Sariska Tiger Reserve
Park Rajasthan wildlife reserve protecting Royal Bengal tigers
In Rajasthan’s Aravalli hills, Sariska Tiger Reserve protects Bengal tigers and dry deciduous forest. Visitors come for jeep safaris, birdwatching and to spot deer and other wildlife around trails and waterholes near Alwar.
Sariska Tiger Reserve is a protected wildlife area in Alwar district, Rajasthan, India, set within the Aravalli hill range and managed for biodiversity conservation with a focus on large mammals.
The landscape is dry deciduous forest, rocky outcrops and scrub where tourists go on morning and late-afternoon safaris for sightings of large mammals such as leopards, jungle cat, striped hyena, sambar deer, chital and nilgai. The reserve also contains several historic hilltop ruins and small temples that are visited on ranger-led tours.
The protected area has long been recognised for its wildlife and was included in India’s network of protected areas under national conservation programs. After a period when resident tigers disappeared locally, animals were translocated into the reserve from other parks in the late 2000s to re-establish a breeding population.
Located in the Alwar district of Rajasthan, the reserve lies in the Aravalli hills of northwestern India and is accessed via local roads from Alwar district towns and tourist hubs in Rajasthan.
- Viewing tips: Best wildlife viewing occurs at dawn and dusk when many mammals are most active; guided safari drives improve chances of spotting larger species.
- Viewpoints: Several short trails and hilltop viewpoints provide good vantage points for photographing the reserve and its valleys.
What to See #
- Kankwari Fort: Perched on a ridge inside the reserve, the hilltop fort complex includes ruined walls and offers panoramic views over the surrounding dry deciduous forest and grassland; the site is a common stop on game drives.
How to Get to Sariska Tiger Reserve #
Sariska is about 107 km from Jaipur (roughly 3-4 hours by road) and about 200 km from Delhi; the nearest railhead is Alwar (about 45 km). Access by car/bus along NH8 and local roads.
Tips for Visiting Sariska Tiger Reserve #
- Book jeep safaris through the official forest department or approved tour operators - illegal drives endanger both animals and visitors.
- Visit outside the peak summer months (May-July) when temperatures routinely exceed 40°C; winter mornings are best for tiger sightings.
- Spend two nights if possible - early mornings and late afternoons are the best windows for wildlife activity.
Best Time to Visit Sariska Tiger Reserve #
Best visited in winter and post-monsoon autumn for comfortable weather and higher chances of sightings; book safaris in advance.
Weather & Climate near Sariska Tiger Reserve #
Sariska Tiger Reserve's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical (Dry Winter) - Humid Subtropical (Dry Winter) climate with very hot summers (peaking in June) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 6°C to 38°C. Moderate rainfall (814 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 20°C and lows of 6°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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February
February is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 9°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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March
March is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 14°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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April
April is warm with highs of 35°C and lows of 20°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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May
May is hot with highs of 38°C and lows of 24°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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June
June is the hottest month with highs of 37°C and lows of 26°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm).
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July
July is hot, feeling like 30°C. Heavy rain (252 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is hot, feeling like 29°C due to high humidity. The wettest month with heavy rain (271 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 22°C. Significant rainfall (157 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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October
October is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 18°C. Light rainfall and clear sunny skies.
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November
November is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 12°C. The driest month with just 5 mm and clear sunny skies.
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December
December is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 8°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.