Most people hear ‘Sariska’ and think of one thing – tigers. And yes, spotting a Royal Bengal Tiger padding silently through the Aravalli forest at dawn is an experience you’ll carry for a lifetime. But here’s the truth that most travel blogs miss: Sariska Tiger Reserve is far more than a tiger safari.
Within a 50 km radius of the reserve’s gates, you’ll find India’s most haunted fort, one of the country’s darkest stargazing skies, 6th-century temples carved into isolated hills, sacred waterfalls tied to the Mahabharata, royal palaces converted into luxury hotels, and crocodile-rich lakes straight out of a wildlife documentary.
Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a history buff, a spiritual seeker, an adventure lover, or just a tired city-dweller craving fresh air – Sariska has something that will stop you in your tracks. This guide covers the 15 best things to do near Sariska Tiger Reserve in 2025, with timings, tips, and everything you need to plan a perfect trip.
1. Jungle Safari – The Crown Jewel of Sariska
No trip to Sariska is complete without a jeep safari. This is the heart of the experience – the early morning mist, the crunch of gravel under tyres, the electric silence before a tiger steps into a clearing. Sariska is one of the few tiger reserves in India where tigers were successfully reintroduced after going locally extinct in 2004, making every sighting feel like a victory for conservation.
What to Expect on Safari
- Spot Royal Bengal Tigers, leopards, jungle cats, hyenas, nilgai, chital, sambar, wild boar, and rhesus macaque
- Over 220 bird species including crested serpent eagles, sand grouse, kingfishers, and painted sandgrouse
- Inside the reserve: Kankwari Fort and Neelkanth Temple are accessible only via jeep safari
- Expert naturalist guides accompany every safari – ask them questions, they know this forest intimately
| Safari Types | Jeep Safari (private) and Canter Safari (shared, group) |
| Safari Timings | Morning: 6:00 AM – 9:30 AM | Evening: 2:30 PM – 6:00 PM |
| Safari Zones | Zone 1 (Sariska Gate) and Zone 2 (Tehla Gate) |
| Weekly Holiday | Wednesday – NO safaris on Wednesdays |
| Booking | Online via Rajasthan Forest Department official portal |
| Pro Tip | Book 30-45 days in advance in peak season (Nov-Feb) |
| Best For | Wildlife lovers, photographers, families, first-timers |
2. Bhangarh Fort – India’s Most Haunted Place
If there’s one place near Sariska that gives you goosebumps before you even arrive, it’s Bhangarh Fort. Located at the border of the tiger reserve in Alwar district, this 17th-century ruined fort has earned the reputation of being the most haunted location in India – so much so that the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has officially prohibited entry after sunset.
The legend? A sorcerer cursed the entire kingdom after being rejected by the princess. The palace crumbled, the city was abandoned, and no structure built within the fort boundaries has ever had a proper roof since. Locals won’t even look at the fort after dark. Whether you believe in curses or not, the eerie, atmospheric beauty of this sprawling ruined city – with its carved temples, stone marketplace, and palace walls swallowed by jungle – is absolutely mesmerizing in daylight.
- Location: Bhangarh, Alwar District – border of Sariska Tiger Reserve
- Timings: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM ONLY (strict – no entry after sunset per ASI rules)
- Entry: Nominal ASI entry fee (₹25 Indians / ₹300 foreigners approximately)
- Videography: Additional charges apply at the gate – confirm before filming Distance from Sariska Gate: Approximately 55 km (1.5 hrs drive)
- Best Time: Morning hours (cooler, better light for photography, fewer crowds)
- Pro Tip: Combine with a Sariska morning safari – perfect full-day itinerary
3. Siliserh Lake – Rajasthan’s Most Scenic Lake
With the ancient Aravalli Mountains as a dramatic backdrop and the Sariska Palace reflected in its still waters, Siliserh Lake is one of Rajasthan’s most photogenic destinations. The lake was built in the 19th century as a water reservoir and has since become a paradise for birdwatchers and nature lovers.
Walk along the lake banks and you’ll encounter crocodiles sunning themselves on the grass – Siliserh has one of the highest concentrations of crocodiles in the country. Migratory birds from Europe and Central Asia winter here, making it a spectacular birding spot between November and February. The Sariska Palace Hotel sitting on the lake’s edge adds a touch of royal romance to the entire scene.
| Location | Approx. 13 km from Alwar city, 30 km from Sariska |
| Best For | Boating, bird watching, photography, picnics, sunset views |
| Wildlife | Crocodiles, migratory birds, water birds, nilgai |
| Stay Option | Sariska Palace (heritage hotel on the lake – converted royal palace) |
| Best Time | November to February for migratory birds and crisp weather |
| Activity | Rowboats and paddle boats available for hire on the lake |
4. Neelkanth Mahadev Temple – 6th Century Masterpiece in the Jungle
Hidden 32 km deep inside the Sariska Tiger Reserve on an isolated hilltop stands one of India’s most remarkable and undervisited temples. The Neelkanth Mahadev Temple complex, built in the 6th century and dedicated to Lord Shiva, was once a thriving religious centre – today it stands as a hauntingly beautiful collection of over 300 temple ruins surrounded by dense forest.
