India alone features major and key biographical zones for almost 80% of the world’s Tiger population under its Tiger conservation programme. In that matter, the Sariska Tiger Reserve plays a crucial role as a national park for tigers, as it is home to over 40 tigers and an abundant variety of flora and fauna. As an active ecological zone, it facilitates eco-tourism, raising community awareness.
Therefore, this guide will walk you through every detail of Sariska Tiger Reserve, from its history, present condition, to flora and fauna, what it offers as a tourist destination, covering ticket prices, Sariska Tiger Reserve timings and the best season to visit. So, keep reading on as we break it down!
An Inside Look at The Sariska Tiger Reserve
Sariska Tiger Reserve is located within the Aravalli Hills, Alwar district, Rajasthan. According to documented evidence, this area was a major hunting ground for Rajput rulers and British colonials. Later, it was included in the conservation Project Tiger and became a natural habitat for Tigers.
Did You Know: Sariska served as a place of exile for the Pandavas according to the legend of the Mahabharata?
Timeline of the Establishment of the Sariska Tiger Reserve
- The Sariska Tiger Reserve was established as a wildlife reserve in 1955.
- The reserve became a significant part of Project Tiger in 1978.
- The Tiger Reserve was granted the position of a National Park in 1982.
How The Tigers’ Population Was Recovered
- By 2005, illegal hunting wiped the whole population out of Tigers.
- Later, in 2008, the Tiger relocation programme was introduced by the government.
- Several Tigers were relocated from Ranthambore but faced initial deaths.
- Over time, the Tiger population recovered due to successful breeding.
Present Condition of Sariska Tiger Reserve
- Despite the Supreme Court’s ban of 1991, illegal poaching (hunting) of Tigers continued for a long time.
- Due to constant community intervention and national outrage, illegal Tiger hunting came to a stop.
- At present, there are nearby illegal mining and land disputes going on that can directly affect the wildlife of the reserve.
- The 2025 plan to redefine the Aravalli Hills was also going to affect the boundaries of Sariska’s Critical Tiger Habitat.
- The Rajasthan government’s Plan was to remove 48.39 sq km of ecological area and compensate it by adding about 90.9 sq km area from buffer zones. As a result, controversy spread like wildfire. The government’s plan is being challenged by petitioners in the ongoing legal proceedings in the Supreme Court of India.
Total Tigers in Sariska Tiger Reserve
Due to breeding and constant care of Tigers and their cubs, the authorities were successful in raising the number of Tigers by 47.4% from 2022 to 23 and 53.6% from 2023 to 24. Here is a numerical breakdown:
- 2022: 19 Tigers
- 2023: 28 Tigers
- Mid or June 2024: 43 Tigers
This small population of Tigers consists of males, females and cubs. All thanks to the efforts of relocation and conservation that made it possible to bring back these Tigers from near extinction. You can experience their habitat with the professional guidance of the best tour operators in Rajasthan.
Flora of Sariska Tiger Reserve
Sariska Tiger Reserve spans across 881 square kilometres of the geographical area consisting of rocky hills, steep slopes, narrow valleys and plateaus. Moreover, the area shows 770 mm of yearly rainfall, which is essential for the flora and fauna of the area. The rich flora includes:
- Dhonk (Anogeissus pendula), Salar (Boswellia serrata) and Kadaya (Sterculia urescens) and other major species.
- Trees such as Babul, Gum (Sterculia Urens), Gurjan, Khair, Kadam, Khajur, Karel, and Khimi.
- Medicinal trees, including Pipal, Banyan, Neem, and Bamboo.
Fauna Species in Sariska Tiger Reserve
The fauna of the Sariska Tiger Reserve includes:
- The world-famous Bengal Tiger and Indian Leopard
- Mammals: Jungle Cat, Nilgai, Sloth Bear, Caracal, Wild Boar, Golden Jackal, Chital, Striped Hyena, Grey Langoor, Honey Badger, Sambar Deer, Javan Mongoose, Rhesus Macaque, and Ruddy Mongoose
- Reptiles: Pythons, Monitor Lizards, Indian Rock Python, Indian Cobra, Russell’s Viper, Saw-scaled Viper, Indian Spiny-tailed Lizard, Freshwater Turtles & Crocodiles and several other reptiles and amphibians
If you are a nature enthusiast and want to know about the species of flora and fauna of the reserve, you can consult your Rajasthan tour operator. They will provide a professional tour guide, who will give you knowledge on the wildlife species of the Sariska Tiger Reserve.
Bird Species of Sariska Tiger Reserve
Tiger Reserve is home to over 200 species of birds, which include:
- Indian Peafowl (Peacock), bulbuls, woodpecker, babblers, and the kingfishers.
