Alwar, Rajasthan: a royal hunting ground that became a sanctuary, lost every tiger it had, and then made conservation history bringing them back.
Upon exploring through and around the Sariska Tiger Reserve one understands the inexplicable beauty displayed by the tropical dry deciduous and tropical dry thorny forests of India. The reserve is named after the tree ‘Siris’ (Albizia lebbeck), which bears beautiful fragrant powder-puff yellow flowers that grow into a fruit pod.
The reserve is dotted with numerous valleys, and during safaris with the slow-moving breeze brushing off the face, one gets to experience the picturesque view, especially during sunrise and sunset. The shrubs and the bushes mixed with tall meadow grasses give an excellent hiding spot for ambush predators like the tiger to prey on sambar deer, spotted deer, and blue-bull antelope.
History
Sariska Tiger Reserve history begins long before it was a reserve at all. Before independence, Sariska was used as a hunting ground for the royal family of Alwar, which used to invite high-ranked British personnel for hunting in order to please them.
After independence, the Government of India declared Sariska a wildlife reserve in 1955. In 1958 it was declared a wildlife sanctuary, and when Project Tiger was launched in 1973, Sariska was declared a tiger reserve a few years later, in 1978.
Tiger Reintroduction
Despite its protections, a shocking revelation emerged in 2004; Sariska had lost all of its tigers due to rampant poaching and mismanagement. This critical situation demanded immediate intervention, sparking one of the world’s most extensive tiger relocation initiatives.
In 2008, Sariska achieved a global first by successfully relocating tigers to their habitat, translocating them from Ranthambore National Park to ensure genetic diversity and repopulation. 8 tigers were airlifted by helicopter between 2008 and 2011; the translocation was judged a success when the second tigress moved gave birth to 2 cubs in 2012.
Conservation continues with advanced monitoring, radio collars, and camera traps that track movement and deter poaching, alongside increased patrolling and stringent forest regulations.
Wildlife
The tiger is the pride of Sariska, but another hyper-carnivore, the leopard, thrives in healthy numbers and is a draw in its own right. The combined deer and antelope population is around 20,000 individuals, seen frequently at any time of day.
Other animals to look out for are grey langur, Indian boar, striped hyena, ruddy and grey mongoose, golden jackal, and jungle cat. Vultures nest on the steep slopes of the hilly terrain and are seen soaring at noon, scanning for carcasses; India is home to 9 vulture species, of which 6 are recorded in Sariska.
Seasonality
Safaris are the best and the only option to visit and enjoy the varied flora and fauna of Sariska. They run morning and evening, in registered vehicles with access to one of 5 interconnected safari routes at a time.
For wildlife enthusiasts and photographers, the best time to spot tigers is during the summer months, March to June, when the tigers frequent water bodies to quench their thirst. The dry landscape enhances visibility, making it easier to observe them in their natural habitat.
The reserve is open for visitors for 3 hours after sunrise and 3 hours before sunset, with timings varying between summer and winter. Safaris can be accessed via 2 gates: Gate 1, the Sariska gate, and Gate 2, the Tehla gate, ~7 kilometres from our camp.
Registered jeeps, also known as ‘gypsies’, which carry 6 individuals, are the only mode of accessing the tiger reserve. Because safari slots are limited, booking well ahead is strongly advised.
Note: the Sariska Tiger Reserve safari remains closed every Wednesday, and through July, August, and September each year during the monsoon season. Visitors are asked to maintain silence, refrain from littering, and respect the park’s ecosystem.
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