The Ministry of Tourism has been actively promoting lesser-known tourism destinations of India through its Dekho Apna Desh webinar series. The 13th session, titled ‘Destination- Sariska Tiger Reserve’, was recently held to shed light on this fascinating location.
Location and Characteristics of the Sariska Tiger Reserve
Sariska Tiger Reserve is beautifully situated in the Aravali hills as part of the Alwar District in Rajasthan. Notably famous for being a habitat for the Royal Bengal Tiger, the reserve is also rich in both flora and fauna. Besides tigers, the park is home to leopards, Nilgai, Sambar, and Chital, among others.
Rare Bird Species Find Home in Sariska
The reserve extends its shelter to a large population of exotic birds like the Indian peafowl, crested serpent eagles, sand grouse, golden backed woodpeckers, great Indian horned owls, tree pies, vultures, etc., making it a paradise for bird watchers.
Sariska: A Wildlife Sanctuary with a Rich History
Declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1955, Sariska got the status of a tiger reserve in 1978 under India’s Project Tiger. Traces of the past are evident in Sariska’s ruined temples, forts, pavilions, and palace. The intriguing tale of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb imprisoning his brother Dara Shikoh in the Kankarwadi fort located here adds to the reserve’s historical significance. This area also houses a well-known temple of Lord Hanuman at Pandupole, attributed to the legendary Pandavas.
Project Tiger: An Initiative for Tiger Conservation
Project Tiger is a crucial initiative undertaken by the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change. The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), operational since 2005, oversees and coordinates the conservation efforts in designated tiger reserves. As a part of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, NTCA has been instrumental in increasing the tiger population considerably. India is home to 2,967 tigers in the wild, with Sariska housing around 20 of them.
Introduction to Dekho Apna Desh Initiative
Dekho Apna Desh is an integral part of the Paryatan Parv and encourages Indians to explore their own country. With other components being Tourism for All and Tourism & Governance, this initiative aims to bring to light the lesser-known destinations of India and boost domestic tourism. The webinar series on various incredible destinations, including Sariska, is a testament of this ongoing endeavour.
