Sariska National Park Safari Guide, nestled in the Aravalli Hills of Rajasthan’s Alwar district, is a significant tiger reserve and wildlife sanctuary. Spread over approximately 881 square kilometers (with a total tiger reserve area of over 1200 sq km), it was once a hunting preserve for the Maharaja of Alwar before being declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1958 and becoming part of Project Tiger in 1978.
Sariska is renowned as the world’s first reserve to successfully relocate tigers, bringing the “Royal Bengal Tiger” back after local extinction in 2004. Beyond tigers, the park is home to leopards, jungle cats, striped hyenas, jackals, sambar deer, chital, nilgai, wild boars, and a rich diversity of birdlife (over 200 species).
The landscape features a mix of scrub-thorn arid forests, dry deciduous forests, grasslands, and rocky hills. Visitors can explore the park through morning and evening jeep or canter safaris, which are highly recommended to book in advance. The best time to visit is typically from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and wildlife sightings are more frequent. Sariska also houses historical sites like the Kankawari Fort and ancient temples, adding cultural depth to the wilderness experience.
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
History of Sariska
Sariska National Park was declared a wildlife sanctuary in the year 1955. In the year 1978, this sanctuary has become part of Project Tiger to declare as a tiger reserve. In the year 1990, Sariska was given the status of a national park in India.
This region and its nearby jungle are having mythological history also. As per Mahabharata, the dense forest of Sariska was the place where Pandavas spend some time during their exile. There is a famous Pandupol Hanuman Temple in the vicinity of the national park and it is believed that the temple is located at the exact location where Bhima met Lord Hanuman.
Sariska National Park Safari Guide
Types of Safaris at Sariska National Park
Sariska National Park offers a few types of safaris, primarily focusing on wildlife viewing within the tiger reserve. Here are the main types:
1. Jeep Safari
The easiest way to explore Sariska National Park is on a jeep safari which can take a 3 hr expedition with experienced safari guides. It can take at least 6 people at a time and is ideal for exploring the vast expanse of the park. Enjoy amazing views of the majestic wildlife that inhabits Sariska’s dense green forests.
2. Canter Safari
Another way to discover the forests of Sariska is Canter Safari, which is often done in open vans called canters. The best way to access the different zones of the park is canter safari which is most suitable for large groups. This type of safari vehicle can accommodate 20 people at a time and can cover all the 4 zones of the Sariska National Park Safari Guide.
As I told you above the area Sariska covers that’s 800 square kilometers, and it has 2 gates with 4 different safari zones of Sariska. There’s this most popular gate among all of them, Sariska gate has 3 zones to be specific, Zone 1, Zone 2, and Zone 3. There is another gate, Telha Gate which comes after that accessible to Zone 4. If seen, Telha Gate is 80 kilometers away from Sariska Gate.
Zone 1 – The region offers tourists the to visit the extreme territories of Sariska. Tourists have the option of choosing a jeep or a canter safari to move around the region and explore the national park.
Zone 2 – Although this zone is less popular among the core zones, the chances of an animal sighting are highest in this zone.
Zone 3 – It is also a popular region for observing wild animals, similar to Zone 1. Most visitors and naturalists recommend visiting this area to see as many wild creatures as possible.
Zone 4 – This is the least popular area as compared to the other three areas of the Sariska National Park. It is far away from the other three areas and is accessible only through the Tehla Gate. As per statistics, there is very less sighting of wild animals in this area and hence it is the least explored area of Sariska National Park.
Sariska National Park, while primarily a wildlife destination, is surrounded by a rich tapestry of historical sites and natural beauty. Given your current location in Viratnagar, these places are quite accessible:
Bhangarh Fort: Often called India’s most haunted fort, Bhangarh is a captivating ruin with intriguing legends. Located about 60 km from Sariska, it offers an eerie yet fascinating historical experience. Entry is restricted after sunset.
Siliserh Lake & Palace: A picturesque artificial lake about 13 km from Alwar, featuring a beautiful lake palace built by Maharaja Vinay Singh. It’s ideal for boating, enjoying serene views, and photography.
Kankawari Fort: Situated within the Sariska Tiger Reserve itself, this fort holds historical significance as the place where Emperor Aurangzeb imprisoned his brother Dara Shikoh. It offers panoramic views of the reserve.
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple: Also located inside the Sariska National Park, this ancient temple complex is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Though largely in ruins, its intricate carvings and spiritual ambiance make it a noteworthy visit.
Pandupol Hanuman Temple: Another sacred site within the park, associated with the Mahabharata. It’s believed to be where Bhima broke a rock to create a path. Private vehicles are allowed on specific days for devotees.
Alwar City: Approximately 35-40 km from Sariska, Alwar is a historic city offering attractions like the majestic Bala Quila Fort, City Palace (Vinay Vilas Mahal), and the Moosi Maharani ki Chhatri, a beautiful cenotaph.
Sariska Palace: Once a royal hunting lodge, this opulent palace near the reserve is now a heritage hotel. Its architecture and historical charm are worth appreciating.
Best time to visit Sariska
The best time to visit Sariska National Park is from October and remains till June. Besides this, the national park is closed from July to September for visitors. Though, if you want to go for the wildlife photography tour, the park is accessible all throughout the year. One can do the same by booking a “hide” in one of the water holes, which gives an awesome chance to witness the rich wildlife of Sariska National Park Safari Guide.
How to Reach Sariska National Park
Sariska National Park is well-connected by various modes of transport, making it relatively easy to reach. Here’s a breakdown:
Air: The nearest airport to Sariska National Park is the Jaipur Airport. The distance from the airport to the Park is 122 km which can be covered by road or rail. Direct bus and taxi services are available from the airport to Alwar which is where the Park is located.
Rail: The nearest railhead is the Alwar railway station and it is located at a distance of 37 km from the Park. This railway station is directly connected to several major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur and several others.
Road: Sariska National Park is well connected by road and there are several bus and taxi services plying this route. Both private and Government buses and taxis are available from all major cities in Rajasthan.
