The Sariska National Park, also known as the Sariska Tiger Reserve, is located in the Alwar district of Rajasthan state in India between 27°42’33.31″ N and 27°3’44.89″ N and 76°28’35.92″ E. The tiger reserve is spread over an area of 1203.33 sq km of Aravalli hills, with an area of 881.11 sq km for the core and 322.22 sq km for the buffer.

The first mention of Alwar is in the Prahlad-Hiranyakashap story, and the Pandavas’ year-long exile in secrecy in Mahabharat (Virat Nagar). The region gained its prominence when it came under the control of the Bargujar Kings and who was the part of the huge Gujara Pratihara empire in northern India.

Sariska Tiger reserve used to be the hunting ground for the princely state of Alwar. But after the Independence, when the control of the forests was inherent with the government of India, The Sariska Forest was firstly notified as a Wildlife Reserve in 1955, then in 1958 it was recognized as the Wildlife Sanctuary, then later in 1979 it came under Project Tiger and from then it is recognized as Sariska Tiger Reserve.

The majority of the year, the Tiger Reserve is dry. The monsoon, however, brings about significant alterations due to the dense undergrowth. Summertime temperatures can reach 45°C, and the jungle as a whole turns ash brown, with a few exceptions of the valleys.

Quick Facts About Sariska National Park :

1955 – Sariska forest area was first recognized as a Wildlife Reserve

1958 – Sariska was Identified as a Wildlife Sanctuary and got the status of Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary.

1979 – Sariska came under Project Tiger and became India’s 11th tiger reserve

2004 – Tigers got extinct from Sariska Tiger Reserve

2008 – 1 Tigers & 1 Tigress was relocated from Ranthambore to Sariska (World’s First Tiger Relocation)

2012 – The Sariska Tiger Relocation Project was successful after tigress (ST2) gave birth to 2 cubs.

2013 – Alwar forest Range (Bala Quila, Siliserh Lake, Baraliwari ) was identified as the Buffer Zone of  Sariska Tiger Reserve. Currently home of 6 Tigers (ST19 with 2 cubs, ST18, ST31, ST 32)

Tiger Relocation Project in Sariska Tiger Reserve: A success Story of Tiger Relocation. 

The Sariska Tiger relocation project turned out to be the world’s first successful tiger relocation project with a healthy population of 30 Tigers in 2023.

Sariska Tiger Reserve lost all its Tiger to poaching in 2005. From 2006 – 2007 the reintroducing plan was devised by the core committee of National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and the Forest Department of Rajasthan. 

In 2008 the 3 Tiger (2 Female & 1 male) were airlifted from Ranthambore Tiger Reserve to Sariska, and 5 more Tigers were relocated to Sariska from Ranthambore between 2008 – 2011. With hard work of the forest department and ground staff in 2012, Tigress ST 2 gave birth to 2 cubs and made this project successful. In 2014 ST 2 again gave birth to 2 cubs, and in the same year ST10 also gave birth to 2 cubs.

The Sariska National Park has one of the top rated Tiger monitoring in India. Technologies like Thermal & Drone cameras are being used to track the Tiger Location. Other than that, the forest department has deployed 2 dedicated people on each tiger for Day time monitoring and Gypsies are allotted for the Night Monitoring in each tiger movement zone.

Flora in Sariska National Park

Sariska’s flora comprises dry deciduous forests dominated by dhok, arjun, and tendu trees. Thorn scrublands feature hardy ber and khair shrubs. Various grass species, including chrysopogon and aristida, flourish. This variety of vegetation provides essential habitat and nourishment for the park’s wildlife animals by making it an ecological treasure in Rajasthan, India.

Fauna in Sariska National Park

Sariska’s fauna is a diverse mix of wildlife, including recovering tiger and leopard populations, abundant sambar and chital deer, wild boars, and primates like langurs and macaques. Birdwatchers delight in over 200 avian species, while reptiles like monitor lizards and pythons add to the park’s biodiversity, making it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts.

How to Reach Sariska:

By Air: The nearest airport to Sariska is the Jaipur International Airport, which is approximately 133 kilometers away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Sariska.

By Train: The closest railway station to Sariska is Alwar Junction, which is around 35 kilometers away. Alwar is well-connected to major cities like Delhi, Jaipur, and Mumbai by regular train services. From Alwar, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to reach Sariska.

By Road: Sariska is well-connected by road to major cities and towns in Rajasthan and neighboring states. You can take a private car, or taxi, or use public transportation to reach Sariska.

If you are coming from Delhi, you can take the NH48 (Delhi-Jaipur Highway) and then the Alwar-Bhiwadi Bypass Road to reach Sariska.

If you are coming from Jaipur, you can take NH48 and then follow the Alwar-Jaipur Road.

Best Time to Visit Sariska

Winter (October to March):

Best time for wildlife enthusiasts: The winter months are the most popular time to visit Sariska as the weather is pleasant, and wildlife is more active during this period.

Temperature: Daytime temperatures range from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F), making it comfortable for safaris and outdoor activities.

Wildlife sightings: This is the prime time for tiger and leopard sightings, as animals come out to sun themselves in the cooler weather.

Birdwatching: Winter is also excellent for birdwatching, with migratory birds visiting the park.

Summer (April to June):

Best for Tiger Sightings: Summers can be extremely hot in Sariska, with temperatures soaring above 40°C (104°F) in May and June. If you can tolerate the heat, then it is the best time to see a tiger or a big cat near water bodies and as they come to water holes to quench their thirst and cool their body in such hot weather.

Monsoon (July to September):

Sariska remains open in monsoon season, unlike other tiger reserves in India. The safari in Sariska can only be done in the buffer zone of Tiger Reserve from Baraliwari gate, near Alwar city.  The safari zone hosts 7 Tigers including 3 cubs, but due to dense vegetation, it is challenging to spot them. However, it’s worth visiting Sariska in the monsoon season because it’s the only time when you can see lush green dense forest.

Sariska National Park FAQ’s

Q. What is the Speciality of Sariska National Park?

A. Sariska National Park is renowned for its diverse wildlife, including tigers, leopards, sambar deer, and over 200 bird species. It also boasts historical sites like the Sariska Palace and Kankwari Fort, making it a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Q. How far is Sariska National Park from Delhi?

A. Sariska National Park is approximately 200 kilometers (124 miles) from Delhi, making it a convenient weekend getaway for those in the national capital.

Q. Are there tigers in Sariska?

A. Yes, Sariska National Park is known for its tiger population. Although there was a period of decline, conservation efforts have led to the recovery of tigers in the park.

Q. Is Sariska worth going?

A. Sariska is worth visiting for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. It offers a chance to see diverse flora and fauna, but tiger sightings are not guaranteed. Plan your visit wisely.

Q. How many days are enough for Sariska?

A. A two to three-day visit is typically sufficient to explore Sariska National Park and its attractions, including safaris and historical sites.

Q. Can we take our own car in Sariska?

A. Yes, you can take your own car to Sariska National Park. However, you may need to follow park rules and guidelines for vehicle entry.

Q. Which day is Sariska closed?

A. Sariska National Park is usually closed on Wednesday for Jungle safaris.