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Sariska Tiger Reserve

Location: Near Alwar (37km), Rajasthan

Area: 866 square kilometers

Nearest Airport: Jaipur (110 km)

Nearest Town: Alwar (37 km), Jaipur (110 km)

Nearest Railway Station: Alwar (35km)

Safari: Jeep Safari

Entry Fee: Rs. 20 for Indian Nationals and Rs.100 for foreigners

Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year except July and August

Number of Tigers: 35

The Sariska National Park has the distinction of having quite a few tigers and other interesting flora and fauna. The Sariska National Park is known especially for its tigers. The latest census of the wildlife of the park indicates that there are about 35 tigers at Sariska. The most frequented place of the wild inhabitants of the park is the many water holes of the park. A 'hide' can be booked to watch and photograph these animals in their natural environment. These hides overlook the various water holes of Sariska.

The Sariska National Park is near Alwar in the state of Rajasthan. The Aravali Hills can be seen in the backdrop. Sariska Tiger Reserve is nearest tiger reserve to Delhi, Sariska Tiger Reserve has a beautiful location and Aravali hills and Kankarwadi Fort makes it more beautiful. Access road to Sariska is in very good condition now and one can reach easily from Delhi via Dharuhera, Alwar and Sariska.

The park is spread over an area of 866 square kilometers. Before independence the reserve was a part of the erstwhile Alwar state that served as a hunting ground for the royalty. In the year 1955, it was unlawful to capture, hunt, trap, snare and shoot any kind of animals. In the year 1958, the reserve was upgraded into a sanctuary. The park came under the Project Tiger in 1979 and became a national park in 1982.

Some of the wildlife of the Sariska Tiger Reserve includes Chital, Civet, Four-Horned Antelope, Fox, Jungle Cat, Jackal, Gaur (Indian Bison), Hare, Hyena, Nilgai, Panther, Porcupine, Sambhar and Wild Boar.

Birds found here are the Crested Serpent Eagles, Gray Partridges, Golden-Backed Woodpeckers, Horned Owls, Peafowl, Quails, Sand Grouse, Tree Pies, White-Breasted Kingfishers and Vultures. For the last ten years, Caracals have also been spotted here.

The hills and narrow valleys of the Aravali hill range forms the topography of Sariska. The vegetation of Sariska includes Dry Deciduous Forests, Scrub-Thorn Arid Forests, Grasses and Rocks. The wide variety in the wildlife of Sariska is a fine example of ecological adoption and tolerance.

The Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary experiences extreme weather conditions. Summers months are from April to June when the temperature rises to a high of around 38. 4°C. Winters are from October to March when the temperature drops to around 15°C. The monsoon season does not receive very heavy rainfall.

• Tourists should not cause any harm to floral and faunal life
• The flora should not be plucked
• Do not kindle any kind of fire or throw lit matches and cigarette buds
• Do not throw or leave trash, litter and polyethylene bags in the forest
• Chemicals and firearms should not be taken inside the park as it may cause harm to the wildlife and the vegetation.
• Never play tape recorders and radio as their frequency and voice may disturb the animals
• Carry light cotton clothes during summers and woolen clothing during winters.
• Tourists are also advised to carry their own sleeping bag if they wish to stay out for the night in one of the hides of the park.

Tourists can visit the reserve all around the year except during July and August when the animals move to a higher ground. The best time is from November to June. The months of April, May and June are extremely hot but offers a very good sight. Some migratory birds can also be spotted at the time of winters.

Jeep is one the best ways to view this park. These jeeps are available at a cost of Rs. 500-600 and can be hired from the Forest Reception Office.

• The timings during winters (October-February) are from 7:00 am to 4:00 pm.
• The timings in the rest of the year are 6:30 am to 5:00 pm.
• Tourists can hire a forest department guide by paying Rs.50 for an hour.
• The morning and evening rounds offers the best view of the wildlife and tourists can spot a tiger even at noon.
• The entry fee is Rs.20 for Indian Nationals and Rs.100 for foreigners.
• The entry is free for Indian Nationals Tuesdays and Saturdays in between 8:00 am to 3:00 pm.
• No private vehicle is allowed inside the park.
• There are separate charges for vehicle entry and for using cameras or for shooting professional videos.
• Telephone facilities are available for tourists at every place that offers accommodation.
• There are good medical and internet facilities available in Alwar which is the nearest town to Sariska Park.
• Tourists are required to carry their ID proofs such as voter id, driving license and passport for seeking entry into the park.
• Interesting Facts
• Sariska Tiger Reserve is the only park that allows the entry of visitors even during the time of monsoon i.e. 1st July to 30th September.
• The timings during monsoon are from 8:00am to 3:00pm for Tuesday and Saturday. Tuesday and Saturday are the only two days when the tourists can enter the park.

The Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary is rich in history as well. The ruins of medieval Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva are found within the park. The ruins of the 10th century AD temple Garh-Rajor are scattered all over the forest. You can have a panoramic view of the birds of Sariska in flight from the 17th century AD castle set on a sharp hilltop at Kanakwari. A palace built by the erstwhile Maharajas of Alwar has now been converted into a hotel. Jaipur is 107 km away from Sariska National Park. The city should be visited for its magnificent forts, palaces and museums.

The Sariska National Park is well connected with the major cities of Rajasthan and neighboring towns and cities.

By Air: The nearest airport to Sariska Tiger Reserve is at Jaipur which is only 110 kms away from Sariska.

By Rail: The nearest rail junction is Alwar which is at a distance of 35 km away from Sariska.

By Road: The road network is very good with frequent bus services between Delhi and Jaipur via Sariska and Alwar. Tourists can drive conveniently to Sariska Tiger Reserve on their own vehicle or a hired car from the neighboring cities.