Sariska Tiger Reserve: A Beacon of Hope For Tiger Conservation

Location: Alwar, Rajasthan

Area: 881 square kilometers

Timing: 6:00 am- 9:45 pm 

Sariska Tiger Reserve is a tiger reserve in Alwar district, Rajasthan, India. It is one of India's most famous tiger reserves and is home to various wildlife, including tigers, leopards, striped hyenas, deer, crocodiles, and many more. The reserve was established in 1958 as a wildlife sanctuary and was declared a tiger reserve in 1978. It is located in the Aravalli Range and covers an area of 881 square kilometers. The account is a popular tourist destination and offers a variety of activities, including jeep safaris, nature walks, and bird watching.

Sariska Tiger Reserve is one of the most popular wildlife destinations in the country, where you can witness the majestic Bengal tigers and other amazing animals in their natural habitat. Sariska Tiger Reserve is also a place of rich cultural and historical heritage, as it houses ancient temples, forts, and palaces that reflect the glorious past of Rajasthan. The reserve is the first in the world to successfully relocate tigers from another reserve (Ranthambore) in 2008. 

Also Read: Gir National Park

Explore the Rich Biodiversity and Ancient History of Sariska Tiger Reserve

Sariska Tiger Reserve is a perfect destination for nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, history buffs, and adventure seekers. It is a place where you can experience the beauty and diversity of Rajasthan's flora and fauna. It is also a place where you can learn about the rich culture and heritage of Rajasthan's past. Sariska Tiger Reserve is an important conservation area, contributing to the protection of wildlife and their habitats and providing opportunities for eco-tourism and education about the natural world. 

Also Read: Bandhavgarh National Park

History

The area now Sariska Tiger Reserve was once a hunting preserve of the Alwar state. In 1958 it was declared a wildlife sanctuary and later upgraded to a tiger reserve in 1978. The account was initially home to a healthy population of tigers, but this declined in the 1990s due to poaching and habitat loss. In 2005, the budget was declared a "critical tiger habitat" by the Indian government.

Also Read: Ranthambore National Park

Reintroduction of Tigers

The reserve had 16 tigers in 2003, but none were seen or detected in 2004. By January 2005, it was confirmed that Sariska had lost all its tigers. Two tigers from Ranthambhore National Park were translocated to Sariska Tiger Reserve in July 2008. Indian government initiated a program to reintroduce tigers into Sariska Tiger Reserve. In February 2009, another female tiger was relocated to the reserve. In 2012, two tiger cubs and their mother were spotted in the reserve, bringing the total number of tigers to seven. The program has successfully increased the tiger population in the reserve. In July 2014, two more cubs were spotted, so there were 11 tigers in total. As of October 2018, there were 18 tigers, including five cubs. The reserve’s tiger population increased to 20 in the year 2020. As of 2023, there are over 27 tigers in Sariska Tiger Reserve.

Also Read: Jim Corbett National Park

Things to Do in Sariska Tiger Reserve

There are a variety of things to do in Sariska Tiger Reserve, including:

1. Jeep safaris: Jeep safaris are the best way to see the wildlife in the reserve. Safaris are conducted in the morning and evening and offer a chance to spot tigers, leopards, and other animals.

2. Nature walks: Nature walks are a great way to explore the reserve and learn about the flora and fauna. Experienced guides conduct walks and offer a chance to see a variety of plants and animals.

3. Bird watching: Sariska Tiger Reserve is home to over 220 species of birds, making it a great place for bird watching. Bird watching can be done from the comfort of a jeep or by taking a nature walk.

4. Visit the Kankwadi Fort: The Kankwadi Fort is a 16th-century fort located within the reserve. The fort offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and forests.

5. Visit the Pandupol Temple: The Pandupol Temple is a Hindu temple that is dedicated to Lord Hanuman. The temple is located near the Kankwadi Fort and is a popular pilgrimage site.

Also Read: Great Himalayan National Park

Necessary permits or entry requirements 

The necessary permits or entry requirements for Sariska Tiger Reserve are as follows:

1. A valid government ID: This could be your passport, driver's license, or any other government-issued ID card.

2. A permit from the forest department: You can get this permit from the Sariska Tiger Reserve office in Alwar, Rajasthan. The permit is valid for one day and costs INR 500 for adults and INR 250 for children.

3. A guide: It is mandatory to hire a guide when visiting Sariska Tiger Reserve. The guide will help you spot the tigers and other wildlife, and they will also ensure that you stay safe in the reserve. The cost of a guide is INR 1000 per day.

4. A vehicle: You can drive your own car or hire a jeep from the reserve office. The cost of hiring a jeep is INR 2000 per day.

Also Read: Kaziranga National Park

How to Get to Sariska Tiger Reserve

To reach the Sariska Tiger Reserve in India, follow these general directions:

1. By Air

The nearest airport to Sariska Tiger Reserve is Jaipur International Airport (Sanganer Airport). It's approximately 107 kilometers away from the reserve. You can hire a taxi or take a bus from the airport to Sariska.

2. By Train

The nearest railway station to Sariska is Alwar Railway Station, about 35 kilometers away. You can train to Alwar from major cities like Delhi, Jaipur, etc. You can hire a taxi or take a bus from Alwar to reach the reserve.

3. By Road

From Delhi: Sariska is around 238.4 kilometers (via NE4) away from Delhi. You can take NH48 (Delhi-Jaipur Highway) and then NH21 to reach Sariska.

From Jaipur: Sariska is approximately 107 kilometers away from Jaipur. You can take NH21 to reach the reserve.

4. By Bus

State-run and private buses operate between cities like Delhi, Jaipur, and Alwar to Sariska. You can check the availability and schedule of buses from the respective bus terminals.

5. Private Vehicles/Taxis

You can hire a private vehicle or taxi from nearby cities like Delhi, Jaipur, or Alwar. This offers flexibility and convenience in reaching the reserve.

Before your trip, check current road conditions, transportation availability, and any necessary permits or entry requirements. It's a good idea to plan your travel ahead of time and ensure that you have all the required information for a smooth journey to Sariska Tiger Reserve.

Also Read: Kanha National Park 

Hard Work and success of Sariska Tiger Reserve

The success of the tiger reintroduction program in Sariska Tiger Reserve is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the forest department, local communities, and conservation organizations. These efforts have shown that it is possible to recover tiger populations even in areas where they have been driven to extinction.

We would have to be very thankful to the following team members of Sariska Tiger Reserve for their outstanding contributions to the success of the tiger reintroduction program in Sariska Tiger Reserve:

1. The forest department: The forest department has played a leading role in recovering the tiger population in Sariska Tiger Reserve. They have worked tirelessly to increase patrolling and anti-poaching measures, create buffer zones, restore the natural habitat, and educate local communities.

2. Local communities: The local communities have supported the tiger reintroduction program. They have helped to protect the tigers and their habitat.

3. Conservation organizations: Conservation organizations have provided financial and technical support to the tiger reintroduction program. They have also helped to raise awareness about tiger conservation.

Hope that the tiger population in Sariska Tiger Reserve will continue to grow in the years to come. This is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the team that has made this success story possible.

When to Visit Sariska Tiger Reserve

The best time to visit Sariska Tiger Reserve is during the winter months (November to February). The weather is mild during this time, and the visibility is good, making it easier to spot wildlife.

Tips for Visiting Sariska Tiger Reserve

1. Wear comfortable shoes and clothing.
2. Bring binoculars and a camera.
3. Stay hydrated and wear sunscreen.
4. Be respectful of the wildlife and do not disturb them.
5. Follow the instructions of the forest guards.