Sariska at a Glance: Entry, Timings & Key Info
| State | Rajasthan |
| Famous For | Tiger Reserve, Wildlife, Safari |
| Best Time to Visit | October to March |
| Ideal Duration | 2-3 days minimum |
| Language | Hindi, English |
| Nearest Airport | Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), 110km from Sariska |
| Nearest Railway | Alwar Junction (AWR) |
| Entry Fee | Free – ₹100+ (varies) |
| Best For | nature and adventure seekers |
Sariska: What Makes It Worth Visiting
Sariska is a tiger reserve located in the Alwar district of Rajasthan, India. It's known for its dry deciduous forests, rugged terrain, and the elusive Bengal tiger. The Sariska National Park also houses ancient temples and the Kankwari Fort, making it a blend of wildlife and history.
Sariska offers the chance to spot tigers in their natural habitat, a unique experience for wildlife enthusiasts. However, tiger sightings are not guaranteed, and the park lacks the lush landscapes of some other Indian reserves. The dry heat can also be challenging during peak summer months. Overall, it provides a raw, less crowded safari experience.
Sariska: Temples & Religious Site Opening Hours
| Name | Hours | Entry Fee | Best Time | Dress Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pandupol Hanuman Temple | 06:00-18:00 daily | Free | Any time of day, but avoid wee | Remove footwear before entering |
| Neelkanth Temples | Open all day | Free | Any time of day. | Modest clothing (cover shoulders & legs) |
How to Reach Sariska: Road, Train, Air & Bus Routes
train Train to Sariska: Nearest Station & Schedules
Nearest Station: Alwar Junction (AWR) — Main railway station, well-connected to major cities.
- From Delhi: 3-4 hours (₹300-800)
- From Jaipur: 2-3 hours (₹200-500)
Booking: IRCTC or 12Go.asia
flight Flying to Sariska: Nearest Airport & Transfers
Nearest Airport: Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), 110km from Sariska
- Delhi: N/A (same city)
- Mumbai: 2 hours (₹3000-7000)
Airport transfer:
- Taxi: ₹2000-3000
- Uber/Ola: ₹1800-2500
directions_bus Bus to Sariska: Services & Timings
- From Delhi: 4-5 hours (₹400-800)
- From Jaipur: 3-4 hours (₹300-600)
Trains more comfortable.
Best Time to Visit Sariska: Month-by-Month Guide (2026)
Best months: October to March
| Season | Temperature | What to Expect | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Time: October to March | 10-30 degrees C | This is the best time for tiger sightings and bird watching. The vegetation is l | Best ✓ |
| Shoulder Season: July to September | 25-35 degrees C | The landscape is lush and green, and the park is less crowded. Bird watching is | Some safari routes may be closed du |
| Avoid: April to June | 35-45 degrees C | Avoid visiting during these months due to the scorching heat. Animal sightings a | Some accommodations may offer off-s |
Peak season note: This is the peak tourist season, so expect higher prices and more crowds, especially around holidays.
2-Day Sariska Itinerary: Day-by-Day Highlights
Day 1 — Temples & Heritage
🌅 Morning (9 AM – 12 PM)
📍 Sariska Tiger Reserve
Sariska Tiger Reserve is a national park and tiger reserve. It's known for its tiger population, though sightings can be infrequen…
💡 Tip: Talk to your driver about recent sightings to increase your chances of seeing a tiger.
☀️ Afternoon (12 PM – 5 PM)
🏛️ Kankwari Fort
Kankwari Fort is an ancient fort located within the Sariska Tiger Reserve. It's believed to have been a prison for Mughal emperor …
💡 Tip: Climb to the highest point of the fort for the best views.
🙏 Pandupol Hanuman Temple
Pandupol Hanuman Temple is a popular Hindu temple located within the Sariska Tiger Reserve. It's dedicated to Lord Hanuman and is …
💡 Tip: Visit early in the morning to avoid the crowds.
Day 2 — Nature & Local Culture
🌅 Morning (9 AM – 12 PM)
🏖️ Siliserh Lake
Siliserh Lake is a scenic lake surrounded by hills and forests. It was built in the 19th century and is a popular spot for boating…
💡 Stay at the RTDC hotel for a unique experience.
☀️ Afternoon (12 PM – 5 PM)
🏛️ Bhangarh Fort
Bhangarh Fort is a 17th-century fort known for being one of the most haunted places in India. The fort is in ruins, but its archit…
💡 Hire a local guide to learn about the fort's history and legends.
🙏 Neelkanth Temples
The Neelkanth Temples are a complex of ancient Hindu and Jain temples. The temples date back to the 6th-9th centuries AD and showc…
💡 Take your time to appreciate the intricate carvings on the temple walls.
Top Places to Visit in Sariska: Must-See Attractions & Things to Do
| # | Place | Entry | Duration | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 📍 Sariska Tiger Reserve | ₹100 (Indians), ₹1500 (foreigners) | 3-4 hours | 06:00-18:00 daily (Safari times vary) |
| 2 | 🏛️ Kankwari Fort | ₹40 (Indians), ₹600 (foreigners) | 1-2 hours | 09:00-17:00 daily |
| 3 | 🙏 Pandupol Hanuman Temple | Free | 1-2 hours | 06:00-18:00 daily |
| 4 | 🏖️ Siliserh Lake | Free | 2-3 hours | Open all day |
| 5 | 🏛️ Bhangarh Fort | ₹25 (Indians), ₹500 (foreigners) | 2-3 hours | 06:00-18:00 daily |
| 6 | 🙏 Neelkanth Temples | Free | 1-2 hours | Open all day |
📍 1. Sariska Tiger Reserve
Sariska Tiger Reserve is a national park and tiger reserve. It's known for its tiger population, though sightings can be infrequent. The park also has other wildlife such as leopards, deer, and various bird species.
