An Insiders Travel Guide
Sariska National Park
Sariska National Park is one undiscovered hidden jewel of biodiversity. Situated in the Alwar district of Rajasthan, this park takes pride in its growing tiger population, along with a variety of other wildlife species, including hyenas, jackals, jungle cats, sambars, chitals, wild boars, and birds. To assist in organising your next tiger safari vacation in India, we walk you through a comprehensive overview of Sariska National Park!
Details about the tiger reserve
About Sariska National Park
One of India’s less visited forests is Sariska National Park. Sariska Tiger Reserve, which is located in the western state of Rajasthan, has a troubled past. It was formerly a hunting area for the royal family of Alwar, which tragically resulted in a steadily declining big cat population.
As a result, it was designated as a wildlife reserve in 1955 and a tiger reserve under Project Tiger in 1978. Despite persistent attempts, the government was unable to put an end to the fundamental problems of poaching for illicit commerce and conflict between humans and animals.
This further reduced the number of tigers in Sariska National Park, and by 2004, there were no more signs of the big cat in the forest. No tigers were claimed to have been observed in the reserve, and no telltale signs of their presence, such as pug markings, scratches on trees, scats, etc., had been discovered.
According to the Rajasthan Forest Department, “the tigers would return after the monsoon season, having temporarily migrated outside the reserve.” Team Project Tiger provided more support for these hypotheses.
Only much later, in 2008, were two tigers moved from Ranthambore National Park to Sariska to aid in the increase of the tiger population there. Furthermore, in the year 2009, a second tigress was moved.
A rise in the number of tigers was a sign of hope for Sariska National Park. Thanks to the effective relocation efforts and persistent watchfulness of the forest department, cubs were seen shortly after in 2012. In Sariska National Park, there are now 23 tigers as of 2021.
A Brief Overview
Sariska National Park
- Location: Alwar District, Rajasthan
- Total Area: 881 sq. km.
- Forest Type: tropical, dry, deciduous, and tropical thorn
- Altitude: between 300 and 722 m
- Average Rainfall: 700 mm
- Operational Months: October – June
- Current Tiger Count: 31 as of July 2023
Reaching Sariska
Arriving at Sariska National Park
By Railway
Alwar, which is only 37 kilometres away from the park, is the nearest railhead.
By Airways
The Jaipur International Airport, located 122 kilometres from the park, is the nearest airport.
Excellent connections exist between Jaipur and the nation’s largest cities, such as New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, and so on.
By Roadways
Buses and private taxis may take you to Sariska National Park from most of India’s major cities.
Jaipur – Sariska: 110 kms
Delhi – Sariska: 180 kms
Agra – Sariska: 250 kms
Jodhpur – Sariska: 444 kms
Udaipur – Sariska: 504 kms
Diverese Wildlife of Sariska
Wildlife in Sariska National Park
The following is a list of some of Sariska National Park’s most popular animal attractions:
- Royal Bengal Tiger
- Short-toed snake eagle
- Indian Leopard
- Grey partridge
- Caracal
- Bush Quail
- Desert Cat
- Sand Grouse
- Jungle Cat
- Golden-backed Woodpecker
- Jackal
- Crested Serpent Eagle
- Striped Hyena
- Paradise flycatcher
- Desert Fox
- Indian eagle-owl
- Palm Civet
- Dusky eagle owl
- Sambhar deer
- Indian scops owl
- Four-horned Antelope
- Indian pitta
Safari in Sariska national Park
Kinds of Safaris Available
The two main kinds of safaris offered by Sariska National Park have different schedules based on the season you visit. Only cars with valid permits are allowed entry into the park.
Jeep Safari
The greatest way to explore Sariska National Park is in a Jeep Safari. Six passengers, a guide, and a driver fit in a jeep. In Sariska National Park, there are two kinds of vehicle safaris offered:
Shared Jeep Safaris: Six participants are picked at random and go on the safari with a driver and guide. The car is not all yours, and some people may find it a bit cramped and distracting. Shared jeep safaris are not something we advise our visitors to do.
Exclusive Jeep Safaris: You are the only one who goes on these safaris. The driver and forest guide will accompany you. We suggest them to our visitors as they allow you to freely observe animals at your leisure. With an individual jeep safari, you have more time to see the species you want to cross off your bucket list than on a shared safari, where your interests in animals may not align and the whole experience may suffer.
Discover an authentic jeep safari encounter at Sarıska National Park.
Canter Safari
A canter safari is the perfect option if you are visiting the park with a party of 20 or more people or if you want to explore the interior of the forest and get up close and personal with the animals. Among the safari alternatives, this is also the most economical safari option.
Safari Timings in Sariska
Winter Safari Timings
Morning Safari 06:30-10:30 hours
Evening Safari 14:00-18:30 hours
Summer Safari Timings
Morning Safari 06:00-10:30 hours
Evening Safari 14:30-18:30 hours
In Sariska National Park, visitors may enjoy safari rides in 20 jeeps and 15 canters.
Safari Gates
Safari Zones at Sariska
Usually, national parks are separated into many zones to facilitate quicker and more comfortable safari trips for visitors. Sariska Gate or Tehla Gate are the two gates leading into the national park.
