Sariska Tiger Reserve, once a forgotten gem, now offers an awe-inspiring experience that captivates visitors. Moreover, the reserve’s unique charm and vibrant wildlife create unforgettable moments, making it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts.

In June 2024, with North India sweltering under the intense heat, a small piece of news caught our attention. A tigress with cubs had been spotted in Sariska Tiger Reserve. This was noteworthy because Sariska Tiger Reserve had long struggled with a poor reputation regarding its tiger population.

Booking

We quickly looked into accommodation options and found availability since we had booked for a weekday. First, we secured our safari booking which is an essential step for visiting any national park or tiger reserve. The weekday booking, coupled with the unbearable heat, made it convenient to arrange both our stay and safaris. We scheduled two safaris: one in the evening and another in the morning.

We left Delhi at 6:30 AM, aiming to avoid the traffic and ensure a timely arrival. Thanks to the excellent road conditions and our early start, we reached our destination in just 3.5 hours, arriving by 10:30 AM. We settled in comfortably and were ready for the adventures ahead.

Planning Pointer

Sariska Tiger Reserve is a captivating wildlife sanctuary, but it is wise to plan your visit carefully. Avoid going there on Tuesdays and Saturdays, as these days can be particularly crowded. Many villagers embark on a journey to Padhupole, a revered Hanuman temple located 21 km inside the reserve. This influx of visitors significantly reduces the chances of spotting the majestic animals and birds that inhabit the area. Therefore, visiting on other days ensures a more peaceful experience and better opportunities for wildlife sightings.

From Then to Now

Sariska Tiger Reserve, located in Rajasthan’s Alwar district, spans over 866 square kms of diverse landscapes. Established as a wildlife sanctuary in 1955 and declared a Tiger Reserve in 1978 under Project Tiger. Sariska Tiger Reserve lies in the southwest corner of Alwar district, nestled in the ancient Aravalli mountain range.

Sariska Tiger Reserve known for its rich biodiversity features dry deciduous forests, grasslands, rocky landscapes, and hilly cliffs. It is home to various mammals, birds, and reptiles, with the Bengal tiger as its flagship species.

Previous Setback

However, Sariska Tiger Reserve faced significant challenges over the years. In 2004-05, a local gang used traps, poisoned bait, and other illegal methods to poach tigers. The gang leader, Sansar Chand, was arrested and confessed to the killings.

Sariska Tiger reserve experienced a severe setback in the early 2000s when rampant poaching led to the loss of all resident tigers. This loss highlighted flaws in protection measures, causing a decline in both tourist interest and funding for conservation efforts.

Restoring Balance  & Conservation Plans

To tackle the urgent crisis of declining tiger populations, the Indian Government devised and implemented a comprehensive reintroduction plan. This initiative aimed to restore the tiger population in Sariska Tiger Reserve, which had witnessed a dramatic decline. Between 2008 and 2012. Conservationists meticulously relocated five tigers from the renowned Ranthambore National Park to the Sariska Tiger Reserve. These efforts marked a crucial step in the conservation process, highlighting the government’s commitment to preserving India’s rich biodiversity.

Furthermore, the authorities ensured that the relocated tigers adapted well to their new environment by closely monitoring their health and behaviour.These proactive measures paid off significantly. As a result, Sariska Tiger Reserve now proudly hosts a thriving tiger population. The reserve is home to 43 majestic tigers, including a growing number of cubs, which symbolised a successful revival of the species in this region.

Defining Zones in Sariska tiger reserve

To support this growing population, authorities have invested in extensive patrols and geolocated monitoring. The park includes a central sanctuary area which is core  and a buffer zone  housing 29 village hamlets. The current challenge is achieving peaceful coexistence between tigers and humans within the same territory.

Replanting Tree Species

Replanting endemic trees aims to enhance tiger habitats and restore sufficient food resources for deer, the primary prey of tigers. These trees also have uses in medicine for primates and livestock, and improve water retention in soils to combat erosion.

