Sariska Tiger Reserve is a famous wildlife sanctuary located in Alwar district of Rajasthan, India. It is situated amidst the Aravalli Hills and covers an area of about 800 square kilometers. The reserve is known for its rich biodiversity and is home to several species of flora and fauna. The most famous of them being the Royal Bengal Tiger.
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Sariska Tiger Reserve – A two day visit
A two-day visit to this place is enough to experience the beauty and wonder of this amazing reserve.
Day 1:
The first day of our trip started early in the morning. We took a train from Delhi to Alwar and reached there by 9 AM. From Alwar, we hired a taxi to reach the Sariska Tiger Reserve which was around 40 km from there. The drive to the reserve was breathtaking, as we could see the beautiful Aravalli Hills all around us.
We reached the entrance of the reserve by 10 AM and after completing the formalities, we were all set to explore the place. The reserve has a network of roads that are maintained by the forest department, and visitors are allowed to drive through them. We hired a jeep and a guide to take us through the reserve.
As we entered the reserve, we were greeted by the lush green forest cover. The guide informed us that the reserve is home to several species of animals like tigers, leopards, hyenas, wild dogs, sambars, chitals, and many more. The reserve is also known for its rich bird life and is home to several species of birds like peafowl, grey partridge, white-throated kingfisher, and many more.
We drove through the forest roads and could hear the sounds of birds and animals all around us. We spotted several deer grazing in the meadows and monkeys playing around in the trees. The guide informed us that the reserve has around 15-20 tigers and it is difficult to spot them during the daytime.
Sariska Palace
We continued our drive through the forest and reached the beautiful Sariska Palace. The palace was built in the 19th century and has now been converted into a heritage hotel. The palace is surrounded by beautiful gardens and offers a stunning view of the Aravalli Hills. We spent some time there, admiring the beauty of the palace and its surroundings.
Siliserh Lake
After spending some time at the palace, we resumed our drive through the forest. We came across a water body called the Siliserh Lake which is located within the reserve. The lake is surrounded by hills on all sides and is a popular spot for boating. We decided to take a boat ride and explore the lake. The boat ride was amazing, and we could see several birds like ducks and geese swimming in the lake. The lake also has a small island in the middle which is home to several species of birds.
Kankwadi Fort
After the boat ride, we resumed our drive through the forest and reached the Kankwadi Fort. The fort was built in the 17th century and is located on a hilltop within the reserve. The fort offers a panoramic view of the reserve and its surroundings. The fort is also home to several species of birds like vultures and eagles.
We spent some time at the fort, admiring the beauty of the place and then resumed our drive through the forest. We drove through several beautiful valleys and came across several water bodies. The guide informed us that the reserve has several natural springs and waterfalls which are a sight to behold during the monsoon season.
As the sun started to set, we decided to call it a day and headed back to our hotel. We stayed at a hotel located outside the reserve, as there are no accommodations available inside the reserve. We had dinner at the hotel and retired for the night, eagerly waiting for the second day of our trip.
Day 2:
The second day of our trip started early as we wanted to explore more of the reserve. We hired a jeep and a guide and headed back to the reserve. We were excited to spot a tiger and had our fingers crossed.
As we drove through the forest, we could see several animals like deer, wild boars, and monkeys. The guide informed us that the reserve has a healthy population of leopards, and it is common to spot them during the early morning hours. We were lucky enough to spot a leopard as it crossed the road in front of our jeep.
Pandupol Hanuman Temple
We continued our drive through the forest and reached the Pandupol Hanuman Temple. The temple is located within the reserve and is a popular spot for tourists. The temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman and is believed to be the place where he took rest during his journey to Lanka. The temple is surrounded by beautiful forests and offers a serene atmosphere.
After visiting the temple, we resumed our drive through the forest. The guide informed us that the reserve has several water bodies where animals come to quench their thirst. We decided to spend some time near one of the water bodies to see if we could spot any animals.