The one that is more well-liked by travellers is the Sariska Gate. There are three zones inside: Zone 1, Zone 2, and Zone 3. This is where tigers are most frequently spotted. On the other side, because of its distance and proximity problems, the Tehla Gate is not as popular.
Best Time to Visit
Ideal Time to Visit Sariska
While there is no better time of year to come and explore Sariska National Park, October through June is the best period.
Where to Stay in Sariska
Luxurious Lodging in National Park
There are luxury hotels that meet your needs if you enjoy city comforts. On the other hand, several resorts near Sariska provide lodging in the middle of the forest if you want to feel like you’re in the middle of nature but still feel like you’re in a jungle.
We’ve compiled a list of the top luxury hotels and resorts in Sariska National Park, featuring the greatest accommodations each of the National Park zones has to offer.
Where to Stay in Sariska
Resorts and Hotels at Gate 1, Sariska
Trees and Tigers Resort
The charming Aravalli Mountains encircle the Trees and Tigers Resort, which is located in the village of Kushalpura with an abundance of greenery and a pollution-free environment. Only 15 kilometres from the resort is the well-known Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary, which offers plenty of attractions for those who enjoy the outdoors.
Sariska Safari Lodge
The eco-friendly Sariska Safari Lodge is tucked away in the Aravalli Mountains and provides the utmost luxury in the middle of nature. The modestly styled cottages have an old-fashioned charm and are furnished with materials that may be found around.
Sariska Palace
Situated within the boundaries of Sariska National Park lies Sariska Palace. It became one of Rajasthan’s most well-known hotels. There are 120 acres total on this site. The opulent decor and expansive rooms and suites of Sariska Palace reflect luxury.
Where to Stay in Sariska
Resorts and Hotels at Gate 2, Tehla Gate
Utsav Camp
Situated in the Tehla area, Utsav Camp is a serene haven surrounded by rocks, deciduous forests, and the Aravali hills. It is about 2.5 hours from Jaipur and 4 hours from Delhi. Discover an immersive experience that uses nature’s therapeutic powers to revitalise your body, restore your soul, and reset your rhythm.
Sariska Manor
Sariska Manor is a boutique luxury wildlife resort that is barely 1200 metres from one of India’s oldest tiger reserves. It has 26 rooms spread among seven charming cottages that are inspired by the magnificent British hunting lodges of the colonial era and are outfitted with all the modern conveniences and pleasures.
Vanashraya
Experience the unique camping experience at Vanaashrya, an opulent wilderness cradled in luxury with royal hospitality. Situated within an expansive 12 acres of verdant landscaping and encircled by a lake, Vanaashrya provides an authentic jungle atmosphere crafted by impeccable natural surroundings.
Places to See in Sariska
Attractions close to Sariska National Park
The historical significance and picturesque surroundings of this fort, renowned for its magnificent Rajasthani architecture, make it one of the most essential places to visit in Sariska. The fort was built by Jai Singh I, but Aurangzeb, the Mughal Emperor, eventually utilized it. He used it as a jail for his brother Dara Shikoh, who spent the remaining years of his life behind bars. However, there are other reasons why a lot of people visit this place besides its breathtaking beauty and expansive verdant meadows. It also provides a broad perspective of the forest beneath the fort, which is an additional intriguing element.
Timings: 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM, daily.
Known as the most haunted place in India, Bhangarh Fort is a wonder of Mughal architecture. Despite being a historic gem in Rajasthan, Madho Singh’s 1631 fort is rumoured to have been cursed by a black magician. It is one of Sariska’s most fascinating tourist destinations and the best for intrepid travellers. The only times to view the fort’s ruins are after sunrise and before dusk because entry is not permitted throughout the night. This site continues to be the site of numerous paranormal occurrences, which has earned it a well-earned reputation as a must-see for thrill-seekers.
Timings: 6:00 AM-6:00 PM, daily
One of the most lovely places to go in Sariska to spend time with your loved ones and take in the stunning environment is the charming Siliserh Lake, which was founded in 1845. The lake, which spans more than seven kilometres, is a man-made wonder. It is both an engineering wonder and a significant source of water for the people that surround Alwar. Families also visit the lake to relax and rehydrate while enjoying water sports like boating. Visitors are enthralled by the verdant fields and the stunning Aravalli mountain in the backdrop.
Timings: 5.30 AM-6:00 PM, daily
Approximately sixty-six kilometres north of Jaipur, in the vicinity of Viratnagar, Rajasthan, lie the remnants of an old Indian Buddhist monastic complex. These ruins are noteworthy because they are the oldest known remains of a freestanding Buddhist prayer hall, or chaitya griha, in India. The most remarkable element of these ruins is that they are perched high above Bijak-ki-Pahadi, a steep hill.
The village is said to have been founded by King Kirata, under whose rule the five Pandavas lived out their 12-year exile while living in disguise. Many locations in the vicinity have the names of the Pandavas, such as Bhim ki Dungari, also known as Bhima’s Hill, and Ban Ganga, a location that Arjuna formed with his arrow.
