Sariska National Park is a famous place for seeing wild animals. It is in the Alwar district of Rajasthan, India. Many people also know it as Sariska Tiger Reserve, and it is one of the most well-known national parks in India.
This park is quite big, and it spreads across an area of about 1203 square kilometers. Out of this, the main area where most animals live is about 881 square kilometers. This is called the core area. The land inside the park has different kinds of natural areas. You will find dry forests, thorny bushes, open grasslands, and rocky hills. The park is located in the beautiful Aravali Hills, which makes the place more attractive to visitors.
bird species
species mammals
Tiger population
The tiger is the main animal found in Sariska, and though there were many earlier, all of them disappeared from the park in the early 2000s. They had disappeared from the park. This was very sad for people who love animals. The government decided to take action. They started a special program to bring tigers back to Sariska. Tigers were brought from other places and released in the park. This is called tiger relocation. This program is the main reason that tigers now live in Sariska again. This made Sariska an important example of animal protection in India.
Sariska is not only known for tigers, but the park also has many other animals living there. By booking a Sariska Tour Package, you can see leopards, hyenas, jackals, spotted deer (also called chital), jungle cats, and four-horned antelopes. One rare animal called the caracal also lives here. It is a kind of wild cat. The ratel, also called the honey badger, is another interesting animal and is known for being very brave and very strong.
Long ago, this area of Sariska Park was used by the royal families of Alwar for hunting. The forest had many wild animals, and the kings came here to hunt them. But later, the Indian government decided to protect the forest and save the animals.
In the year 1955, the government made this place a wildlife reserve. After three years, in 1958, it became a wildlife sanctuary. This step was taken to keep the forest and animals safe.
Then, in 1978, something very important happened. Sariska was included in a national program called Project Tiger. This program was started to save tigers in India. After joining Project Tiger, Sariska became a tiger reserve. Later, in 1990, it was officially named Sariska National Park with an area of about 273.8 square kilometers.
There were some problems in the past. Mining was done in this area because the land in this park had copper and other minerals. Mining is the process of taking out minerals from the ground by digging. This harmed the forest and animals. Mining was stopped inside this park by the Supreme Court of India in the year 1991. This helped to protect the forest and animals.
In 2004, something very sad happened because all the tigers disappeared from the Sariska Tiger Reserve. People were very shocked and worried. No tiger was left in the park.
A plan was made to solve the problem, and between 2008 and 2011, tigers were brought from Ranthambore reserve to Sariska. For the first time in the world, tigers were shifted between reserves, and this was an important step taken to help the Sariska reserve.
There was good news that a tigress in Sariska gave birth to two baby tigers in 2012. This showed that the plan worked. The population of tigers slowly increased after that. Today, Sariska is again home to tigers and many other animals. The park is now protected, and many people work to keep the animals safe.
Sariska National Park is a well-known place in Rajasthan, famous for its wildlife and natural beauty. Many tourists visit the park to enjoy its animals, birds, and peaceful surroundings. There are also other interesting places to see inside and around the park. Here are some popular tourist spots to visit near Sariska:
Kankwari Fort is inside Sariska National Park. It is an old fort built many years ago during the Mughal period. Long ago, it was used as a prison, and the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb kept his brother, Dara Shikoh, here. Today, the fort is in a damaged condition, but it still attracts many
DetailsSariska Palace is located near Sariska National Park, which was built in the early 1900s by the Maharaja of Alwar and was once used as a hunting lodge. Today, the palace is a heritage hotel. Even if you are not staying there, you can visit and explore the beautiful building and its
DetailsThis fort is located about 30 kilometers from Sariska and is very famous because many people believe it is haunted. There are many stories and rumors about the fort, making it a spooky place to visit. Whether or not you believe in ghosts, the old ruins of the fort are interesting to
DetailsSiliserh Lake is just 13 kilometers from Sariska National Park. It is a peaceful and beautiful place where visitors can enjoy boating. While boating, you can see many birds and enjoy the quiet surroundings. There is also a historic palace on the lake's banks, which makes the place
DetailsBhartrihari Temple is just 10 kilometers from Sariska. This temple is dedicated to the sage Bhartrihari and is an important place for people interested in Indian spirituality and mythology.
