Siriska Tiger Reserve

Safari in Siriska, Alwar

Overview

Sariska Tiger Reserve, located in the Alwar district of Rajasthan, is one of the famous national parks of Rajasthan known for its magical jungles. It was designated as a Tiger Reserve in 1978 and has been a part of Project Tiger since then. Sariska is renowned for being the first reserve in the world to successfully relocate tigers. The national park covers a total area of 273.8 sq.km and is only 120 km from Jaipur.

Fast Facts:
• Sariska made history on 28th June 2008 by becoming the first reserve for tiger reintroduction in India.
• It remained a "Tigerless" Tiger Reserve for almost 3.5 years.
• It boasts a healthy tiger population of over 25 individuals.
• Pony Tail, also known as ST-7, is the most photographed tiger of Sariska.
• There are two entry gates in Sariska: Sariska Gate and Tehla Gate.
• Sariska is also well-known for its large population of Rhesus Monkeys.
• It contains historical places like the Kankarwadi fort, built by King Jai Singh II.
• A famous temple of Lord Hanuman is situated at Pandupol, which is related to the Pandavas.
• Sariska is not just famous for its jungle but also its forts, temples, and lakes.

Flora

The topography of Sariska National Park is mostly arid, with thorny scrubs covering the rocky patches of the park. It also has small patches of dry deciduous forest and grasslands. It is estimated that there are nearly 300 species of vegetation found in and around the Sariska reserve forest. Approximately 75% of the park's area is covered with "Dhok" (Anogeissus Pendula), an active fodder tree that supports the huge herbivore populations of the park. Other primary trees in the park include Palm (Arecaceae), Pipal (Ficus religiosa), Banyan (Ficus bengalensis), Neem (Azadirachta indica), Mango (Mangifera indica), Gular (Ficus glomerata), Ber (Zizyphus mauritania), Khair (Acacia catechu), Dhak (Butea monosperma), Reonj (Acacia leucophloea), Babul (Acacia nilotica), Gum (Sterculia urens), etc.

Fauna

The main attraction of the park is its apex predators, the tigers. Tiger sightings in Sariska Tiger Reserve have improved considerably over the past 5 years. Apart from tigers, the park is also famous for leopard sightings and other mammal species. Over 25 mammal species are recorded here, including the striped hyena, golden jackal, desert fox, jungle cat, rusty spotted cat, palm civets, hedgehogs, porcupines, mongoose, hare, rhesus macaque, spotted deer, sambhar deer, blue bull, etc. Over 220 bird species (resident and migratory) have been recorded here, making it a hub for avid birdwatchers. The safari drive will take you around the Aravallis with glimpses of its inhabitants. The guides and naturalists associated with the park live near the park's periphery and have an excellent understanding of the jungle.

Best Time To Visit

Winters are the best time to visit the park, from October to March, as the weather is optimum and you can witness a lot of diurnal activity by the big cats. Temperatures can reach up to 3 degrees Celsius during peak winters.
Summers are also a good time to visit if you have photography in mind. The grass and shrubs have dried up at this time, offering clear and crisp photography opportunities in the jungle. Temperatures can get really hot, reaching up to 47 degrees Celsius. For tourists who can tolerate the heat, this time is best to spot a large number of wild animals.
The best season to visit Sariska National Park is in the winter season from October to February. The temperature during these months varies from 15 degrees Celsius to 25 degrees Celsius. In the summer season from March to June, the temperature usually goes up to 49 degrees Celsius, which is very hot. The park remains closed during the monsoon season from June to September.

How To Reach

By Air: The nearest international airport is Jaipur, which is around 107 km (2 hours 30 minutes drive) from Sariska. Delhi is the second nearest international airport, approximately 225.6 km away (4 hours drive). The airport is well-connected with domestic and international flights. Taxis and cabs are available at the airport for transportation. Pre-booking is recommended.

By Rail: Alwar Railway Station is the nearest railway station, around 37 km from the Sariska Reserve Entry gate. If you wish to get down in a big city, then Jaipur Station is the nearest. The train journey from Jaipur Junction to Alwar Station takes just 2 hours. Alwar Junction is also well connected with Delhi.

By Road: Sariska is centrally located on the Delhi-Jaipur highway, making it easily accessible by road. The distance of the reserve from Alwar is 37 km, from Jaipur it is 107 km (via NH21), and from Delhi, it is 225.6 km (via NE4).

