SARISKA NATIONAL PARK 
Sariska
Tiger Reserve-sprawling across 800 square kilometers of the Aravalis-is
perhaps one of India's most exciting wildlife reserves. No other area is so
easily accessible to start with, lying just three hours away from Delhi by
road. Sariska is one of the few remaining forest pockets in the Aravali
range that has survived the onslaught of modern times. The park, for the
wildlife and nature enthusiasts, offers a unique opportunity to observe
keenly the behavioral patterns of the animals at waterholes. But, to be a
witness to these fascinating sights, one needs to be a bit patient and let
the inhabitants go about their life in the natural way. With luck, sighting
a tiger, chital, sambar, leopard, chinkara, or crocodile basking in the sun
on the shores of the Siliserh Lake are not rare. Situated in the state of
Rajasthan with a backdrop of the Aravali Hills, the park boasts of quite a
few tigers and other interesting flora and fauna. There are also historical
ruins and monuments within Sariska's confines that are symbolic of its rich
past. Sariska National Park is the part of Jaipur-Sariska-Alwar circuit of
Rajasthan. There is no time to sit idle once one reaches the park. There are
a lot of activities in which one can participate like motor driving in and
around the park in the mornings and evenings, observing the wildlife at the
waterholes, or shooting the wildlife with the lens from the many hideouts
provided in the park. If one has interest in history, then a visit to the
many ancient temples scattered throughout the park and the Kankwadi Fort can
be a good option. There are many tribes in and around the park and observing
their lifestyle can be an interesting option.
GREAT
HIMALAYAN NATIONAL PARKAn idyllic landscape, a breathtaking
panorama in the Himalayas with high ridges, glaciers, deep gorges, alpine
meadows and virgin forests. This is the Great Himalayan National Park, a
treasure trove for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
The
largest protected area in Himachal Pradesh, it was declared a National Park
in 1984 and the secluded Sainj and Tirthan valleys are home to over 300
species of birds and over 30 species of mammals. Common animals that abound
this area include the Leopard, Tiger, Snow Leopard, Wild Mountain Goat and
Brown Bear, among others.The area is naturally protected on the northern,
eastern and southern boundaries because of being perpetually snowbound. The
westerly entrance to the Park through the Tirthan Valley leading up to the
Pin Parvati Pass is considered to be one of the most sacred places in the
western Himalayas. The hot springs at Khirganga, the source of the Raktinala
and the source of the Parvati Rver at Mantalai are visited by pilgrims.
PIN VALLEY NATIONAL PARK Declared
a National Park in 1987, Pin Valley is located in the cold desert region of
the Spiti valley. With its snow laden unexplored higher reaches and slopes,
the Park forms a natural habitat for a number of endangered animals
including the Snow Leopard and Siberian Ibex. Spreading south of Dhankar in
the Spiti district near the Tibetan border, the Park marks the Lahaul and
Spiti divisions of the State. The elevation of the Park ranges from about
3,500 mts near Ka Dogri to more than 6,000 mts at its highest point.
Because
of its high altitude and extreme temperatures, the vegetation in thearea is
scant and mostly dominated by alpine trees, patches of Himalayan cedar and
smatterings of several medicinal plants. In summer, flowers decorate the
valley with startling hues. Along with animals, rare birds like the
Himalayan Snowcock, Chukor, Snow Partridge and the Tibet Snow Finch also
flourish in the area.
Steeped in history, the influence of Tibetan
culture is prevalent in the surrounding areas of the Park, visible in the
Buddhist lamas, shrines, monasteries and culture of its residents.
