Aurangzeb. Pandupole, with a legend of Pandava period, Narainimata temple and Bharthari temple are the centres of attraction for thousands of pilgrims.
Pandupole was the ancient site where the strongest among the Pandavas, Bhima, vanquished the giant demon Hidimbb and in return for this victory earned the hand of his sister, Hidimba. There is a very famous Hanuman Temple here which attracts many visitors on Tuesday and Saturdays.
Siliserh is and idyllic picnic spot with enchanting landscapes and chattris on this beautiful lake which is tucked within the hills of Aravalis It was for made in year 1845 by Raja Viney Singh ji , who dammed the tributary of River Rupareal, to facilitate water for Alwar city .The lake spreads over 10 sq kms area , which merges with National park . In one corner of the lake lies a small palace which was presumably the summer palace of the erstwhile kings . Teeming with fishes, you can also indulge in a bit of angling at Siliserh lake, while doing your boat rides.
A day excursion to this little known town is an excellent getaway from Sariska. According to the Hindu epic Mahabharata, Viratnagar (once Bairat) has been in existence since the 3rd century BC. It was the capital of an ancient kingdom, which became a part of the Mauryan kingdom later. There is an ancient rock edict of Emperor Ashoka, which was found here . There are many natural wonders in Viratnagar and more excavations are ongoing. Among them are natural caves believed to be from the time of Mahabharata, called “Bhim ki Dungri”. You can also spot some ruins of a Buddhist stupa on a hillock called “Bijak ki Pahadi’ that dates back to 3rd century BC. Viratnagar is a treasure trove for history buffs , as there are other 16-17th century monuments of Mughals; one among them is also said to be a hunting lodge used by Emperor Akbar. The insides of the same are painted with colourful murals and the ceiling has lovely patterns. In the ruins, there are a few temples scattered in the landscape, and one or two rapidly disintegrating baoris (stepwells) as well. There are many old and new Jain temples and famous among them is Parshwanath Digambar Jain Nasiyan Temple.
The land of warriors cannot be spared by places of worship. The temple of Naldeshwar near Sariska is a masterpiece and is located at some distance off the highway joining Sariska to Alwar. The temple itself has to be approached on foot after reaching the alighting point on the highway. The Naldeshwar shrine is dedicated to and houses an old Mahadev (Lord Shankar/ Shiva) temple. The shrine is surrounded by thick greenery and the walk to the shrine and the time spent in this pristine environment is worth every second spent. The thick forest cover, the 18th century temple and the peaceful natural habitat brings out the spiritual best in every visitor.
Zone 1 Visiting Kala Kuan (water body), Khanka (water body), Karna Ka Baas (water body which is home to crocodiles), Tarunda (water body) and Bramnath (water body), one may cut short some of the areas to include Pandupole Hanuman Temple in their visit. Pandupole was the ancient site where the strongest among the Pandavas, Bhima, vanquished the giant demon Hidimbb and in return for this victory earned the hand of his sister, Hidimba. There is a very famous Hanuman Temple here which attracts many visitors on Tuesday and Saturdays. Zone 2 Visiting Karna ka bass( water body), Tarunda (water body), Bharmnath (water body), Kalighati (check point wash room facility), from here through Governor road we reach Kaveri gate and the famous Kankwari fort which was built by Maharaja Jai Singh II in the 17th century and stands witness to battle between the two sons of The Mughal Emperor Shahejahan (Dara Shukoh and Aurangzeb). Dara Shukoh had used the Fort of Kankwari as his last hiding resort before fate caught up with him in the form of his brother Aurangzeb, who imprisoned his elder brother Dara Shikoh. This magnificent fort lies within the barriers of the Sanctuary around 25 Km from the entry point. The route to the fort is full of huge boulders and troughs throughout the way. The striking terrain of green landscapes and fertile meadows surrounding offer breath-taking views. Zone 3 Visiting Karna ka bass (water body), Jalebi chowk, Halboal (natural water body), Tiger Enclosure, Gairu ka Tiraha, Kundi (leopard sighting) Kalighati, Bhedawala (sambhar point), Kali Chaurti, one may cut short some of the areas to include Pandupole Hanuman Temple in their visit. Pandupole was the ancient site where the strongest among the Pandavas, Bhima, vanquished the giant demon Hidimbb and in return for this victory earned the hand of his sister, Hidimba. There is a very famous Hanuman Temple here which attracts many visitors on Tuesday and Saturdays.
The temple was established in 1956 following the recovery of an idol of chandraprabha on 16 August 1956. The white stone idol was retrieved from underground, reinforcing the belief that this place was once a Dehra, a place where Jain idols are worshipped. After the setting up of the jain temple the place has gained importance as a pilgrimage centre.The main Deity of the temple is Chandraprabhu , the eighth Tirthankar in Jainism.
Bhartrihari Temple is a renowned temple of this region . Believed to have been named after Bhartrihari Baba- the then ruler of Ujjain, the shrine attracts devotees throughout the year . There is a annual fair which takes place in Monsoon and Legend suggests that Bhatrihari Baba was blessed with magical prowess and hence any wish wished at the temple during this festivities come true. The temple has several myths and legends associated with it. The most prominent one says that Raja Bhatrihari renounced the worldly pleasures and left his kingdom to become a saint. Several years later, he returned and asked his wife for bheek/ bhiksha (something to eat). Along with a fruit, she also gave him blessings to turn immortal. That is where the Baba is believed to have gotten his saintly prowess.
Neelkanth Mahadeva temples are located in the vicinity of Tehla (along SH 25 A) the compound is a National Protected Monument by ASI and the excavation of the area has revealed many secrets …it is most famous for accommodating ruins of more than 300 temples dedicated to the Hinduism and Jainism. These temples believed to be constructed between the 7th and the 12th centuries and resembles the carvings of Khajuraho Temples . The idols, the temple yards and architecture have been so delicately crafted that the feat without use of any scientific instruments is unthinkable even today. One can take a full day excursion to this magnificent site and combine it with Parashar fall and Mansarovar lake near Tehla.
