We were on a long research trip, driving through many small cities of Rajasthan, including Alwar. Known for its delicious milk based desserts (mithais), Alwar is also right next to Sariska National Park, a fact that we of course, could not overlook. So obviously, a quick plan was made to visit Sariska and go for at least one Safari into this beautiful forest.
Situated in close proximity to Delhi and Jaipur, Sariska National Park is often overlooked for its more glamourous sibling, Ranthambhore National Park. Sariska is a beautiful forest, has tigers, leopards, sambars, chitals and many many birds, migratory and resident. It is definitely worth a visit.
Though Sariska has tigers, that is noty what should be your only goal or visiting the park. Sighting a tiger is very difficult and you shold consider yourself lucky if you get to see one. They may not be immediately visible, but they are around. They say “you can’t see a tiger but the tiger can see you.” Many people get disappointed when they can’t spot one, and I have seen some people get angry with the safari and hotel staff as well. If you want to see tigers that badly see them on some YouTube videos. Enjoy the forsest for what it is, the landscape, the trees, the smell of the forest, the numerous birds and animals, some commonly see, some rare, some resident, some seasonal migrants. If you are very lucky, forget the tiger, you may even spot the extremely elusive but beautiful Caracal!
If you are visiting Sariska, do also visit Lake Siliserh. It is a beautiful lake amidst the hills of the Aravallis and has an old palace converted into a hotel : The RTDC Hotel Siliserh Lake Palace. You could visit this place for a lunch or tea or even to stay. We haven’t had a great stay experience at Alwar so offhand cannot recommend a place, but we do highly recommend visiting Sariska National Park.
Booking A Safari In Sariska National Park:
Safari bookings can be done at the park gates. Sariska has two gates, Sariska and Tehla, and there is a 55km difference between them. I haven’t been able to locate an online website for safari booking so do your own research or land really early (like maybe 6am for the morning safari or 1:30pm for the evening one). There are gypsy jeep safaris (more expensive, can carry only 5 tourists) or Cantar open trucks (can carry many more and also cheaper). Book what suits you.
Sariska looks beautiful. Even the lake looks so stunning! Yes, spotting a tiger should not be the main aim. I recently visited Kanha, which I thought was a beautiful national park. I found it a worthwhile trip, even though I didn’t spot a tiger.
Thanks Renuka. They say even though you may not have seen a Tiger, rest assured the Tiger saw you. I thoroughly enjoyed reading your post on Kanha. It is a beautiful forest and I want to visit it so badly…
I can never understand people who blame a safari organizer for not being able to show them wild animals. When m friend and I went to the Komodo Island in eastern Indonesia, the park ranger told us that one time some visitors complained that they couldn’t see the Komodo dragons. But that was because they went during the reptile’s mating season, which means they’re mostly hiding in the forests and stay clear of humans. Anyway, from your photos it looks like Sariska National Park is a place most people shouldn’t overlook at all.
Thanks Bama. Yes, some tourists are ill-informed or just ill-behaved who think a National Park is a zoo. Sariska is a large, large National Park, and the landscape itself is breathtaking. Definitely shouldn’t be missed.
The interesting trails and luscious green forest in the Sariska national park, Rajasthan look so exciting for the trip. The facts and information in the blog is informative and a safari ride to roam open between the forest is amazing experience
well said the beauty of Sariska lies in its topography.
Sariska looks beautiful. I was planning on visiting this lovely place and came across your article. Great work. And by the way, Great pictures. Keep up the good work.