Sariska National Park Safari

The Sariska National Park is nestled between the craggy landscapes of the Aravalli Mountain Range in Rajasthan. The park is split into areas of dry forests, grasslands, rocky lands and steep cliffs, making it a diverse habitat that hundreds of wild species call home. One such animal is the infamous striped beast, the Bengal Tiger that rules the lands of Sariska and brings in throngs of eager visitors from across the country.

What you’ll see

The Sariska National Park is a vast expanse of sepia landscapes, with dry, deciduous vegetation covering the park. The rugged expanses make for an ideal habitat for numerous wildlife species, including the famed Bengal Tiger, Indian leopard, hyena, chital, nilgai and grey langurs amongst others.

You will hear the occasional shriek of vultures and crescent serpent eagles throughout your safari and spot scores of other feathered species, like the grey partridge, golden-backed woodpeckers, sandgrouse and many more.

The surrounding Siliserh Lake and Jai Samand Lake house several marsh crocodiles and water snakes, adding to the prolific fauna of the forest.

Sariska Tiger Reserve Safari

There are two ways you can explore the beautiful national park – by jeep or canter.

The 3-hour jeep safari takes up to six people to the deepest crevices of the jungle, straight into the home of the wild. You are most likely to spot birds and encounter animals, including the Royal Bengal Tiger, up close on a jeep safari. This makes it the best option for photographers and birdwatchers.

Canters are large open vans that takes up to 20 people at a time, making it perfect for a large group. It also lasts shorter than a jeep safari, thereby giving you a quick glimpse of the park with plenty of wildlife sightings.

Where to stay

Sariska National Park has a wide range of options to choose from for your stay. There are ample resorts, lodges, camps and hotels in the vicinity, ranging from luxury to budget-friendly options.

Sketch itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Sariska!
Pick up from Jaipur/Delhi
Check in at resort and enjoy lunch
One evening jeep safari
Return to resort for dinner
Overnight at resort

Day 2: Safari day and check out
One morning jeep safari
Packed breakfast
Return to resort and check out
Drive back to Jaipur/Delhi

Detailed itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Sariska!
You will begin your trip with a pick up from Jaipur or Delhi and be driven down to the resort at Sariska. Upon arrival, you’ll soak in the serene nature and check in to your rooms. Devour a lipsmacking lunch and head out for your first safari of the trip! You’ll spot many animals in their home in broad daylight and hear the shrill calls of vultures and eagles. You’ll then return to the resort for dinner and retreat to your rooms for the night.

Day 2: Safari day and check out
Your day will begin with an enthralling safari at the crack of dawn. You’ll love to watch the golden sun slowly awaken the park and see your favourite spots from the previous day in a new light. On this safari, you will also enjoy a packed breakfast. Once you return to the resort, it’s time to bid goodbye to the beauty around you. You will check out and be driven back to Jaipur/Delhi.

Inclusions

Travel to and from Jaipur/Delhi
Two 3-hour jeep safaris
Accommodation at resort
All meals

Sketch itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Sariska!
Pick up from Jaipur/Delhi
Check in and have a delicious lunch
One evening jeep safari
Dinner and overnight at resort

Day 2: Safari and tour
One morning jeep safari
Packed breakfast
Lunch at resort
4-hour sightseeing tour
Dinner and overnight at resort

Day 3: Goodbye Sariska
One morning jeep safari
Packed breakfast
Return to resort for check out
Drive to Jaipur/Delhi

Detailed itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Sariska!
Your trip starts as soon as you arrive at Jaipur/Delhi. You’ll be picked up and driven down to your resort at Sariska. Once you check in, relax and enjoy your lunch, the fun begins! You will head out to your first safari of the trip and enter the home of the wild. You’ll spend hours in the wilderness and spot hundreds of species of animals and birds. Return to the resort for your dinner and retreat to your rooms for the night.

Day 2: Safari and tour
You’ll wake up surrounded by serene nature on your first morning here. With a packed breakfast and tonnes of excitement, you’ll embark on your second Sariska safari at the crack of dawn. You’ll see the park come to life as the sun shines down and return to the resort to recharge for a fun-filled day ahead. After your lunch, you will head out for a sightseeing tour that takes you to the ancient Hanuman and Neelkanth Temples, the Kankwadi Fort and the Sariska Palace. You’ll come back to a delicious dinner and spend the night in your rooms.

Day 3: Goodbye Sariska
Your last morning here is kickstarted with another morning safari, where you’ll get to revisit your favourite spots for the last time. Say goodbye to the stunning sanctuary and return to the resort for your check out. You will then be driven back to Jaipur/Delhi.

Inclusions

Transport to and from Jaipur/Delhi
Three jeep safaris
Accommodation at resort
All meals

Best time to go/Weather

Sariska National Park is an adventurer’s treat all year round! Each season has unique vistas, so choose your dates according to what you would like to experience.

