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Sariska National Park - A Traveller's Guide
Rajasthan
Sariska National Park is a lesser-known treasure in India’s wildlife heritage. Located in Rajasthan’s Alwar district, the park supports a growing population of tigers, along with a diverse range of other wildlife such as hyenas, jackals, jungle cats, sambar deer, chital, wild boars, and numerous bird species. This detailed guide to Sariska National Park will help you plan your next memorable tiger safari holiday in India!
Table of Contents
About Sariska National Park
Sariska National Park remains one of India’s lesser-explored wilderness areas. Situated in the western state of Rajasthan, Sariska Tiger Reserve has a complex history. Once the royal hunting ground of the Alwar princely state, years of hunting and habitat degradation led to a sharp decline in its tiger population. The area was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1955 and gained protection as a tiger reserve under Project Tiger in 1978. However, issues like human-wildlife conflict and poaching for the illegal wildlife trade continued to hinder conservation efforts.
The crisis peaked in 2004 when it was confirmed that no tigers remained in Sariska. No sightings, pugmarks, scratch marks, or scat could be found. Still, the Rajasthan Forest Department initially explained the absence as seasonal migration and claimed the tigers would return after the monsoons—an assumption also backed by Project Tiger officials.
A turning point came in 2008 with the relocation of two tigers from Ranthambore National Park, followed by the introduction of a tigress in 2009. This marked the beginning of Sariska’s revival.
By 2012, cub sightings confirmed successful breeding. Ongoing monitoring and targeted conservation measures helped Sariska’s tiger numbers increase, reaching 23 by 2021—a powerful reminder of nature’s resilience and the commitment of conservation teams.
Quick facts about 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 : 23 as of December 2021
Train
Flight
Road
Sariska National Park is accessible by road from most of the major cities in India by busses or private cabs:
Jaipur – Sariska : 110 kms
Delhi – Sariska : 180 kms
Agra – Sariska : 250 kms
Jodhpur – Sariska : 444 kms
Udaipur – Sariska : 504 kms
Wildlife at Sariska National Park
Some of the major wildlife attractions at Sariska National Park are listed below:
- Royal Bengal Tiger
- Indian Leopard
- Caracal
- Desert Cat
- Jungle Cat
- Jackal
- Striped Hyena
- Desert Fox
- Palm Civet
- Sambhar deer
- Four-horned Antelope
- Short-toed snake eagle
- Grey partridge
- Bush Quail
- Sand Grouse
- Golden-backed Woodpecker
- Crested Serpent Eagle
- Paradise flycatcher
- Indian eagle-owl
- Dusky eagle owl
- Indian scops owl
- Indian pitta
Types of Safaris at Sariska National Park
Sariska National Park offers two types of safaris—jeep safaris and canter safaris—with timings that vary seasonally. Entry is strictly limited to vehicles with pre-booked permits, ensuring regulated access and minimal disturbance to wildlife.
Safari Timings in Sariska National Park
Winter Safari Schedule:
Morning Safari: 06:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Evening Safari: 02:00 PM – 06:30 PM
Summer Safari Schedule:
Morning Safari: 06:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Evening Safari: 02:30 PM – 06:30 PM
As of 2021, the park operates with a fleet of 20 jeeps and 15 canters, providing ample opportunity for visitors to explore the reserve and experience its rich wildlife diversity.
Jeep Safari
Jeep Safaris are the best way to explore Sariska National Park. A jeep seats 6 guests along with a guide and driver. There are two types of jeep safaris being conducted in Sariska National Park:
Shared Jeep Safaris : In sharing safaris, 6 random guests along with a guide and driver take the excursion. You do not have the vehicle to yourself and it could get a little distracting and crowded for some. We do not recommend shared jeep safaris to our guests.
Exclusive Jeep Safaris : These safaris are undertaken exclusively by you. You will be accompanied by the forest guide and driver. We recommend these to our guests since they are not only safer in COVID times, following all social distancing protocols, but it gives you the freedom to view wildlife at leisure. Unlike a shared safari, where your wildlife interests may differ and so the experience could be compromised, exclusive jeep safaris allow you ample time to witness wildlife that you want to check off your list.
Read a real life jeep safari experience in Sariska National Park HERE.
Canter Safari
If you are visiting the park as a group of 20 or more people, a canter safari would be your best pick when it comes to exploring the depths of the jungle and getting as close as possible to the wildlife. This is also the most affordable among safari options.
Zones in Sariska National Park
Sariska National Park is divided into zones to help manage safari experiences for visitors. The park can be entered through two main gates – the Sariska Gate and the Tehla Gate.
The Sariska Gate is more popular, giving access to Zone 1, Zone 2, and Zone 3, where tiger sightings are most common.
