Sariska Tiger Reserve

Safari Costs & Entry Details (Approximate – Verify with Official Sources):

• Entry Fee (Indian/Foreigner): ₹100 – ₹150 / ₹1000 – ₹1500 per person.
• Vehicle Entry/Safari Permit: Varies.
• Jeep Safari (6-seater, Exclusive): Approx. ₹6,000 – ₹8,000 per Jeep (includes vehicle, driver, guide, permit). Cost per person is lower if shared.
• Canter Safari (20-seater, Shared): Approx. ₹900 – ₹1,200 per person.
• Guide Fee: Included in Jeep safari; mandatory. (Costs are subject to change and vary based on booking method, peak/off-peak season. Online booking via Rajasthan Forest Dept website is recommended. Camera fees may apply.)

The Call of the Wild: An Ancient Landscape Teeming with Life Venture into the rugged, ancient folds of the Aravalli Hills and discover Sariska Tiger Reserve, a sprawling sanctuary in the Alwar district of Rajasthan that offers a compelling blend of wildlife adventure, natural beauty, and historical intrigue. Spread over approximately 1200 sq km (with a core area of about 881 sq km), Sariska is a critical tiger habitat, famed for its challenging yet rewarding tiger sightings. Beyond the regal Bengal tiger, this dry deciduous forest, with its undulating terrain, rocky cliffs, and grassy clearings, is home to a remarkable diversity of flora and fauna, making every safari an exploration into the wild heart of Rajasthan.

Essential Visitor & Safari Information:

• Location: Alwar District, Rajasthan. Approx. 110 km from Jaipur and 200 km from Delhi.
• How to Reach:
  • Air: Nearest airport is Jaipur International Airport (approx. 110-120 km).
  • Rail: Alwar Junction (approx. 35-40 km) is the nearest major railway station, well-connected to Delhi and Jaipur.
  • Road: Easily accessible by road from Delhi, Jaipur, and Alwar via private car or taxi. Regular buses ply to Alwar.
• Park Opening/Closing:
  • Open: Typically from 1st October to 30th June.
  • Closed: During the monsoon season (usually 1st July to 30th September).
• Safari Timings (Approximate, vary with sunrise/sunset):
  • Morning Safari: 6:00 AM / 6:30 AM – 9:30 AM / 10:00 AM
  • Evening Safari: 2:30 PM / 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM / 6:30 PM
• Safari Booking: Online booking through the Rajasthan Forest Department website (sso.rajasthan.gov.in) is highly recommended well in advance. Limited current booking may be available at the gates (Sariska Gate, Telia Gate) but is not assured.
• Main Safari Gates: Sariska Gate (most popular), Telia Gate.
• Contact (Forest Department/Booking related): Refer to the official Rajasthan Forest Department website for the latest contact details and booking portal.

A Realm of Wild Wonders: Sariska’s Rich Ecology & Biodiversity Sariska’s landscape is predominantly defined by dry deciduous forests, interspersed with rocky outcrops, steep valleys, and open grasslands – an ideal habitat for its diverse inhabitants.

• Flora: Dominated by Dhok trees, along with Salar, Tendu, Khair, Ber, and Bamboo thickets.
• Fauna:
  • Mammals: Besides the apex predator, the Bengal Tiger, Sariska is home to Leopard, Jungle Cat, Caracal, Striped Hyena, Golden Jackal, Chital (Spotted Deer), Sambar Deer, Nilgai (Blue Bull), Chinkara, Four-horned Antelope, Wild Boar, Hanuman Langur, and Rhesus Macaque.
  • Birds: A haven for birdwatchers with over 200 species, including the Indian Peafowl (National Bird), Grey Francolin, Crested Serpent Eagle, Indian Eagle-Owl, various woodpeckers, kingfishers, and migratory birds during winter.
  • Reptiles: Monitor Lizard, various snake species, and Marsh Crocodiles (in specific water bodies).

Signature Experiences & “Must-See” Aspects:

1. The Thrill of Tiger Tracking: Embark on a Jeep or Canter safari with an experienced guide, following pugmarks, listening for alarm calls, and scanning the undergrowth for a glimpse of Sariska’s elusive tigers. Patience is key, and the reward is unforgettable.
2. Exploring Kankwari Fort: Journey deep into the reserve to visit the historic Kankwari Fort, perched on a hilltop, offering panoramic views. This fort has historical significance, including being the place where Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb imprisoned his brother Dara Shikoh. (Access to fort often depends on safari route and permissions).
3. Pilgrimage to Pandupol Hanuman Temple: Located within the reserve, this ancient temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman is a popular pilgrimage site, believed to be a spot where the Pandavas spent time during their exile. The area features a natural spring and a cascading waterfall during monsoons.
4. Birdwatching Paradise: Keep your binoculars ready. The varied terrain and water bodies attract a plethora of birdlife, making it rewarding for ornithologists and casual bird lovers alike.