As we waited patiently, we could hear the sounds of animals approaching. To our surprise, a group of wild dogs came to the water body to drink water. The wild dogs are known for their hunting skills and are a rare sight in the reserve. We were lucky to spot them and spent some time watching them from a safe distance.
After spending some time near the water body, we resumed our drive through the forest. We could see several species of birds like eagles, vultures, and kingfishers. The guide informed us that the reserve is home to several species of reptiles like snakes and lizards, but it is rare to spot them during the daytime.
Rajgarh Palace
As the day progressed, we headed towards the Rajgarh Palace. The palace was built in the 18th century and was once the residence of the Maharaja of Alwar. The palace is located on a hilltop and offers a stunning view of the reserve and its surroundings. The palace has now been converted into a heritage hotel and offers an amazing experience for tourists.
Sariska National Park Museum
After visiting the palace, we headed towards the Sariska National Park Museum. The museum is located outside the reserve and is a great place to learn about the biodiversity of the reserve. The museum has several exhibits that showcase the flora and fauna of the reserve. The museum also has a section that showcases the history of the reserve and its conservation efforts.
After visiting the museum, we headed back to our hotel, as it was time to pack our bags and head back to Delhi. The two-day visit to the Sariska Tiger Reserve was an amazing experience, and we were lucky enough to spot several species of animals and birds. The reserve is a great place to explore the beauty and wonder of nature and is a must-visit for nature lovers.
In conclusion, a two-day visit to the Sariska Tiger Reserve is a great way to explore the beauty and wonder of this amazing place. The reserve is home to several species of animals and birds, and the drive through the forest is a surreal experience. The reserve is also a great place to learn about the biodiversity of the region and its conservation efforts. If you are planning a trip to Rajasthan, do not forget to add the Sariska Tiger Reserve to your itinerary.
How to Reach Sariska Tiger Reserve
Sariska Tiger Reserve is a national park and tiger sanctuary in Rajasthan, India. It covers an area of 800 square kilometers and is home to many wildlife species, including tigers, leopards, deer, monkeys and birds.
There are different ways to reach Sariska Tiger Reserve depending on your starting point and preference. Here are some options:
- By air: The nearest airport is Sanganer airport in Jaipur, which is about 107 km away from Sariska. You can take a flight to Jaipur from many major cities in India and abroad. From Jaipur airport, you can hire a taxi or board a bus to Sariska.
- By road: Sariska Tiger Reserve lies on the Delhi-Alwar-Jaipur road. You can drive or take a tourist taxi or regular bus service from any of these cities to Sariska. The distance from Delhi is about 240 km, from Alwar is about 36 km and from Jaipur is about 107 km.
- By train: The nearest railway station is Alwar Junction, which is about 36 km away from Sariska. You can take a train from many cities in India to Alwar Junction. From there, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Sariska.
I hope this helps you plan your trip to Sariska Tiger Reserve.
Timings and Entry Fees for Sariska Tiger Reserve
The timings and entry fees for Sariska Tiger Reserve vary depending on the season, mode of transport and nationality of the visitors. Here are some general information based on the search results:
- The park is open from 6:00 am to 8:00 pm, but the safari timings change with season. The morning shift starts from 6:00 am or 6:30 am or 7:00 am and ends at 9:30 am or 10:00 am or 10:30 am depending on the month. The evening shift starts from 2:00 pm or 2:30 pm or 3:00 pm and ends at 5:30 pm or 6:00 pm or 6:30 pm or 7:00 pm depending on the month.
- The park is closed for safari from July 1st to September 30th, but a monsoon buffer safari is available up to Pandupol temple.
- The entry fee for Indian nationals is Rs.50 per hour for a forest department vehicle, Rs.125 per car for a private vehicle (only allowed on Tuesdays and Saturdays), Rs.200 for a video camera, Rs.706 for a canter seat and Rs.1062 for a gypsy seat. The entry fee for foreign nationals is Rs.1722 for a gypsy seat and Rs.1366 for a canter seat. For professional video and movie cameras, it is Rs.3000, and for feature films, it is Rs.20,000.