Water Ponds

Creating water storage structures (ponds) provides crucial water access for tigers, leopards, and other wildlife at regular intervals.

Our Safari Experience at Sariska Tiger Reserve

Despite the peak heat of 48 degrees Celsius, we embarked on our first afternoon safari. Our guide first took us to the location where a kill had been spotted the previous day. We observed ST-9 cooling herself in a water body, with the kill located in nearby bushes. It was a memorable sight: the tigress in the water along with peacocks and lapwings drinking nearby. After a while, ST-9 disappeared into the bushes.

In Sariska Tiger Reserve, tigers are identified by code names like ST-number (ST stands for Sariska Tiger). Tigress ST-9 is well-known in Sariska. She was orphaned and raised by her father and is easily noticed by her broken tail, earning her the nickname “Ponytail.”

Due to the intense heat, the jungle was extremely dry, and conservation authorities were supplementing natural water sources with water from tankers. Apart from a few sambhar deer, we didn’t spot much during our first afternoon safari.

Our Next Day Safari at Sariska Tiger Reserve

The next morning started on a positive note with ST-9 once again relaxing in the water body as soon as we entered  Sariska Tiger Reserve. We captured some excellent photographs.

As we proceed further deep in the jungle, we saw a pair of Black-Rumped Flamebacks hopping between trees, enjoying the jungle’s silence.

As we ventured further, an Asian Paradise Flycatcher caught our attention. With the dry trees making spotting easier, we were drawn to this small, colourful bird. However, there was no sign of the tigress with cubs, which our guide informed us was located on the far side of the jungle, outside our safari zone.

We moved to another water body and waited in the shade of a tree to escape the heat. This wait proved fruitful as we saw a male and female Asian Koel approaching the water. It was my first time seeing an Asian female koel, which initially appeared to be just another bird to me . Our guide pointed out that female koel sightings are rare. The female koel wings spread out like a dress as she drank water. And despite our presence, the pair seemed relatively undisturbed but attentive.

A sudden flutter of wings drew our attention to an Oriental Honey Buzzard perched on a tree branch. The other Birds that joined the Morning Safari are mentioned below.

The Avian Ensemble : A Birdwatcher’s Delight

• Indian Stone-Curlew, blending with the soil and rocks.
• A pair of Black-Faced Sandgrouse
• Black-Rumped Flameback hopping from tree to tree
• A Great Egret in breeding plumage, among Lesser Whistling Ducks.
• Lesser Whistling Ducks.
• Crested Bunting
• Spoonbill duck
• A Yellow-Footed Pigeon with babies
• Asian Paradise Flycatcher
• Painted Stork
• Indian Robin
• Common Bulbul

Suddenly, clouds gathered and a light drizzle started, giving us a refreshing break from the heat. At the same time, the peacock danced gracefully, adding to the enchanting experience. Remarkably, even the other peafowl seems happy .

To wrap up

Our summer safari turned out to be an extraordinary journey. Compared to previous visits, this experience at Sariska Tiger Reserve was unparalleled. As we explored, we found the reserve more captivating and vibrant than ever before. Clearly, this trip surpassed all our prior adventures, showcasing the reserve’s remarkable transformation and beauty.

As you explore, remember to follow crucial guidelines: avoid disturbing wildlife, maintain a safe distance, and refrain from littering. By adhering to these rules, you help preserve the reserve’s delicate balance.

Despite ongoing efforts to reintroduce tigers and bolster anti-poaching measures, the scars of past failures continue to impact Sariska Tiger Reserve  reputation as a premier wildlife destination. Restoring its wildlife population and visitor appeal requires more and continued sustained conservation efforts, community engagement, and effective management.

Wildlife conservation is not just about saving species, its about saving ourselves.It’s about recognising that we are part of the natural world.Nature is not a place to visit.It is home

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