Sariska National Park

Located in Rajasthan, Sariska is known for its successful tiger reintroduction program and its diverse wildlife including leopards, sambar, chital, and a...

Sariska National Park at a Glance

Location
North Indian Plains & Deserts, India, South Asia
Coordinates
27.326168, 76.447240
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Very Quiet
Malaria Risk
Moderate
Best Time to Visit
October to March (cooler, dry months) for tiger safaris and wildlife.

Getting to Sariska National Park

Nearest airport: Thanagazi Airfield, 18 km away.

Nearest international airport: Jaipur International Airport (JAI), 83 km away.

Big Five in Sariska National Park

1 of the Big Five can be found here: Leopard.

Weather & Climate in Sariska National Park

The warmest temperatures in Sariska National Park occur in June, averaging 31.0°C (up to 36.1°C). The coolest conditions are in January at 12.3°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in April with average rainfall of 5.1mm. Average humidity: 26.7%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 12.3°C (rainfall: 23.9mm)
  • February: 17.5°C (rainfall: 6.3mm)
  • March: 22.5°C (rainfall: 20.8mm)
  • April: 28.3°C (rainfall: 5.1mm)
  • May: 30.7°C (rainfall: 47.9mm)
  • June: 31.0°C (rainfall: 68.8mm)
  • July: 28.2°C (rainfall: 196.4mm)
  • August: 26.6°C (rainfall: 206.0mm)
  • September: 26.3°C (rainfall: 127.8mm)
  • October: 24.7°C (rainfall: 27.6mm)
  • November: 19.6°C (rainfall: 6.5mm)
  • December: 14.6°C (rainfall: 14.7mm)

Best Time to Visit Sariska National Park

The best months to visit Sariska National Park are April, May, October, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Good, temperature 12.34°C, rainfall 23.9mm, sunshine 9.1 hrs, humidity 71.5%
  • February: Great, temperature 17.48°C, rainfall 6.3mm, sunshine 10.1 hrs, humidity 51.1%
  • March: Great, temperature 22.53°C, rainfall 20.8mm, sunshine 10.9 hrs, humidity 44.6%
  • April: Great, temperature 28.33°C, rainfall 5.1mm, sunshine 11.1 hrs, humidity 26.7%
  • May: Great, temperature 30.68°C, rainfall 47.9mm, sunshine 10.4 hrs, humidity 35.8%
  • June: Great, temperature 30.96°C, rainfall 68.8mm, sunshine 9.8 hrs, humidity 50.8%
  • July: Good, temperature 28.2°C, rainfall 196.4mm, sunshine 9.1 hrs, humidity 76.8%
  • August: Good, temperature 26.57°C, rainfall 206mm, sunshine 8.7 hrs, humidity 80.1%
  • September: Good, temperature 26.28°C, rainfall 127.8mm, sunshine 9.8 hrs, humidity 76.5%
  • October: Great, temperature 24.68°C, rainfall 27.6mm, sunshine 10.6 hrs, humidity 52.7%
  • November: Great, temperature 19.57°C, rainfall 6.5mm, sunshine 9.9 hrs, humidity 54.9%
  • December: Good, temperature 14.61°C, rainfall 14.7mm, sunshine 9.5 hrs, humidity 61.6%

Wildlife in Sariska National Park

Home to 72 recorded species including 33 waterbirds, 18 birds of prey, 10 iconic birds, 5 tropical birds, 2 big herbivores, 1 primates.

Recommended Packing List for Sariska National Park

Based on average temperature of 23.5°C, typical conditions, humidity 57%.

  • Light layers - comfortable for 24°C weather
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Sariska National Park

3 safari lodges available.

Other

luxury

Similar Parks in North Indian Plains & Deserts

Visitor Tips - Sariska National Park

Sariska offers a wonderfully uncrowded safari experience, a rare find in India, allowing for truly intimate wildlife encounters. We love the quiet anticipation of tracking tigers amidst its ancient ruins and dry deciduous forests, a truly unique blend of history and wildlife that feels both intimate and grand, making it a deeply rewarding visit.

Gate Times

We find Sariska's gate times are fairly standard for Indian parks, typically opening around sunrise and closing at sunset. During the cooler, dry months of October to March, which we highly recommend for tiger safaris and general wildlife viewing, expect morning safaris from roughly 6:30 AM to 10:00 AM and afternoon safaris from 2:30 PM to 6:00 PM. These timings can vary slightly with the season's daylight hours. Permits are absolutely essential, and we strongly advise booking these well in advance, especially for weekend visits, as daily vehicle limits are strictly enforced to maintain the park's tranquility.

Tipping

Tipping is customary and a thoughtful gesture for good service. For your safari guide, we recommend 500-800 INR per safari, per vehicle, if you feel they have provided an excellent experience. If you have a separate driver, a similar amount is appropriate. For lodge staff, a general tip of 200-300 INR per day can be left in a communal box at check-out, or given directly to individuals for exceptional service. We always carry smaller denominations for convenience.

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for India

Travel advisory for India

Sariska National Park FAQs

Given Sariska's successful tiger reintroduction program, what are the realistic chances of spotting a tiger during a safari?

While Sariska is renowned for its successful tiger reintroduction, tiger sightings remain a matter of luck and patience, as they are wild animals in a vast habitat. However, the park's low crowding often allows for a more intimate tracking experience, and you're highly likely to encounter other diverse wildlife like leopards, sambar, and numerous bird species.

How do the ancient temples and ruins within Sariska National Park enhance the safari experience?

Sariska uniquely blends wildlife viewing with historical exploration, as its landscape is dotted with ancient temples and ruins like the Kankwari Fort. These historical sites offer fascinating photo opportunities and a glimpse into the region's past, providing a distinct cultural dimension to your wildlife safari that sets it apart from many other parks.

Considering Sariska's low crowding level, when is the best time to visit for optimal wildlife viewing and a peaceful experience?

The best time to visit Sariska for optimal wildlife viewing and to fully appreciate its low crowding is from October to March, when the weather is cooler and the dry deciduous vegetation is less dense. During these months, animals frequently gather around water sources, increasing your chances of sightings while enjoying a more tranquil safari experience compared to busier parks.

Given the moderate malaria risk in Sariska, what specific precautions should travelers take for a safe safari?

While Sariska has a moderate malaria risk, simple precautions can ensure a safe trip. It's advisable to consult your doctor about antimalarial medication before your visit, use insect repellent containing DEET, and wear long-sleeved clothing during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.

What can I expect from a typical safari drive in Sariska, considering its varied landscape and low crowding?

A typical safari drive in Sariska takes you through diverse landscapes, from dry deciduous forests and open grasslands to rocky hills, offering varied photographic opportunities and wildlife encounters. With its low crowding, you can often enjoy extended, undisturbed observations of species like leopards, sambar, chital, and numerous bird species, making for a more immersive and peaceful wilderness experience.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.