The Safari Adventure: Navigating Sariska’s Wilds

• Types of Safari:
  • Jeep (Gypsy): An open 6-seater vehicle, ideal for smaller groups, offering maneuverability and a more intimate wildlife experience.
  • Canter: An open 20-seater shared bus, a more economical option for larger groups or individuals.
• Safari Zones: The reserve is divided into multiple zones (e.g., Zone 1, 2, 3, etc., often routed from Sariska and Telia gates). Safari routes are allocated by the Forest Department at the time of booking or entry to ensure even distribution and minimize disturbance. Each zone offers a unique landscape and wildlife spotting opportunities.
• What to Expect: Safaris are guided by trained naturalists/guides who help spot wildlife and interpret animal behavior. Sightings are a matter of chance and depend on various factors including season, time of day, and luck. Enjoy the journey through the wilderness, irrespective of a tiger sighting.

Insider Tips for a Rewarding Safari:

1. Book Safaris in Advance: Especially during peak season (winter, holidays), safaris get booked out quickly. Online booking is the best way to secure your spot.
2. Dress Appropriately: Wear comfortable clothing in earthy/neutral colors (khaki, olive green, brown) to blend with the surroundings. Avoid bright colors. Carry a hat/cap and sunglasses for day safaris, and a jacket/shawl for chilly mornings/evenings, especially in winter.
3. Maintain Silence & Discipline: Speak softly, avoid loud noises, and do not get down from the vehicle unless permitted at designated spots. Respect the wildlife and their habitat.
4. Patience is Key: Wildlife sightings, especially of tigers, require patience. Listen to your guide and enjoy observing all forms of nature.
5. Carry Essentials: Binoculars, camera with a good zoom lens, water bottle (avoid plastic), and any personal medication.

Beyond the Tiger: Unveiling Sariska’s Other Treasures While the tiger is the prime attraction, Sariska offers much more:

• Neelkanth Mahadev Temple (nearby): An ancient temple complex with beautiful stone carvings, located just outside the core reserve area, showcasing rich architectural heritage.
• Garh-Rajor Temples (within buffer): Ruins of 10th-11th century temples, offering a glimpse into the region’s past.
• Siliserh Lake (approx. 13 km from Sariska Gate): A beautiful, large artificial lake with a palace (now an RTDC hotel), often visited for its scenic beauty and boating (can be combined with a Sariska trip).
• The Dramatic Aravalli Landscape: The rugged beauty of one of the world’s oldest mountain ranges itself is a sight to behold.

Conservation & Coexistence: Protecting Sariska’s Legacy Sariska has faced conservation challenges, including a period of tiger absence, followed by successful relocation efforts. Visiting responsibly contributes to the ongoing efforts to protect this vital ecosystem and supports the local communities involved in conservation. Understand that the park is a delicate balance of nature and human efforts to preserve it.

Gateway to the Aravallis: A Rich Natural & Cultural Region Sariska Tiger Reserve is an integral part of the Aravalli landscape, which is rich not only in biodiversity but also in history and culture. Exploring Sariska offers a deeper understanding of this unique region of Rajasthan.

Planning Your Wildlife Expedition:

• Best Season to Visit:
  • October to March: Pleasant weather, good for overall wildlife sightings and birdwatching.
  • April to June: Hotter, but often considered better for tiger sightings as animals frequent waterholes.
  • Park is closed July to September (Monsoon).
• Accommodation:
  • Inside Sariska: Limited options like the Sariska Palace (heritage hotel, check current status for park access) or basic Forest Rest Houses (booking through Forest Dept, often challenging for tourists).
  • Outside Sariska: Numerous private hotels, resorts, and guesthouses are available near the main safari gates (Sariska, Telia) and in nearby Alwar city, catering to various budgets.
• What to Carry: Identification (matching safari booking), light cotton clothing in neutral colors, warm layers for winter/early mornings, sun hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars, camera with extra batteries/memory cards, reusable water bottle.
• Permits & ID: Ensure you have all necessary permits (usually integrated with online safari booking) and carry valid photo identification that matches the details on your booking.