- It is advisable to book online in advance as the demand for safari is high, especially during tourism season. You can book online from https://fmdss.forest.rajasthan.gov.in
FAQs
Q: Where is Sariska Tiger Reserve located?
A: Sariska Tiger Reserve is located in Alwar district, Rajasthan, India. It is a part of the Aravalli Range and the Khathiar-Gir dry deciduous forests ecoregion.
Q: How big is Sariska Tiger Reserve?
A: Sariska Tiger Reserve stretches over an area of 881 km² comprising scrub-thorn arid forests, dry deciduous forests, grasslands, and rocky hills. The wildlife sanctuary was declared a national park in 1982, with a total area of about 273.8 km.
Q: What are the main attractions of Sariska Tiger Reserve?
A: The main attractions of Sariska Tiger Reserve are its wildlife, especially tigers, leopards, hyenas, jackals, deer and monkeys. It also has many bird species such as peafowl, partridge, woodpecker and eagle-owl. Besides wildlife viewing, visitors can also enjoy jeep safaris, historical monuments such as Kankwadi fort and Neelkanth temple, and scenic waterfalls such as Pandupol Hanuman Temple.
Q: When was Sariska Tiger Reserve established?
A: Sariska Tiger Reserve was established in 1979 as a part of India’s Project Tiger initiative to conserve tigers and their habitats. It was previously a hunting preserve of the Alwar state and was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1958.
Q: How many tigers are there in Sariska Tiger Reserve?
A: According to recent news reports, there are currently 28 tigers in Sariska Tiger Reserve. This number has increased from zero in 2004 when all the tigers were poached or killed by villagers. Since then, several tigers have been relocated from Ranthambore National Park to Sariska Tiger Reserve to revive the population. It is the first reserve in the world with successfully relocated tigers.
Q: What are the best times to visit Sariska Tiger Reserve?
A: The best times to visit Sariska Tiger Reserve are between October and June when the weather is pleasant and dry. The park remains open throughout the year but may close during heavy rains or extreme heat. The park timings are from 6 am to 3 pm for morning safaris and from 3 pm to 6 pm for evening safaris.
Q: How can I reach Sariska Tiger Reserve?
A: You can reach Sariska Tiger Reserve by road or by rail. The nearest city is Alwar which is about 36 km away from the park entrance. You can take a bus or a taxi from Alwar to reach the park. Alternatively, you can take a train to Alwar railway station which is well connected to major cities like Delhi (200 km), Jaipur (107 km) and Agra (150 km). From there you can hire a cab or an auto-rickshaw to reach the park gate.
Q: Where can I stay near Sariska Tiger Reserve?
A: There are several options for accommodation near Sariska Tiger Reserve ranging from budget hotels to luxury resorts. Some of them are:
- Sariska Palace B.O: A heritage hotel that was once used by Maharajas for hunting expeditions. It offers spacious rooms with modern amenities and views of the Aravalli hills.
- Tiger Den Resort: A jungle resort that provides comfortable cottages with balconies overlooking lush greenery. It also has a swimming pool
- Gulmohar Resort: A cozy resort that features elegant rooms with wooden furniture and private sit-outs. It also has an indoor restaurant
- Sarvodaya Guest House: A budget-friendly guest house that offers basic rooms with attached bathrooms and hot water facilities.
Q: What are some dos and don’ts while visiting Sariska Tiger Reserve?
A: Some dos and don’ts while visiting Sariska Tiger Reserve are:
- Do follow the rules and regulations of the park authorities
- Do respect the wildlife and their habitat
- Do carry water bottles, sunscreen lotion, hats, sunglasses and binoculars
- Do keep your distance from wild animals
- Do keep your voice low
- Don’t litter or feed any animals
- Don’t smoke or light fires inside the park
Read More – Rajasthan’s Top 10 Tourist Hotspots: Uncovering the Magic of the Land of Kings
Good work nice trip beautiful place sariska