DetailsNeelkanth Temple is located 32 kilometers from Sariska National Park. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the oldest temples that is present in this area. People who are interested in history, architecture, and
DetailsThis cenotaph was made in 1815 as a way to respect Maharaja Bakhtawar Singh and Rani Moosi. Located about 32 kilometers from Sariska, it is a fine example of Rajasthan’s architectural style. The two-story building
DetailsBijak-ki-Pahari is an ancient Buddhist site located about 30 kilometers from Sariska. The site dates back to the 3rd century BCE and contains a chapel made of wooden pillars and brick panels. If you are interested in early
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Sariska National Park has many different kinds of plants. The land that is present here is hot and dry, so the plants growing here are used to the weather of this place. The park has dry forests, thorny bushes, grasslands, and rocky areas.
The Dhok tree, called Anogeissus pendula in science, is found most and covers 40% of Sariska Park. The fruits and leaves that grow on this tree are the food source of many animals, so, this tree is very important for wildlife in this park. It helps them live and stay healthy.
Sariska also has many Indian trees like Palm, Pipal, Banyan, and Neem growing in different areas inside the park. These trees grow well in Sariska and are also found in many parts of this country, India.
A tree in this park, known as Flame of the Forest, has bright flowers. Other trees like Mango, Tamarind (Imli), and Jamun give fruits. Birds and animals eat these fruits. Sometimes, tourists also eat them during their visit to this national park.
Sariska has many small plants called shrubs that grow close to the ground and are smaller than trees. Jhar Ber, Kair, and Adusta are common shrubs in Sariska, and many wild animals and birds eat their fruits and leaves, which makes these shrubs very useful in the forest. Sometimes, smaller wild animals can also use them to hide from predators.
The park has many trees, shrubs, and plants, and all these together help make the national park green and look very nice. These plants provide shelter and food to wild animals and birds, helping the animals in Sariska live and grow well because of these resources.
Sariska National Park is a famous place for animals and birds. Many people come here to see wild animals, especially the Royal Bengal Tiger, which is the main attraction of this national park. Tourists are lucky because tigers are sometimes seen during the daytime.
There are many other animals in Sariska. One common animal is the Sambar Deer. This is a big deer and lives in many parts of India. You can also see the Spotted Deer, which is also called Chital. Another large animal that can be seen here is the Nilgai, also known as the Blue Bull. The park also has the Four-Horned Antelope, which is a rare animal. Langurs are also common here, and they have very long tails. They live in groups and move from tree to tree.
Sariska also has many meat-eating animals. Some of these are the Indian Leopard, Jungle Cat, Caracal, and Hyena. These animals are often shy and hard to see. There are also small animals like the Ruddy Mongoose, Palm Civet, Porcupine, and Pangolin. These smaller animals are also not easy to find, but visitors might see them during jungle safaris.
The park is also a good place for bird lovers as there are more than 250 types of birds that live here or visit during certain seasons. Some common birds are the Peafowl, Grey Francolin, Painted Spurfowl, Bush Quail, and Sand Grouse. Other birds that people like to see are the Rufous Treepie, Golden-Backed Woodpecker, Crested Serpent Eagle, Indian Pitta, Paradise Flycatcher, and Golden Oriole. Some birds come only in certain seasons, and many birds come in groups.
Because of all these animals and birds, Sariska National Park is a good place for people who love nature. Tourists, families, and photographers can enjoy seeing wildlife here. It is a great spot to learn about wildlife.
Sariska National Park is open all year round, and each season offers a different experience. The best time to visit Sariska depends on your interests and the activities you want to enjoy.
Winter (October to March): Winter is a great time to visit Sariska because the weather is pretty comfortable and good for safaris. During winter, the park looks beautiful with green trees and blooming flowers. It is also a good time for birdwatching because many migratory birds come to the park. If you visit in winter, remember to bring warm clothes because early mornings and evenings can be cold, with temperatures dropping to 15°C.