📍 Getting there: Accessible by jeep or private car from Alwar.
🏛️ 2. Kankwari Fort
Kankwari Fort is an ancient fort located within the Sariska Tiger Reserve. It's believed to have been a prison for Mughal emperor Aurangzeb's brother, Dara Shikoh.
📍 Getting there: Located within the Sariska Tiger Reserve; accessible by jeep.
🙏 3. Pandupol Hanuman Temple
Pandupol Hanuman Temple is a popular Hindu temple located within the Sariska Tiger Reserve. It's dedicated to Lord Hanuman and is believed to be the place where the Pandavas took refuge during their exile.
📍 Getting there: Located within the Sariska Tiger Reserve; accessible by jeep.
Food & Restaurants in Sariska: Local Dishes & Where to Eat
Must-try dishes: Dal Baati Churma, Gatte ki Sabzi, Laal Maas, Ker Sangri
| Dish / Specialty | Price Range | Where to Find |
|---|---|---|
| Laal Maas, Dal Baati Churma | ₹₹ (₹800-1200 for two) | Sariska |
| Rajasthani Thali | ₹₹₹ (₹1500-2000 for two) | Sariska Palace |
| Organic dishes | ₹₹₹ (₹3000+ for two) | Amanbagh |
🛺 Street Food: Alwar Market — Kachori, Samosa, Lassi (₹50-100 per person)
Sariska Trip Budget (Per Person)
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Comfortable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation/night | ₹1500-2500/night | ₹3000-5000/night | ₹30000+/night |
| Food/day | ₹200–400 | ₹500–800 | ₹1,000–1,500 |
| Local transport | ₹100–200 | ₹300–500 | ₹500–1,000 |
| Entry fees (avg) | ₹50–100 | ₹100–200 | ₹200–400 |
| Total (2 days) | ~₹1,700 | ~₹4,500 | ~₹11,000 |
Day Trips from Sariska: Best Nearby Destinations
| Place | Distance | Drive Time | Famous For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alwar | 35 km | ~1–1.5 hrs | Bala Quila, Sariska, Bhangarh |
| Jaipur | 110 km | ~2.5–3 hrs | Pink City, Forts, Palaces |
| Bhangarh Fort | 35 km | ~1–1.5 hrs | — |
Hotels in Sariska: Best Accommodation for Every Budget
💰 Budget
Hotel Sariska Inn
₹1500-2500/night
Near Sariska National Park
RTDC Tiger Den
₹1000-2000/night
Sariska
🏨 Mid-Range
Sariska Manor
₹3000-5000/night
Sariska
The Sariska Palace
₹4000-6000/night
Sariska
⭐ Luxury
Amanbagh
₹30000+/night
Ajabgarh (near Sariska)
Umaid Lake Palace - An Organic Retreat
₹15000+/night
Kalakho (near Sariska)
Sariska Travel Tips: Safety, Money & Getting Around
- ✓ Overcharging: Negotiate prices before hiring taxis or rickshaws. Use ride-hailing apps for transparent pricing.
- ✓ Fake Guides: Only hire guides authorized by the forest department. Ask for identification.
- ✓ Wear light and comfortable clothing, especially during summer. Carry sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. Wear sturdy shoes for safaris and hiking.
- ✓ Available in Alwar town
- ✓ Airtel and Jio offer good coverage. SIM cards are available at the airport or in Alwar.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Sariska
How many days are enough for Sariska?
2-3 days minimum is ideal for Sariska. Day 1 covers Sariska Tiger Reserve and Kankwari Fort, while Day 2 explores Siliserh Lake and Bhangarh Fort.
What is Sariska famous for?
Sariska is famous for Tiger Reserve, Wildlife, Safari.
What is the best time to visit Sariska?
The best time to visit Sariska is October to March. The weather is pleasant and cool, making it ideal for wildlife safaris. The chances of spotting animals are higher as they come out in search of water.
Is Sariska worth visiting?
Yes, Sariska is worth visiting for Tiger Reserve, Wildlife, Safari. It is especially recommended for nature and adventure seekers and can be combined with a visit to Alwar.
What is the budget for a trip to Sariska?
A 2-day trip to Sariska costs approximately ₹2,000–₹5,000 per person including accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget accommodation starts at ₹1500-2500/night per night.
What are the timings of Pandupol Hanuman Temple?
Pandupol Hanuman Temple is open 06:00-18:00 daily. Best time to visit: Any time of day, but avoid weekends due to crowds..
What is the entry fee for Pandupol Hanuman Temple?
Entry fee at Pandupol Hanuman Temple: Free.
What is the dress code for Pandupol Hanuman Temple?
Remove footwear before entering when visiting Pandupol Hanuman Temple.
What are the timings of Neelkanth Temples?
Neelkanth Temples is open Open all day. Best time to visit: Any time of day..
What is the entry fee for Neelkanth Temples?
Entry fee at Neelkanth Temples: Free.
What is the dress code for Neelkanth Temples?
Modest clothing (cover shoulders & legs) when visiting Neelkanth Temples.