Sariska Tiger Reserve

Introduction

Sariska Tiger Reserve, located in Rajasthan’s Alwar district, is one of India’s best-known dry deciduous tiger reserves. Originally notified under Project Tiger in 1978, it became internationally recognized after successfully reintroducing tigers in 2008 following the local extinction of its tiger population. Today it is regarded as a landmark in wildlife restoration and tiger conservation.

Quick Facts

Particular	Details
State	Rajasthan
District	Alwar
Tiger Reserve Notification	1978
Total Area	1,273.34 sq km
Core Area	881.11 sq km
Buffer Area	392.23 sq km
Landscape	Aravalli Hills
Forest Types	Northern Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests and Thorn Scrub
Major Water Bodies	Siliserh catchment, Mansarovar, seasonal streams
Best Time to Visit	October to March

Location

Situated in Alwar district of northeastern Rajasthan within the ancient Aravalli hill range.

History

Established as a wildlife sanctuary in 1955 and later a national park, Sariska became a Tiger Reserve in 1978. After all resident tigers disappeared, an ambitious tiger translocation programme began in 2008, becoming the world’s first successful relocation of wild tigers into a reserve where they had become locally extinct.

Landscape, Geography & Habitat

The reserve spans 1,273.34 sq km including an 881.11 sq km core and a 392.23 sq km buffer. It features rugged hills, plateaus, valleys, scrub forests, grasslands and numerous waterholes.

Flora

Dominant vegetation includes dhok, salar, khair, ber, bamboo in patches, acacia, banyan, pipal and seasonal grasses.

Fauna

Key wildlife includes Bengal Tiger, Leopard, Striped Hyena, Caracal (rare), Jungle Cat, Golden Jackal, Sambar, Chital, Nilgai, Four-horned Antelope, Wild Boar, Langur and over 225 bird species.

Rivers & Water Bodies

Seasonal streams, reservoirs and natural waterholes provide critical water during the dry season.

Other Attractions

Kankwari Fort, Pandupol Hanuman Temple, Siliserh Lake, jeep safaris and birdwatching are major attractions.

Weather & Climate

Summers are extremely hot, the monsoon brings moderate rainfall and winters are cool and pleasant.

How to Reach

Nearest airport: Jaipur. Nearest railway station: Alwar. Good road connectivity from Delhi, Jaipur and Alwar.

Best Time to Visit

October to March offers pleasant weather, while late summer improves tiger sighting opportunities.

Accommodation

Forest Department rest houses and Rajasthan Tourism accommodation are available in and around authorised tourism zones with advance booking.

Conservation Highlights

Sariska is globally recognised for its pioneering tiger reintroduction programme, supported by habitat management, anti-poaching efforts and scientific monitoring.

Visitor Tips

Book safari permits early, wear muted colours, avoid littering and strictly follow Forest Department instructions.

Did You Know?

• Sariska was the first reserve to receive relocated wild tigers after local extinction.
• It lies within the ancient Aravalli Range.
• Historic forts and temples are located inside the reserve.

Last Updated

July 2026