The early morning silence of Sariska National Park is rather deceptive. The dry Aravalli hills seem motionless, langur monkeys stand still on rocky hillocks, while dirt forest roads snake ahead into infinity. But hidden behind the calmness of the scene is one of the most interesting wildlife success stories in India, where tigers had gone extinct and returned to life.
Sariska National Park isn’t like other wildlife havens where people go to watch wildlife. It has an interesting historical background, with ancient forts overlooking tiger country and temple bells ringing through forest valleys from time to time. In Sariska National Park, one not only sees wildlife but also enjoys the unique experience of a land that constantly renews itself.
Sariska National Park is spread over the arid Aravalli range in the Alwar district of Rajasthan state and is visited by wildlife lovers, photographers ornithologists, historians and weekend holiday makers from cities such as Delhi and Jaipur.
Wildlife sanctuaries usually offer biodiversity. In the case of Sariska, they offer resilience.
During the early years of the 2000s, all the tigers in the sanctuary were exterminated by poachers. A unique tiger relocation project was carried out, whereby tigers were transferred from Ranthambore to Sariska. This program became the best tiger introduction program in the world.
Nowadays, there exists a well-developed habitat for tigers protected through wildlife conservation efforts and monitoring.
Sariska has many more qualities beyond just conservation, such as:
- Tigers’ habitat within the Aravalli mountains
- Forts buried in the forests
- Temples located in the wilderness area
- Birdlife
- Valleys and rocky areas
- Proximity to Delhi and Jaipur
All of the above give an unusual experience of wildlife observation in Rajasthan.
Landscapes Created by the Aravalli Range
The land of Sariska is completely different from the thick forests commonly found in tiger reserves.
Rocks form an important part of the skyline. Dry deciduous forest covers valleys. Seasonal streams flow following rains. Grasslands provide excellent areas for viewing wildlife.
The forest undergoes drastic changes in every season.
In the summer, the hilly regions become brown and golden in colour. Monsoon rains make everything green overnight. The winter mornings provide bright sunlight that passes through the dhok trees – an ideal setting for photography.
Instead of confining visitors in the thick cover of the forest, Sariska makes them enjoy the beauty of its landscapes.
Experiences with Wildlife in Sariska National Park
Wildlife continues to be the biggest draw for any visitor to Sariska.
Expectations for every game drive are always high due to the changing landscape, as you may find yourself moving across a dry riverbed or a sambar deer alarm call suggesting a predator close by.
Tigers
The Bengal tiger is without doubt the highlight of any visit to Sariska.
Sighting a tiger requires some luck and skilful timing, especially in early mornings when the temperatures are still cool and more wildlife is around.
Leopards
Even though tigers steal the show, there is no denying that Sariska is also home to a thriving leopard population.
These shy animals are frequently seen on hillsides in rocky areas.
Your Journey Starts Here
Whether sightseeing, vacation trip or business travel, we have the perfect taxi for you.
Deer Species
Herbivorous animals are vital for maintaining the balance in the habitat of the Sariska Reserve.
Commonly spotted species of deer include:
- Sambar deer
- Chital (spotted deer)
- Nilgai
- Wild boar
Primates
The grey langur can be commonly seen along roadside areas and open spots in forests. Their alert signals are priceless to trackers looking for their predators.
The rhesus macaque is another primate found in certain parts of the reserve.
Birldlife
Birdwatching enthusiasts soon find out that they can get their money’s worth from Sariska.
A variety of more than 200 birds have been counted in Sariska, including:
- Crested serpent eagle
- Indian peafowl
- Treepies
- Owls
- Woodpeckers
- Parakeets
- Vultures
The winter migratory season enhances bird life even more.
Safari Experience: What to Expect
The experience of a safari in Sariska is distinct from that of safaris in the jungles of central India.
There tends to be more visibility owing to the openness of the terrain. Rugged terrains make an excellent backdrop to capture photographs of animals.
In morning safaris, one will notice that the time of departure occurs well before the jungle wakes up. The cool breeze blows through the valleys while the guide looks for signs of movement by any animals.
During the evening safaris, the light creates an altogether new atmosphere.
Top tourist places in sariska
While wildlife may attract tourists to Sariska, sometimes history ends up being a pleasant surprise.
Kankwari Fort
Located on a hillock within the sanctuary, Kankwari Fort affords breathtaking views of the forest landscape.
Being associated historically with the Mughals, the fort presents a remarkable difference from the beautiful surroundings in which it is situated.
Top Reasons to Visit Kankwari Fort:
- Importance in history
- Stunning view of forests
- Unique safari location
- Architectural marvel
- Photo opportunity
Pandupol Hanuman Temple
This temple is hidden in the forest and is visited by devotees all year round.
There is folklore associated with this temple in connection with the Mahabharata.
What Makes Pandupol Temple Worth Visiting:
- Religious significance
- Forest location
- Mythical association
- Beautiful surroundings
- Popular pilgrimage site
Planning an Outstation Trip?
Travel to Mount Abu, Kumbhalgarh or Jaipur with trusted taxi services.
Sariska Palace
The former royal hunting palace is a remnant of the princely days of the region.
Presently, Sariska Palace is an insight into the royal culture of Rajasthan that visitors can explore.
Highlights of Sariska Palace:
- Architecture of royalty
- Historic charm
- Heritage feel
- Cultural importance
- Great photoshoot options
Alwar City
One place you should include in your Sariska tour is Alwar, a beautiful city near Sariska known for its royal legacy, lakes and architecture. This is indeed an interesting city to visit for all kinds of experiences.
Things to do in Alwar:
- Visit majestic palaces and historical structures.
- Purchase handicrafts and traditional items.
