Sariska Sanctuary

Sariska is probably one of the most visited parks in India. Unfortunately though, the main reason for this is not wildlife enthusiasm but only it's excellent proximity to some large towns like Delhi and Jaipur. The park was, as with many other parks, the hunting reserve of the royal family in the area. In this case, it was the Royal family of Alwar Rajasthan . The reserve was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1958 and came under the "Project Tiger" as a Sariska tiger reserve in 1979. The park covers quite a large area of 800 square kilometers, 480 square kilometers of which form the core area of the national park. It is located among the Aravalli hill ranges in the Alwar district of Rajasthan. Due to the presence of monuments of religious importance located within the park boundaries, the park authorities are compelled to keep the park open throughout the year. The summer months are better for animal viewing but are extremely hot with temperatures going up to as high as 49 degrees centigrade. In the winter months, the temperature touches a low of 4 degrees.

Although larger than Ranthambor, it is less commercialised and has less tigers but a similar topography. It covers an area of 800 sq km in total, with a core area of approximately 500 sq km. The Northern Aravali Hills dominate the skyline with their mixture of sharp cliffs and long narrow valleys. The landscape of Sariska comprises of hills and narrow valleys of the Aravali hill range. The topography of Sariska supports scrub-thorn arid forests, dry deciduous forests, rocks and grasses. The broad range of wildlife here is a wonderful example of ecological adoption and tolerance, for the climate here is variable as well as erratic.

Sariska National Park is home to numerous carnivores including Leopard, Wild Dog, Jungle Cat, Hyena, Jackal, and Tiger. These feed on an abundance of prey species such as Sambar, Chitel, Nilgai, Chausingha, Wild Boar and Langur. Sariska is also well known for its large population of Rhesus Monkeys, which are found in large numbers around Talvriksh.

The avian world is also well represented with a rich and varied birdlife. These include Peafowl, Grey Partridge, Bush Quail, Sand Grouse, Tree Pie, Golden backed Wood Pecker, Crested Serpent Eagle and the Great Indian Horned Owl.

How To Reach Sariska Tiger Reserve

Sariska is well connected with the surrounding towns and it is not difficult to access. Yet, it is advisable to take your own vehicle or hire a vehicle for the entire trip.

The park is very easily accessible from Delhi too. It is a 3 hour journey via the Daruhera - Alwar - Sariska route which is under 200km.

It is also possible to go via the main Jaipur highway, by which the distance gets extended to approximately 240km.

Best Time to Visit Sariska Tiger Reserve

Visitors can visit Sariska wildlife sanctuary throughout the year, still the beast period is during the months of October to June. 

• The nearest main town to Sariska is Alwar (36km)
• The nearest Railway Station to the park is also located at Alwar.
• The nearest Airport to the park is located at Jaipur (110km)