Summertime at Sariska (March-June) is scorching, with temperatures touching 49°C during the day. If you can bear higher temperatures, choose to visit the park during this season as it is excellent for wildlife viewing. You will find the prolific fauna traversing across the landscapes in search of water and some shade to rest. The dried-out foliage also makes it easy to spot some of the infamous Royal Bengal Tigers.

Between the months of July-September, rains hit the park and drop the temperatures by a few degrees. Sariska is one of the very few national parks in India that is open during the monsoons since it doesn’t rain too heavily. It is a pleasant and offbeat season at the park, making it the best option for those who wish to see lesser crowds.

The climate drastically changes in the winter months of October-February, with the temperatures falling as low as 4°C. This is the most comfortable time to visit and you will find tigers and other mammals basking in the open grounds, catching some warmth from the subtle sunlight. This is the best time for birdwatching as the cold weather brings in flocks of migratory birds, including the endangered Siberian Crane.

The Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary brings in throngs of nature-lovers from across the globe. For that reason, the park is well-connected to major Indian cities, making it easy to reach there from major Indian cities.

By road
State and private buses are available from Jaipur (2 hours), Bharatpur (2.5 hours), Agra (3.5 hours), Delhi (4.5 hours) and many other cities.

By rail
Alwar railway station is the closest one to Sariska. It connects to most Indian cities and is only 38 kms from the park.

By air
The closest airport is in Jaipur, where you can catch a bus or cab from to reach Sariska within 2 hours.

During your Sariska tiger reserve safari, ensure that your clothes cover your arms and legs to keep dust, insects and harsh sunlight away. Your clothes must be neutrally coloured in tan, olive, khaki or brown. Wear footwear that is comfortable and covers your feet, like sneakers. Apply an insect repellent and SPF 50+ sunscreen in all weathers.

If you’re visiting during the summers, wear light linen or cotton clothing. Sunglasses and a hat are good additions to your outfit for additional sun protection. When it gets too hot, a bandana will come in handy as you can dip it in cool water and drape it over neck.

It can get fairly cold during the winter, so ensure that you carry warm woollen clothing and thermal innerwear. Carry a shawl or scarf and winter caps that protect your ears from cold winds. 

The safari at Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary lasts for a few hours with no pitstops for buying food or water. Hence, carry a large water bottle on your safari, especially during the summers. An SPF 50+ sunscreen, insect repellent, a hat and sunglasses are essential to protect yourself from irritants like dust and insects. Carry jackets and woollen caps during the winter. Don’t forget a fully charged camera with ample memory and a pair of binoculars so you don’t miss out on anything!

You don’t need to undergo any fitness training for your safari at Sariska National Park. You will be seated throughout the safari with almost no walking around. This also makes for an ideal adventure for children and older people!

Sariska National Park Safari - Frequently Asked Questions

Each season at the Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary is unique and has a magic of its own. Hence, depending on what you wish to witness, some months may be a better choice for you. Summers (March-June) are extremely hot, with temperatures soaring up to 49°C. However, this is the best time for wildlife viewing as the hot weather brings animals out towards the water bodies, making them easy to spot. Winters (October-February) are an extremely popular time to visit, with temperatures as cold as 4°C. You’re most likely to spot animals basking in the sunlight of the open grasslands. Sariska is also one of the few national parks in India that remains open for the monsoons (July-September). It’s an offbeat season with ample wildlife sightings, making it perfect for nature-lovers that want to see lesser crowds.

Sariska Tiger Reserve is well-connected to major Indian cities via road, rail and air. If you’re travelling by road, state and private busses frequently travel from Jaipur (2 hours), Bharatpur (2.5 hours), Agra (3.5 hours) and Delhi (4.5 hours) to the park. The nearest railway station is at Alwar, where you can get a cab or bus from to reach the park. Jaipur has the nearest airport and is well-frequented by domestic and international flights.

The jeep safari at Sariska accommodates up to 6 people at once, whereas a canter seats up to 20 people.

Yes, children are allowed, but only under the supervision of an adult.

Winters can get particularly cold at Sariska, hence, it’s a good idea to wear warm, woollen clothing and thermal innerwear. Additionally, carry woollen caps that protect your ears from cold winds and a shawl for extra warmth.

For the scorching summers at Sariska, light clothing made of cotton or linen will be your best option. Don’t forget to apply an SPF 50+ sunscreen and carry a scarf that you can dip in cool water and drape over your neck when the sun gets unbearable.

Yes, phones are allowed during the safari, but you will be requested to keep them on silent and refrain from speaking on the phone or playing music.

There are multiple lodges, resorts, hotels and camps around the park, ranging from luxury to budget-friendly options.