Sariska Tiger Reserve Tour from Jaipur

Sariska — Rajasthan's Closest Wildlife Escape

Sariska Tiger Reserve is the closest major wildlife destination to Jaipur, located just 110 km away in the Alwar district of Rajasthan. Spread over 881 square kilometers of the Aravalli hills, Sariska offers a dramatic landscape of rugged rocky terrain, dry deciduous forest, and open grasslands — very different from the more densely forested Ranthambore. The reserve made global headlines in 2004 when all its tigers mysteriously disappeared, and then again in 2008 when it became the first tiger reserve in the world to successfully repopulate tigers from another reserve (Ranthambore). Today Sariska has a growing tiger population and excellent wildlife diversity.

Wildlife at Sariska

Bengal Tiger: Sariska currently has over 25 tigers, including several cubs born in recent years. Tiger sightings at Sariska have been increasing steadily, with Zone 1 (near Kalighati and Pandupol) being the most productive area for tiger encounters. While sightings are less predictable than at Ranthambore, successful encounters here feel especially rewarding.

Leopard: Sariska has an excellent leopard population that inhabits the rocky hillsides and forest edges. Leopards are seen more frequently than tigers here, particularly near the buffer zone areas at dawn and dusk.

Striped Hyena: Sariska is one of the best places in India to spot the elusive striped hyena. These nocturnal scavengers are occasionally seen on early morning and evening safaris, particularly around the dry riverbeds and forest edges.

Nilgai & Sambar: Large herds of nilgai (blue bull — India's largest antelope) and sambar deer are abundant throughout the reserve. Spotted deer (chital) form dense herds in the grassland areas. These herbivores are critical for the tiger and leopard prey base.

Wild Boar: Extremely common throughout Sariska, wild boar are seen in large family groups rooting through the forest undergrowth. They form an important part of the tiger's diet.

Birds: Over 200 bird species including the painted spurfowl, grey jungle fowl, crested serpent eagle, Indian eagle owl, and the Indian peafowl (peacock — India's national bird) which is seen in exceptionally large numbers throughout Sariska.

Historical Sites Inside Sariska

One of Sariska's unique attractions is the ancient Pandupol temple — a 1,000-year-old Hanuman temple located deep inside the tiger reserve, accessible only by forest safari vehicle. The temple sits at a beautiful location near a natural water source, and a visit here combines wildlife watching with a touch of the spiritual. The drive to Pandupol passes through the most scenic and wildlife-rich areas of the reserve.

The Sariska Palace (now a heritage hotel) is located within the reserve boundaries, originally built as the hunting lodge of the Maharaja of Alwar. Staying here provides an extraordinary experience — waking up to peacocks on the lawns, langur monkeys in the trees, and the possibility of a leopard spotting from your room window. We can assist with booking stays at Sariska Palace or at any of the resorts and guesthouses in Sariska village.

Alwar — The City Near Sariska

The nearby city of Alwar is one of Rajasthan's lesser-visited but historically rich destinations. The Alwar City Palace (Vinay Vilas Mahal) is a stunning 18th-century structure now housing a government museum with an excellent collection of royal artifacts, Mughal miniatures, and vintage royal accessories. The nearby Bala Quila (Alwar Fort) is a formidable hilltop fort with panoramic views. The Siliserh Lake, 12 km from Alwar, is an artificial reservoir surrounded by the Aravalli hills — a peaceful spot for boating, bird watching, and photography at sunset.

Many travelers combine Sariska with Alwar sightseeing for a comprehensive 2-day circuit from Jaipur. Day 1: Drive from Jaipur to Alwar city, visit City Palace, Bala Quila, and Siliserh Lake. Stay overnight in Sariska or Alwar. Day 2: Morning and afternoon safaris at Sariska Tiger Reserve. Return to Jaipur in the evening.

Safari Information

Sariska has 9 safari zones. Zone 1 (Kalighati, Pandupol area) is considered the best for tiger sightings. Safaris run twice daily — early morning (6:30 AM to 10 AM) and afternoon (2:30 PM to 6 PM). Only jeep safaris (no canter) are available at Sariska. The jeep accommodates 6 passengers plus the driver and a mandatory forest guide. Safari fees and permit charges are approximately ₹300–₹500 per person (government rates, subject to change). Our driver will assist with permit bookings, which we strongly recommend securing 3–5 days in advance during peak season (October to March).