Sariska Tiger Reserve

Located in Rajasthan, Sariska was one of the first reserves to successfully relocate and reintroduce tigers. Its dry deciduous forests and rocky...

Sariska Tiger Reserve at a Glance

Location
North Indian Plains & Deserts, India, South Asia
Coordinates
27.377935, 76.389015
IUCN Category
IV
Crowds
Quiet
Malaria Risk
Moderate
Best Time to Visit
October to March (cooler, dry months) for tiger safaris and wildlife.

Getting to Sariska Tiger Reserve

Nearest airport: Thanagazi Airfield, 14 km away.

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

Big Five in Sariska Tiger Reserve

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

Weather & Climate in Sariska Tiger Reserve

The warmest temperatures in Sariska Tiger Reserve occur in June, averaging 31.6°C (up to 36.8°C). The coolest conditions are in January at 12.8°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in April with average rainfall of 4.7mm. Average humidity: 26.7%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 12.8°C (rainfall: 19.6mm)
  • February: 18.1°C (rainfall: 5.7mm)
  • March: 23.1°C (rainfall: 21.7mm)
  • April: 28.9°C (rainfall: 4.7mm)
  • May: 31.2°C (rainfall: 49.2mm)
  • June: 31.6°C (rainfall: 68.0mm)
  • July: 28.9°C (rainfall: 191.6mm)
  • August: 27.2°C (rainfall: 196.8mm)
  • September: 26.9°C (rainfall: 137.2mm)
  • October: 25.2°C (rainfall: 29.3mm)
  • November: 20.1°C (rainfall: 4.8mm)
  • December: 15.1°C (rainfall: 10.7mm)

Best Time to Visit Sariska Tiger Reserve

The best months to visit Sariska Tiger Reserve are April, October, February, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Good, temperature 12.84°C, rainfall 19.6mm, sunshine 9.1 hrs, humidity 71.8%
  • February: Great, temperature 18.05°C, rainfall 5.7mm, sunshine 10.1 hrs, humidity 50.9%
  • March: Great, temperature 23.12°C, rainfall 21.7mm, sunshine 11 hrs, humidity 44.8%
  • April: Great, temperature 28.93°C, rainfall 4.7mm, sunshine 11.1 hrs, humidity 26.7%
  • May: Great, temperature 31.24°C, rainfall 49.2mm, sunshine 10.5 hrs, humidity 36.1%
  • June: Great, temperature 31.59°C, rainfall 68mm, sunshine 9.9 hrs, humidity 51%
  • July: Good, temperature 28.88°C, rainfall 191.6mm, sunshine 9.2 hrs, humidity 76.8%
  • August: Good, temperature 27.21°C, rainfall 196.8mm, sunshine 8.8 hrs, humidity 80.4%
  • September: Good, temperature 26.89°C, rainfall 137.2mm, sunshine 9.8 hrs, humidity 76.9%
  • October: Great, temperature 25.23°C, rainfall 29.3mm, sunshine 10.6 hrs, humidity 53.3%
  • November: Great, temperature 20.11°C, rainfall 4.8mm, sunshine 9.9 hrs, humidity 55.3%
  • December: Great, temperature 15.09°C, rainfall 10.7mm, sunshine 9.5 hrs, humidity 62.3%

Wildlife in Sariska Tiger Reserve

Home to 71 recorded species including 33 waterbirds, 17 birds of prey, 10 iconic birds, 5 tropical birds, 2 big herbivores, 1 primates.

Recommended Packing List for Sariska Tiger Reserve

Based on average temperature of 24.1°C, typical conditions, humidity 57%.

  • Lightweight breathable clothing - warm 24°C weather calls for light fabrics
  • 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 Tiger Reserve

6 safari lodges available.

Other

Similar Parks in North Indian Plains & Deserts

Visitor Tips - Sariska Tiger Reserve

We love Sariska for its unique blend of ancient history and thriving wildlife, offering a truly distinctive safari experience. The chance to spot a tiger amidst the ruins of Kankwari Fort is sensational, a rare juxtaposition you won't find in many other reserves. Its relatively low crowding level means a more intimate and peaceful encounter with nature, which we find incredibly refreshing.

Gate Times

Sariska operates morning and afternoon safari slots. Typically, winter timings (October-February) are around 6:30 AM to 10:30 AM and 2:00 PM to 5:30 PM. Summer timings (March-June) shift earlier in the morning and later in the evening, often 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 2:30 PM to 6:00 PM, to avoid the midday heat. We strongly recommend booking your safari permits well in advance, especially for weekend visits, as entry is limited. You will need to present your booking confirmation and ID at the gate.

Tipping

Tipping is customary and appreciated in India. For your safari guide and driver, we suggest a combined tip of 300-500 INR per safari vehicle, per drive. If you have the same team for multiple drives, you can tip them at the end of your stay. For lodge or camp staff, a communal tip box is often available, and we recommend contributing 200-300 INR per guest per day. This ensures all staff, including those behind the scenes, are recognized. Always tip discreetly and with a smile.

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for India

Travel advisory for India

Sariska Tiger Reserve FAQs

When is the optimal time to visit Sariska Tiger Reserve for the best wildlife viewing opportunities?

The best time to visit Sariska for wildlife sightings, particularly tigers, is during the cooler, dry months from October to March. During this period, the vegetation is sparser, and animals frequently visit waterholes, making them easier to spot. The park typically remains closed during the monsoon season from July to September.

How does Sariska's unique tiger reintroduction program influence the safari experience?

Sariska holds a significant place in conservation history as one of India's pioneering reserves for successful tiger reintroduction. While tiger sightings are never guaranteed, the reintroduction program has established a stable population, offering visitors a unique chance to witness these magnificent big cats in a landscape where they were once locally extinct. This success story adds a unique layer of appreciation to every sighting.

What are the typical safari vehicle options and booking procedures for Sariska Tiger Reserve?

Visitors to Sariska can typically choose between open-top jeeps (Gypsies) or larger canter vehicles for their safaris, with jeeps offering a more intimate experience. Bookings for these safaris, including entry permits and vehicle hire, are highly recommended in advance, especially during peak season, and can often be arranged through the official Rajasthan Forest Department website or local tour operators.

Beyond tigers, what other significant wildlife and cultural sites can one explore within Sariska?

Sariska's dry deciduous forests and rocky Aravalli landscapes are home to diverse wildlife, including leopards, sambar deer, chital, nilgai, and a rich variety of bird species like the Indian eagle-owl and crested serpent eagle. Additionally, the reserve encompasses historical ruins such as the Kankwari Fort, offering a glimpse into the region's past amidst the wilderness.

What specific health precautions and safety advice should I consider when planning a trip to Sariska?

Given Sariska's moderate malaria risk, it's advisable to consult your doctor about antimalarial prophylaxis and use insect repellent, especially during dawn and dusk. Always stay inside your safari vehicle during game drives, follow your guide's instructions, and carry sufficient water to stay hydrated in the warm climate.

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.