The Tehla Gate is more remote and less frequently used because it’s farther from major accommodations and towns, making it a quieter but less visited entry point.
Best Time to Visit Sariska National Park
Sariska National Park can be visited and explored throughout the year, but the most suitable time to visit is between the months of October to June.
Luxury Hotels & Resorts in Sariska National Park
If you like urban comforts, there are luxury hotels that satisfy those necessities. On the flip side, if you want a jungle vibe even when not on a nature trail, certain resorts around Sariska offer lodging right in the lap of nature.
We’ve curated all of the finest lodgings the National Park zones have to offer and created a list of the best luxury hotels and resorts in Sariska National Park
Hotels and Resorts at Gate 1 : Sariska Gate
Trees and Tigers Resort
Trees & Tigers Resort is situated in village Kushalpura amidst the lush green and pollution free atmosphere surrounded by the picturesque Aravalli Mountains. The famous Sariska wildlife sanctuary is just 15 kms from the resort and provides interesting spots for the wild life lovers.
Sariska Safari Lodge
Nestled in Aravalli’s, Sariska Safari lodge is an eco-friendly resort that offers absolute comfort amidst nature. The simply designed cottages are decorated with locally sourced material and have an old school charm to it.
Sariska Palace
Sariska Palace is placed on the borders of the Sariska National Park. It turned into one of the most popular hotels of Rajasthan. This property is spread over 120 acres of land. The spacious rooms and suits of Sariska Palace are luxurious and have lavish interiors.
Hotels and Resorts at Gate 2 : Tehla Gate
Utsav Camp
Just 2.5 hours from Jaipur and 4 hours from Delhi, Utsav Camp is a peaceful sanctuary set in the Tehla region, surrounded by boulders, deciduous forests and the Aravali hills. Explore an immersive experience that harnesses the healing power of nature to replenish your spirit, rejuvenate your body, and reset your rhythm.
Sariska Manor
Located only 1200 metres from one of India’s oldest tiger reserves, Sariska Manor is a boutique luxury wildlife resort with twenty-six rooms across seven quaint cottages inspired by the glorious colonial-era British hunting lodges, fully equipped with modern luxuries and amenities.
Vanashraya
An extravagant wilderness cradled in luxury with royal hospitality, experience the unusual camping experience at Vanaashrya. Set amid a sprawling 12 acres of lush landscaping and surrounded by a lake, Vanaashrya offers you a true jungle ambience created by perfect natural surroundings.
Places to Visit Near Sariska National Park
1. The Kankwari Fort
This fort, which is known for its spectacular Rajasthani architecture, is one of the most important destinations to visit in Sariska because of its historical significance and surrounding scenery. Jai Singh I erected the fort, but Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb later used it. He used it as a prison for his brother Dara Shikoh, who was imprisoned here for the rest of his life. However, the lush beauty and sweeping green meadows are not the only attractions that draw a large number of travellers to this location. It also offers a panoramic view of the fort's woodland below, which is another fascinating feature.
Timings : 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM, daily.
2. Bhangarh Fort
Bhangarh Fort, also known as the most haunted spot in India, is a marvel of Moghul construction. This fort, built by Madho Singh in 1631, is a cultural treasure in Rajasthan, yet it is said to be cursed by a black sorcerer.
It is one of the most interesting spots to visit in Sariska, as well as the greatest for adventurers. The fort's ruins can be visited only after sunrise and before sunset, as admission is forbidden at night. Many supernatural events are still recorded from this location, earning it a well-deserved reputation as a must-see for thrill-seekers.
Timings : 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM, daily.
3. Siliserh Lake
The picturesque Siliserh Lake, which was established in 1845, is one of the most beautiful spots to visit in Sariska to spend time with your loved ones while taking in the breathtaking scenery. The lake is a man-made marvel that stretches for over seven kilometres.
It is a major water supply source for Alwar's bordering communities, as well as an engineering marvel. Furthermore, families come to the lake to unwind and refresh while enjoying boating or other water activities. Green meadows and the beautiful Aravalli range in the background enchant visitors.
Timings : 5:30 AM - 6:00 PM, daily.
4. Viratnagar
The ruins of an ancient Indian Buddhist monastery complex can be seen near Viratnagar, Rajasthan, some 66 kilometres north of Jaipur. The fact that these ruins are the earliest known remnants of a freestanding Buddhist chaityagriha or prayer hall in India makes them notable. These remains, which are located high above a rocky hill known as Bijak-ki-Pahadi, are particularly impressive.
The town is claimed to have been established by King Kirata, in whose dominion the five Pandavas spent their exile in disguise for 12 years. There are a number of spots nearby named after the Pandavas, including 'Bhim ki Dungari' or 'Bhima's Hill,' as well as a site known as 'Ban Ganga,' which was created by Arjuna with his arrow.
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