Charges
Timing

INDIAN NATIONALS
	GYPSY(max. 6pax)	CANTER(Max. 20 Pax)
Price Per Person	1500	1050
Exclusive Vehicle	9000	20000
Foreign Nationals
	GYPSY(max. 6pax)	CANTER(Max. 20 Pax)
Price Per Person	2400	1950
Exclusive Vehicle	14400	38000

Period	Morning Trip	Afternoon Trip
1 October to 31 October	6:30 AM to 10:00 AM	2:30 PM to 06:00 PM
1 November to 31 January	7:00 AM to 10:30 AM	2:00 PM to 05:30 PM
1 February to 31 March	6:30 AM to 10:00 AM	2:30 PM to 06:00 PM
1 April to 16 May	6:00 AM to 09:30 AM	3:00 PM to 06:30 PM
17 May to 30 June	6:00 AM to 09:30 AM	3:30 PM to 07:00 PM

Know Before you Go

You have to pay the full fees for safari booking in advance.
An ID proof is a must for every visitor.
No refund or cancellation is permitted on confirmed bookings.
Booking is non-transferable and cannot be exchanged with anyone.
You must carry the same ID card that you have submitted during the online booking.
The distance between Sariska Gate and Tehla Gate is 68.9 km.
Choosing a gate depends on your stay or which gate is nearer to your accommodation. If you are coming on a day trip, then consider Sariska Gate.
Children below 5 years of age are exempt from the safari charges.
Your safaris can be booked 365 days in advance.
Passport details are mandatory for foreign tourists when making reservations.
A safari permit is issued on a first-come, first-serve basis (subject to availability).
The park may be closed without any prior notice to visitors.
In case of any revision of fees after the booking or incomplete occupancy, visitors will be liable to pay the difference at the time of entry into the park.
Visitors are required to report to the boarding place 10 minutes before the scheduled departure of the safari.
There is heavy rush on weekends and holidays, so it is always advisable to book safaris and hotels in advance.
The morning safari usually starts half an hour after sunrise, the evening safari concludes half an hour before sunset, and the night safari starts an hour after sunset.
The timings change accordingly with the seasons. Each safari is allowed for a maximum of three and a half hours.
We are merely acting as a travel agent in booking your safari at the national park and will not be responsible for any accidents, injuries, thefts, or deaths during the safari excursion.
Please note that the choice of safari driver or naturalist guide is not in our hands. All these are solely decided by the forest officials on a random basis, managed by the automated computerised system to ensure equal distribution of Sariska safari vehicles in every zone.
In case your safari is not booked due to reasons like technical errors or non-availability of seats, we will refund the whole amount to your given bank account. The same will be communicated accordingly.
The vehicle is allotted on the day of the Sariska Forest safari, and the fee for a confirmed seat in a Jeep or Canter is non-refundable and non-transferable.

FAQ

Which is a better mode for a jungle safari - jeep or canter?

Both vehicles are good and appropriate for travelling in Sariska National Park. Whether it is a jeep or canter, both follow a similar track route during the safari. The difference between them is that a jeep is more expensive but offers a more personalised experience. Jeeps can be noisy. On the other hand, a canter is more affordable and less noisy. The chance of sighting a tiger from both vehicles is the same. Jeeps are ideal for groups of 4-6 people, while a canter is a better option for larger groups. Both vehicles are open from the top.

How many days in advance can I book the Sariska safari?

You can book the Sariska safari up to 365 days in advance.

How many tigers are there in Sariska?

Sariska is home to over 25 tigers.

Can children participate in the Sariska Safari?

Yes, children can participate in the Sariska Safari. It is suitable for all age groups. There is no entry charge for children below 5 years of age.

Is pick-up and drop included in the safari package?

No, pick-up and drop are not included in the given package. We provide pick-up/drop facility at an additional cost. The price varies according to the distance. The transportation is mainly done either in an open-air gypsy or a cab, whichever is suitable.

What should I carry while visiting Sariska?

During summers from April to June, the temperature can soar up to 45 degrees Celsius, so it is advisable to carry ample drinking water, goggles, hats, a scarf, and clothing made of breathable cotton fabric in earthy colors.
During the winter season from November to mid-February, temperatures can drop to as low as 2 degrees Celsius inside the reserve. Therefore, heavy woollen jackets, warmers, ear muffs, and hand gloves are highly recommended.
During the rainy season from July to October, the average temperature is around 27 degrees Celsius with high humidity. There is also a lot of insect activity inside the reserve during this time. Therefore, it is recommended to wear full sleeves cotton tees and full pants.

How many gates are there in Sariska?

There are two gates in Sariska: Sariska Gate and Tehla Gate. The distance between the two gates by road is approximately one hour.

Are there hotels near both entry gates?

Yes, there are many hotels near Tehla Gate and some near Sariska Gate. Before booking any hotel, kindly check the distance from both park entry gates.