A Comeback Story Written in the Aravalli Hills
Deep within the ancient folds of the Aravalli mountain range in Rajasthan’s Alwar district, Sariska Tiger Reserve stands as living proof that conservation miracles are possible. This is the sanctuary that lost every single one of its tigers to poaching in 2004-05 — a scandal that shook India — and then defied the odds by bringing them back through the country’s first-ever inter-reserve tiger translocation. Today, Sariska’s growing tiger family roams freely through dry deciduous forests dotted with medieval ruins and hilltop temples.
Why Sariska Deserves Your Attention
Sariska is often overshadowed by its famous neighbour Ranthambore, but seasoned wildlife enthusiasts know that this underrated reserve offers something Ranthambore cannot: tranquillity. With far fewer jeeps on the trails and a landscape peppered with centuries-old forts and sacred shrines, Sariska delivers an experience that is as much about history and solitude as it is about wildlife.
- Conservation Milestone — the world’s first successful tiger reintroduction programme was executed here, with tigers brought in from Ranthambore starting in 2008
- Growing Pride — the reserve now shelters over 25 tigers, with new cubs documented regularly by camera traps
- Kankwari Fort — perched on a hilltop deep inside the forest, this 17th-century Mughal-era fortification is where Emperor Aurangzeb once imprisoned his brother Dara Shikoh
- Pandupol Hanuman Temple — an ancient shrine nestled inside the core forest, believed to date back to the era of the Mahabharata
- Weekend Escape — at just 200 km from Delhi and 110 km from Jaipur, Sariska is the most accessible tiger reserve for North India’s urban travellers
Safari Information
- Jeep Safari (6-seater) — conducted in open-top Maruti Gypsy vehicles through the core and buffer zones
- Two Daily Shifts — the morning drive begins at sunrise, while the afternoon session starts post-lunch; each lasts about 3 hours
- Quieter Trails — vehicle numbers per zone are strictly limited, so you rarely encounter more than 2-3 jeeps on a single trail
- Heritage Detours — your safari route can include stops at Kankwari Fort and Pandupol Temple, adding a cultural dimension to the wildlife experience
Best Months for a Safari
The reserve operates from October to June, with a monsoon closure from July through September.
- October to February — pleasant days and chilly mornings create ideal safari conditions. Temperatures hover between 6°C and 25°C. Migratory raptors add excitement for birdwatchers.
- March to June — the heat intensifies, but the thinning forest canopy and drying waterholes make animal movement more predictable. Peak sighting season for tigers.
Fauna & Avifauna
- Royal Bengal Tiger (reintroduced population)
- Indian Leopard
- Striped Hyena
- Jungle Cat
- Sambar Deer, Chital, Nilgai, Four-Horned Antelope
- Indian Peafowl, Grey Junglefowl
- Crested Serpent Eagle, Short-toed Snake Eagle
- Langur, Rhesus Macaque
Reaching Sariska
- By Air: Jaipur International Airport is 110 km away (roughly 2 hours). Delhi IGI Airport is approximately 200 km (4 hours).
- By Train: Alwar Railway Station, well-linked to Delhi and Jaipur, is 35 km from the park entrance.
- By Road: Excellent highway connectivity via NH-48. Many travellers combine Sariska with a stop at the Neemrana Fort Palace on the Delhi-Jaipur highway.
Day Trips from Sariska
- Alwar City Palace — a splendid blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture
- Siliserh Lake — a serene lake with a heritage palace hotel on its banks
- Bala Quila — the imposing hilltop fort overlooking Alwar city
- Bhangarh Fort — India’s famously “haunted” fort ruin, about 80 km from Sariska