One of the best wildlife encounters in Rajasthan is a Sariska safari that gives tourists an opportunity to tour the dense forest and rocky terrains as well as view the variety of wildlife. Sariska Tiger Reserve is located in the Alwar district and is a part of the ancient Aravalli range, which is also well known due to the effective tiger relocation program. The Sariska safari reserve is a great attraction to nature enthusiasts, photographers, families and adventure-seekers who desire to explore the wildlife in its natural habitat. Sarika is a good place to get a short but exciting adventure in the jungle with appropriate bookings and planning of a safari.
The Sariska Tiger Reserve safari gives an opportunity to visit a forest region that is located on the territory of an approximately 881-square-kilometer area. Other than Royal Bengal tigers, leopards, jungle cats, hyenas, jackals, sambar deer, nilgai, wild boars, langurs, and many bird species are included in the reserve. The experience in the safari is enhanced with experienced forest professionals who assist the visitors to learn about the behavior of the animals, forest ecology, and conservation. The safaris take approximately 3 to 3.5 hours and provide a relaxing as well as an exciting adventure in the wilderness.
Visitors have two major safari options. According to the preferences, the best safari choice is Jeep Safari, also called Gypsy Safari, because it will enable them to move around and see wildlife. The jeeps can carry a maximum capacity of six individuals with families or small groups being the best fit. The Canter Safari is a more extra-large vehicle, which also can serve larger groups or low-budget travelers. Whereas canters provide a similar experience, gypsy safaris are typically suggested to people who desire a more intense and adaptable safari experience.
Sariska Tiger Reserve consists of several safari areas to control tourist activity and preserve the life of birds and animals. The primary areas are Zone 1, Zone 2, Zone 3, Zone 4 and Zone 5. The movement of wildlife and the landscape of the areas are different in each zone; thus, each safari is varied. Allotment of zones is randomly carried out during reservation and a zone does not ensure a tiger sighting. The openness of tigers among regions ensures that they are spotted depending on the chance, time, and movement of the animals instead of the chosen zone.
It is important to know the right Sariska safari timings to facilitate the planning. The timing of the safaris differs with the seasons to make the animals comfortable and prevent accidents to the visitors. Safaris are typically conducted between 6.30 AM and 10.00 AM in the morning and 2.30 PM and 5.30 PM in the evening during the winter period, which is between October and March. During summer, which is between the months of April and June, morning safaris begin earlier, at 6:00 AM, and the evening safaris begin earlier, at 3:30 PM, and last until 6:30 PM. It is advisable to arrive early before the entry gate because one cannot arrive late.
Reservations for the Sariska safari may be in online and offline form. The online booking process is the most reliable means of booking through the official Rajasthan Forest Department portal, and this option is highly preferable, particularly on weekends and during peak seasons. During the booking process, visitors should choose the date of the safari, time slot, and type of vehicle and give valid ID information. At the forest office, one can book offline, though permits are not guaranteed to be granted. Early reservations are a guarantee of tranquility and organization of planning.
The cost of the safaris in Sariska depends on the type of vehicle used and the nationality. As an Indian national, a gypsy safari will normally range between 3,000 and 3,500 per vehicle with permit, guide and driver fees inclusive. In the case of foreigners, Gypsy safari costs are between 5,500 and 6,500. Canter safari costs are cheaper and will range between 700-900 rupees per head among the Indians and 1200-1500 rupees among the foreigners. There are other fees that are charged on cameras and pickups at the hotel.
Monsoon season closes Sariska Reserve between July and September, thus making the best time to visit Sariska safari between October and June. The winter seasons are less congested with good weather and comfortable safari tours, hence suitable for families. Hot months (summer seasons) give a high probability of seeing tigers because such beasts pay more visits to the water bodies. Early morning safaris are regarded to be the best for wildlife movement and photography.
The safari has stringent regulations for the visitors to maintain their safety and conserve the wildlife. It is required to carry a valid government-issued ID. No one is permitted to alight from their cars in the reserve to feed the animals or to make noise. Incidents like playing music, smoking and flash photography are strictly banned. It is important to adhere to the instructions of the guide, because a violation of the rules may lead to punishment or termination of a safari.
The road and rail connections to Sariska are good. It is about 110 km from Jaipur and 200 km from Delhi, so that is why it is appropriate to visit it on the weekend. The closest railway station is Alwar, which is about 37 km distant. The nearest major airport to the city is Jaipur International Airport, to which a traveler arriving from other states or countries can go.
The Sariska Tiger Reserve safari is an excellent wildlife experience in Rajasthan and in a well-planned safari, it is an unforgettable experience. Whether it is through learning the safari zones and the timings in the Sariska safari or booking and selecting the correct type of safari, correct preparation will increase your chances of being able to have a great jungle adventure. As an animal lover or a traveller, Sarika will offer both the wilderness and excitement as well as make you feel close to the wild.
Ans. You can book Sariska Safari online from the online portal of the Rajasthan Forest Department, and for offline booking you can go to the Forest Rest House in Sariska or nearby offices.
Ans. Yes, but it's not strictly mandatory. Pre-booking is recommended as it might be tough to get a last-minute booking, as 75% slots are for advance booking upto 365 days.
Ans. Here are the timings of the Sariska Safari: October to June Morning: 6:00 am to 9:30 am Evening: 3:00 pm to 6:30 pm November to January Morning: 7:00 am to 10:30 am Evening: 2:00 am to 5:30
Ans. The prices of the Sariska Safari are as follows: For Foreigners: ₹3400 per person or ₹18000 for a full Gypsy For Indian Tourists: ₹1700-₹1800 per person for a shared Jeep or ₹8300-₹9500 for a private (full) Jeep.