Summer (April to June): Summer in Sariska is very hot, with temperatures reaching 48°C, causing fewer visitors, making it quieter due to the intense heat during this time. However, summer can be a good time for animal sightings, as many animals come close to water sources to drink. If you visit in summer, make sure to drink plenty of water, wear light clothes, a hat, and sunscreen to stay safe from the sun.
Monsoon (July to September): The park stays open during the monsoon season, although many other national parks close. During this time, you can explore some areas like BalaQuilla. Tiger sightings are rare in the monsoon, but the park’s greenery and fresh air make it a nice time for people who love nature. You can enjoy the park’s beauty after the rains, with both day and night safaris available.
Sariska National Park offers two main types of safaris for visitors: the Gypsy Safari and the Canter Safari. Both safaris allow you to see wildlife in their natural environment, but they are different in terms of the vehicle used, group size, and the experience they offer. Here's an easy guide to help you choose the best safari for your visit.
The Gypsy Safari is done in small vehicles called gypsies. These are 4-wheel drive vehicles that can carry up to 6 people. If you have a child under 5 years old, they can join for free. This type of safari is best if you want a more personal and closer experience with nature. The smaller vehicle allows you to move easily through the jungle and gives you a better chance of seeing animals. You can go on the Gypsy Safari twice a day. Each vehicle comes with a trained guide or naturalist who will tell you interesting facts about the park and its animals. Only 20 gypsies are allowed to enter the park each day, so it’s important to book your Sariska Tour Package in advance.
The Canter Safari is done in an open-air vehicle that looks like a bus, called a canter. This vehicle can carry up to 20 people, so it’s a good option for larger groups or families. The canter offers a higher view, so you can see the animals and the landscape from above. You can also enjoy the Canter Safari twice a day. However, canter safaris can only enter through the Sariska Gate (first gate), and only 20 canter safaris are allowed each day. Like the Gypsy Safari, it’s a good idea to book in advance to make sure you get a spot.
Both safaris allow you to explore different parts of the park, so your choice will depend on how many people are in your group and how close you want to be to the animals. Be sure to book your Sariska Tour Package ahead of time so you don’t miss out.
There are four Sariska zones for safaris, each offering something different for visitors:
The safari starts at Sariska Gate and goes through places like Ghanka Tirya, Tarunda, Brahmanath, Kalighati, Pandupol, and back to Sariska. This zone is great for people who want to see animals, especially tigers and leopards. Kalighati is a famous place for spotting these big cats. The safari also stops at Pandupol, which has a well-known Hanuman temple, adding some history and culture to the trip.
In Zone 2, the safari begins at Sariska Gate and goes through Bharthari Tibara, Karnakabas, Jalebi Chowk, Alguaal, Naya Pani, Geru ka Tirya, Kalighati, Pandupol, and then back to Sariska. This zone is popular with birdwatchers. At Jalebi Chowk, you can see many birds and deer. Naya Pani is a watering hole where animals often come to drink water, so it’s a good place to see wildlife. This zone offers both birdwatching and animal sightings, making it perfect for nature lovers.
Zone 3 gives you a mix of nature and history. The safari starts at Sariska Gate and passes through Kalighati, Kabri Gate, Kankwari, Neelkanth Mahadev, Tehla, and back to Sariska. One of the main attractions in this zone is Kankwari Fort, where you can enjoy great views of the park. You will also visit the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, an old temple with beautiful carvings. This is one of the Sariska zones where you can explore both wildlife and the cultural history.
The safari in Zone 4 starts at Tehla Gate and goes through Chamari ka Bera, Kalighati, Pandupol, and then returns to Tehla. This zone is quieter and offers a peaceful safari experience. Tehla Gate has beautiful rocky landscapes. At Chamari ka Bera, you can sometimes see hyenas and leopards. If you want a quieter safari with fewer people and some unique animals, Zone 4 is the best choice.