Overview
Sariska Tiger Reserve occupies roughly 866 sq km of the Aravalli Hills in Alwar district, Rajasthan. Declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1955 and upgraded to Project Tiger status in 1979, it was among India's first tiger reserves and remains a protected area of national importance.
The reserve is notable for the rare combination of wildlife habitat and historical monuments inside its boundaries. Ruins of temples, hunting lodges from the Alwar royal family, and the Kankwari Fort — said to have held the Mughal prince Dara Shikoh — sit within the forest, giving Sariska a character distinct from purely wildlife-focused reserves.
Tigers were locally extinct by 2004–2005, a crisis that prompted a high-profile relocation programme beginning in 2008. Several tigers from Ranthambore were translocated, and the population has since recovered cautiously. Sightings are possible but not guaranteed, and managing expectations is important before visiting.
Beyond tigers, the reserve supports leopards, jungle cats, hyenas, golden jackals, sambar, nilgai, chital, and rhesus macaques. The birdlife is rich, including crested serpent eagles, Indian eagle-owls, and peacocks.
Before You Go
Permits and Safari Bookings
Safari permits for Sariska are managed by the Rajasthan Forest Department. Booking processes and availability can change; check the official Rajasthan tourism or forest department website and verify locally before your trip. Gypsies (open jeeps) carry a fixed number of passengers, and seats can fill during peak season (November–February), so advance booking is advisable.
Visa
India requires a visa for most nationalities. For current entry requirements, visit TravelerPulse's Visas section and the official Indian Bureau of Immigration website. Requirements and e-visa eligibility change periodically.
Health
Consult a travel health professional about vaccinations and malaria prophylaxis relevant to Rajasthan before departure. Carry a basic first-aid kit, oral rehydration salts, and any personal medications. Summers (April–June) are very hot; heat precautions are essential. Drinking water from taps is not recommended — carry sealed bottled water.
What to Pack
- Neutral or earth-tone clothing (avoid bright colours on safaris)
- Binoculars (strongly recommended)
- Sun protection, hat, and sunscreen for open-jeep safaris
- Warm layers for early-morning winter safaris (November–February can be cold at dawn)
- Insect repellent
Getting There
By Road
Sariska is approximately 200 km from Delhi and around 110 km from Jaipur, making it accessible by road from both cities. State highways connect Alwar town to the reserve gate. Taxis and private cabs can be hired from Delhi, Jaipur, or Alwar; verify current fares with providers directly. The journey from Jaipur takes roughly 2–3 hours depending on traffic and route.
By Rail
Alwar is the nearest major railway station, connected to Delhi and Jaipur on the Delhi–Ajmer rail line. From Alwar, the reserve is approximately 35 km away; taxis and shared autos are available from the station. Confirm train schedules and availability on the Indian Railways official site (irctc.co.in or indianrail.gov.in).
By Air
Jaipur International Airport (JAI) is the most convenient major airport. Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) is another option if you are combining Sariska with a Delhi visit. Both are roughly 2–3 hours by road. No commercial flights serve Alwar directly.
Getting Around
Within the reserve, movement is restricted to designated safari zones in authorized vehicles. Independent exploration inside the forest is not permitted. Safari jeeps (Gypsies) are arranged through the Forest Department or accredited operators; each jeep is accompanied by a government-assigned naturalist or guide.
Outside the reserve, Alwar town is the main service hub for ATMs, hospitals, and shops. Auto-rickshaws and local taxis are the primary modes of transport in and around Alwar. If you are staying at a resort near the reserve gate, most properties can arrange local transport; confirm this at booking.
Where to Stay
Accommodation options range from forest department rest houses and mid-range resorts clustered near the Sariska village and reserve gate to more upscale heritage-style properties in the wider Alwar region. The Rajasthan Forest Department operates a basic guest house inside the reserve; availability is limited and should be verified and booked well in advance through official channels.
Several privately operated resorts and eco-lodges have developed around the reserve perimeter, catering to wildlife tourists. Standards and pricing vary considerably. Read recent traveller reviews and confirm current facilities — particularly power backup, hot water, and meal availability — before booking, as infrastructure can differ from what is advertised.
Alwar town itself has budget hotels if you prefer an urban base, though the 35 km distance to the reserve means early-morning safari logistics are less convenient from there.
Things to See & Do
Wildlife Safaris
Jeep safaris are the central activity. Safaris typically run in two shifts — early morning and afternoon — with timings varying by season. Your naturalist guide will navigate designated routes. Tiger sightings require patience and a degree of luck; leopards, hyenas, and a wide variety of birds are more frequently encountered.
Kankwari Fort
Located deep within the reserve, this 17th-century fort is accessible by jeep on certain safari routes. Permission and specific tour inclusions should be confirmed when booking your safari permit, as access rules can change.
Neelkanth Temple Complex
Also inside the reserve, this cluster of 8th–10th century Pratihara-era temples is one of the more significant archaeological sites within any Indian wildlife reserve. The temples are in partial ruin but retain fine sculptural details.
Siliserh Lake
Approximately 13 km from Alwar, this lake was developed as a reservoir for Alwar city in the 19th century. The heritage Siliserh Lake Palace (now a hotel operated by Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation — verify current status) sits at its edge and is a popular day excursion. Birdwatching around the lake is worthwhile.
Alwar City
The Alwar Museum, housed in the City Palace complex, holds royal artifacts, miniature paintings, and manuscripts from the Alwar kingdom. The Bala Quila fort above the city offers views over the region. Entry fees and hours — verify locally.
Practical Information
Emergency Contacts
Carry the contact number of your accommodation and the nearest hospital in Alwar. For police emergencies, the national helpline in India is 100; ambulance is 108. Confirm locally whether these numbers function in the Sariska area.
Connectivity
Mobile network coverage inside the reserve can be weak or absent. Download offline maps and any needed information before entering. Your accommodation near the gate will likely have better connectivity than inside the forest.
Money
ATMs are available in Alwar town. Carry sufficient cash before heading to the reserve, as facilities near the gate may not accept cards or may have unreliable card terminals.
Responsible Wildlife Viewing
- Do not make loud noises or sudden movements during safaris
- Never attempt to feed or approach wildlife
- Littering inside the reserve is prohibited and harmful
- Follow all instructions from your assigned naturalist
Safety
Sariska is generally considered safe for tourists. The primary risks are wildlife-related: exercise caution and always remain inside the safari vehicle unless instructed otherwise by your guide. Never wander outside designated areas unaccompanied.
Road travel to and from Alwar at night on poorly lit highways carries the usual risks common across rural India. If arriving late, it is advisable to stay in Alwar town and travel to the reserve in daylight. Verify local conditions with your accommodation before planning night travel.
Local Culture & Etiquette
The region around Sariska falls within the historic Alwar princely state, whose rulers were known for elaborate hunting traditions — hunting lodges inside the present reserve are reminders of that era. The local population includes communities with long-standing ties to the forest, and some villages were relocated when the reserve was expanded, a process with complex social dimensions.
As with most of Rajasthan, dress modestly when visiting temples and local villages. Remove footwear before entering religious sites. Public displays of affection are generally frowned upon in rural areas. Photographing local people, particularly women, should always be done with consent.
