Sariska Tiger Reserve Travel Guide

Famous Indian Wildlife

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Lying just 200km from Delhi, Sariska is easily accessible from the capital. The northern Aravalli Hills dominate the skyline with their mixture of sharp cliffs and long narrow valleys. The area was declared a sanctuary in 1955 and became a National Park in 1979. The landscape of Sariska comprises of hills and narrow valleys with scrub-thorn arid forests, dry deciduous forests, rocks and grasses.

 

The reserve is located in Alwar district and is the legacy of the state’s Maharajas - pavilions and temples within Sariska hint at past riches and glory, whilst the nearby Kankwadi Fort has a long and turbulent history.

Sadly recent sightings of tigers have been extremely few with, at the time of writing, none seen since November 2004.

Attractions in Sariska Tiger Reserve

Early morning and late afternoon / evening are the best times to spot Sariska’s wildlife when the many water holes which litter the park attract visitors. At some of these watering holes it is possible to book hides which are situated in prime spots for wildlife viewing.

The park is home to numerous carnivores including leopard, wild dog, jungle cat, civet, hyena, jackal and, until recently the royal Bengal tiger. Tiger censuses in Sariska have been inconclusive, with park authorities believing there are 12-24 tigers in the reserve, but with no evidence, such as pug and scratch marks, to back this assertion these figures cannot be relied upon; poaching is clearly still a big problem. Nonetheless the park is one of the best places to enjoy some of India’s wildlife with the large carnivores detailed above preying on sambar, chital, nilgai, chausingha, wild boar and the ubiquitous langur. Sariska is also well known for its large population of rhesus monkeys, which are found around Talvriksh.

Birdlife is also prolific with peafowl, grey partridge, bush quail, sand grouse, tree pie, golden backed woodpecker, crested serpent eagle and the great Indian horned owl all found within the park.

The park is open almost whole year-round, but for wildlife viewing and your comfort it is best to visit from October to April. Safaris are provided by jeep.

Activities in Sariska Tiger Reserve

Allow a two-day stay to maximise your chances of seeing a variety of wildlife on a pre-booked game drive and to see Kankwadi Fort and the many temples.

Relaxing

With lawns and cold drinks the Sariska Palace Hotel near the entrance provides a pleasant place to relax after a safari.

Getting Around

Private cars can enter Sariska but you are limited to the tarmac roads if choosing to explore by this method. A better bet is to take a pre-booked tour by jeep which will take you deep into the park off the main roads.

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