- Raptors: Crested Serpent Eagle, Indian Eagle Owl, Mottled Wood Owl and seasonal migratory birds.
- Other Species: Indian Pitta, Parakeets, Mynahs, Jungle Prinia, Singing Bushlark
Key Birdwatching Locations in Sariska Tiger Reserve
Here are the best locations if you want to experience birdwatching in Sariska Tiger Reserve:
- Siliserh Lake, Karnakabas, and Mansarovar Dam are ideal for species including ducks and waders.
- You can encounter many raptors in high trees and ground birds in grasslands.
- The Kingfishers and water-loving birds can be found near water bodies in the Sariska Tiger Reserve.
Quick Tip for Ideal Birdwatching: Consider visiting the Sariska Tiger Reserve during the winter season. You can spot migratory bird species, including Rosy Starling, Common Rosefinch, Hume’s Warbler, Verditer Flycatcher, and Black Redstart.
Sariska Tiger Reserve: A Major Tourist Destination
Serving as India’s 11th Tiger Reserve, Sariska Tiger Reserve features several ancient temples like Neelkanth Temple, Pandupol Hanuman Temple and Kankwari Fort. This makes it a significant historical area of Rajput and Mughal times.
Moreover, the reserve is also a favourable destination for adventurous safaris. They are as follows:
- Jeep Safari: The jeep safari in Sariska Tiger Reserve offers a unique way to explore the wildlife and nature. A jeep can accommodate 6 people, making it an ideal adventurous option for group travellers and families as well.
- Canter Safari: Canter Safari can accommodate 20 people in a bus along with a guide. You can explore the wildlife and beauty while eating your snacks more comfortably.
Tickets and Timings of Tiger Reserve Sariska
For Sariska Tiger Reserve Booking, you can visit the official websites of Sariska Park or Sariska Tiger Reserve. About the safari timings of Sariska Tiger Reserve, there are 4 slots, two in summer and the other two in the winter season. Here is a breakdown:
Winter Safari Timings (October to January)
Morning Slot: 7 am to 10:30 am
Evening Slot: 2 pm to 6 pm
Summer Safari Timings (February to June)
Morning Slot: 6:30 am to 10 am
Evening Slot: 2:30 pm to 6:30 pm
Sariska Reserve Ticket Price Range
The Sariska Tiger Reserve ticket price differs according to the nationality of the tourists. Here’s how:
Jeep Safari Ticket Price
For Indians: ₹1,700/ Person or ₹9,500 for the entire Jeep trip
For Foreigners: ₹3,400/ Person or ₹18,000 for a full jeep trip
Canter Safari Ticket Price
For Indians: ₹875/ Person
For Foreigners: ₹1,710/ Person
The Best Time to Visit Sariska Tiger Reserve
The best time to visit Sariska Tiger Reserve lies between October to March. These months conclude the winter season, therefore providing a peaceful, cool and pleasant atmosphere to enjoy the Sariska Tiger Reserve tour.
Where to Stay During the Sariska Tiger Reserve Tour
To acquire a comfortable and convenient stay during your Sariska Tiger Reserve tour, you can consider staying at nearby hotels, resorts, or other available guesthouses. You can stay at various budget options and luxurious options as well.
What do you get at Sariska Tiger Reserve Resorts?
- You get luxury and standard rooms, suites and opulent tent houses
- A range of special Rajasthani-style cuisine
- Recreation facilities like swimming pools and outdoor games
- A peaceful stay near the reserve
What do you get at Sariska Tiger Reserve Hotels?
- Budget-friendly rooms and tent houses
- Delicious food from a variety of local cuisines
- Areas for birdwatching and nature walks
Conclusion
The landscape of the bio-reserve is spread across the Sundarbans mangroves to Central India’s dry deciduous forests. Sariska Tiger Reserve serves as a major ecological geography for Tigers and wildlife conservation. As a matter of fact, the outlook of the reserve is promising and optimistic due to habitat restoration, anti-poaching, community awareness and involvement at a national level.
This blog serves as a detailed guide on the Sariska Reserve, exploring its history, present condition, what it has to offer as an eco-tourism destination, timings and Sariska Tiger Reserve tickets and accommodation options you can consider.
Rajasthan Tours India is a leading travel and tour operator in Rajasthan. We serve both domestic and international travellers and provide them with personalised tour packages, meeting their needs and preferences. As A hospitality club, our comprehensive services include budget-friendly and luxury tours to the unseen trails of Sariska Tiger Reserve. Therefore, you can reach out to get professional guidance and packages for your next tour.