- Experience the culture and heritage of Rajasthan.
- Visit at the famous Siliserh Lake.
For more detailed information of Alwar, read our full article at Discover Alwar: An Ultimate Guide to the Gem of Rajasthan.
Best Time to Visit Sariska National Park
Every time of the year offers a unique experience.
Winter (October to March)
Winter continues to be the best season for visiting the park.
Cool temperatures lead to active movements of the animals, while bird watching becomes the best since migratory birds visit the area.
Reasons to Visit in Winter:
- Nice weather
- Active fauna
- Perfect photo opportunities
- Best bird watching
- Nice safari experience
Summer (April-June)
Summer requires stamina but usually pays off with good predator encounters.
As the water sources become scarce, animals congregate around water holes.
Reasons for a Summer Visit:
- Greater chances of spotting tigers
- Low density of tourist vehicles
- Great wildlife watching experience
- Scenic landscapes
- Excellent wildlife photography prospects
Monsoon (July-September)
Unlike other tiger parks, Sariska is open even during certain months of the monsoon.
The greenery brings about an entire transformation of the park.
Reasons for a Monsoon Visit:
- Scenic landscapes
- Refreshing weather
- Uncommon photography opportunities
- A lesser number of tourists
- Beautiful forest landscapes
Locally Known Facts That Visitors Overlook
- Early Safaris Provide a Better Experience
Animal movements are at their peak just after sunrise. The early safari usually offers better light conditions for photography, too.
- Take Cues from Langurs
The experienced guides always notice the alarms made by langurs. These signals often indicate some predator activity around.
- The Winter Fog Makes for Beautiful Photos
On cold mornings, there might be foggy valleys in Rajasthan that visitors do not anticipate.
- Don’t Only Concentrate on Tigers
Travellers sometimes get so obsessed with watching the tigers that they ignore all other features of the place, which are equally impressive.
- Carry Your Binoculars Along
If you cannot find any big cats around, there will still be plenty to watch out for.
Getting to Sariska National Park
Reaching Sariska National Park is convenient, thanks to its excellent connectivity by air, rail and road. Located in the Alwar district of Rajasthan, the park is easily accessible from major cities such as Jaipur, Delhi and Alwar.
By Air
The nearest airport is Jaipur International Airport, located about 130 km from Sariska National Park. The airport is well connected to major Indian cities and visitors can hire a taxi or take a bus from Jaipur to reach the park in around 2.5 to 3 hours.
By Train
The closest railway station is Alwar Junction, approximately 35 km from the park. Alwar is well connected to Delhi, Jaipur and several other cities through regular train services. Taxis and local transport are readily available from the station to Sariska.
By Road
Sariska National Park enjoys excellent road connectivity with nearby cities and towns. The alwar to sariska distance is around 35km, 110 km from Jaipur and 200 km from Delhi, making it a popular weekend getaway. Visitors can reach the park by private car, taxi or state-run and private buses via well-maintained highways.
Plan your trip to Sariska with VNV Tours
Are you tired of finding convenient transport options to enjoy Sariska and other nearby places?
If yes, then VNV Tours has the best solutions for you! We provide excellent taxi service in Udaipur for Sariska, tailor-made sightseeing tours, transportation services for airports/railway stations and tour packages for Rajasthan as per your travel requirements. We take care of all aspects, right from your stay at Sariska to exploration of the wildlife sanctuary, Pandupol Hanuman temple, Bhangarh fort and many more. So why wait any longer? Get going with VNV Tours.
Explore More with Local Knowledge
The enjoyment of Sariska is greatly enhanced through the use of local guides and drivers who know the way of the animals. The use of local knowledge enables one to appreciate better animal habits, hidden vantage points, interesting tales about the area and attractions near at hand.
People who are considering including Sariska as part of a wider tour of Rajasthan often include Alwar, Jaipur, Neemrana and Bharatpur in their plans.
Affordable Taxi Service in Udaipur
Choose from sedan, SUV and tempo traveller options at competitive prices.
Final Thoughts
Sariska National Park is not just about tiger spotting; it is about much more than this. From the exhilarating experience of a safari through the rocky landscape of Aravali to the historical forts, shrines and natural landscape, the whole park is full of memories worth cherishing. For wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, bird watchers or anyone who is tired of city life and seeks refreshment amidst the wilderness, Sariska is an ideal destination. Make sure to visit this place at the right season, book your safari and make visits to the nearby sites around Alwar.
With all its amazing features and a fantastic success story in conservation, Sariska is undoubtedly one of the most amazing places in Rajasthan.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is it worth visiting Sariska National Park?
Yes, Sariska is an interesting place as it has wildlife, tiger safari, historic monuments like forts and temples and scenic Aravalli ranges, making it the best natural park in Rajasthan.
- How many days do you need for Sariska?
For experiencing multiple safaris and some history nearby, 2 days will be ideal.
- When is the best time to visit Sariska National Park?
October to March is the best time for comfortable weather and summer is the ideal period to see tigers around water sources.
- Can one see tigers in Sariska National Park?
It is not possible as tigers’ sightings are based on their movement, timing and weather conditions, among others.
- How far is Sariska from Delhi?
The distance between Sariska National Park and Delhi is 200 km and by road it takes around 4-5 hours to reach there.
- What is the nearest railhead to Sariska?
The nearest railhead to Sariska is Alwar Railway Station, which is 35 km away from the park.
- Is it possible to drive one’s personal car into Sariska?
It is possible to enter the park using personal vehicles, but the safari area requires safari vehicles only.
- What things should be carried during a Sariska Safari?
Binoculars, a camera, water, sunscreen, a cap, comfortable clothes and identification proof are required.