The intact portions of the temple feature stone carvings that rival the famous temples of Khajuraho – celestial figures, mythological scenes, and intricate floral motifs chiseled into red sandstone over 1,400 years ago. The location inside the reserve means you access it only via jeep safari (Zone 2, Tehla Gate route), making it feel like a genuine archaeological discovery deep in the jungle.
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple – Key Info
- Location: 32 km inside Sariska Tiger Reserve via Tehla Gate
- Timings: 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM (daily)
- Access: Only via jeep safari (Zone 2) – cannot reach by private vehicle
- Architecture: Khajuraho-style stone carvings, 6th century construction
- Significance: Active temple – devotees still worship at the Shivlinga inside
- Photography: Spectacular – golden sandstone glows beautifully in morning light
- Bonus: The surrounding forest adds incredible atmosphere and wildlife sightings
5. Pandupol Hanuman Temple – Waterfall, Mythology & Peace
Located inside the Sariska Tiger Reserve, the Pandupol Hanuman Temple is one of the most spiritually significant and scenically beautiful stops in the entire reserve. According to Hindu mythology, the Pandavas rested here during their exile – and the ‘pol’ (passage) carved through a massive boulder by Bhima gives the site its name.
The temple stands amidst a small but enchanting waterfall, and the combination of flowing water, dense forest canopy, and ancient religious significance makes this a deeply peaceful place. Pilgrims travel considerable distances to offer prayers here, and the sight of devotees sitting by the waterfall in meditative silence is something that stays with you long after you leave.
| Location | Inside Sariska Tiger Reserve – accessible via jeep safari |
| Mythology | Pandavas rested here during Mahabharata-era exile |
| Specialty | Naturally formed boulder passage (pol) and scenic waterfall |
| Timings | Best visited during morning safari hours |
| Atmosphere | Deeply peaceful – combines wildlife, nature and spirituality |
| Pro Tip | Visit during or after monsoon when the waterfall is at full flow |
6. Kankwari Fort – A Mughal Prison in the Wilderness
Perched dramatically atop a hill deep inside the Sariska Tiger Reserve, Kankwari Fort is one of the most historically fascinating – and visually dramatic – destinations accessible via safari. This 17th-century fort became infamous when Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb imprisoned his older brother, the scholarly Prince Dara Shikoh, here as part of the bitter war of succession following Shah Jahan’s illness.
The fort offers sweeping panoramic views across the tiger reserve – a vast expanse of Aravalli forest stretching in every direction. The ruins include lavish manor remains, crumbling ramparts, and a unique landscape where history and nature have fused into something extraordinary. The journey through the jungle to reach the fort – passing watering holes where wildlife gathers – is itself half the adventure.
7. Stargazing at Astroport Sariska – India’s Darkest Sky
Here’s a fact that most people don’t know about Sariska: it sits in one of the darkest skies in India. With minimal light pollution from surrounding villages and the vast expanse of protected forest, the night sky above Sariska is breathtaking – the Milky Way is visible to the naked eye on clear nights.
Astroport Sariska, located just 5 km from Sariska National Park in Tehla, is India’s first astronomy-themed resort and experiential stargazing destination. The resort offers guided astronomy sessions with expert astronomers, powerful telescope observations of planets, craters, and star clusters, hands-on astrophotography workshops, and constellation identification sessions under open skies.
| What Is It | India’s first astronomy resort – experiential stargazing destination |
| Location | Tehla, 5 km from Sariska Tiger Reserve |
| Experience | Telescope viewing, constellation hunts, astrophotography, solar sessions |
| Sky Quality | Second darkest sky in India – Milky Way visible to naked eye |
| Best Time | Winter nights (Oct-Feb): clearest skies, longest nights |
| Accommodation | Eco-friendly tents, tree houses, and luxury cottages available |
| Pro Tip | Book a package that includes both jungle safari + stargazing for the ultimate Sariska experience |
8. Alwar City – Royal Heritage Just 40 km Away
The nearest major city to Sariska, Alwar, is a treasure trove of Rajputana heritage that most visitors to the reserve completely overlook. Founded centuries ago by the Yaduvanshi Rajputs, Alwar has a remarkably rich collection of royal monuments, museums, and palaces – all within easy reach of the tiger reserve.
Top Things to See in Alwar
- Bala Quila Fort: A massive hilltop fort with sweeping views – one of Rajasthan’s most underrated forts
- Alwar Museum (City Palace): Houses swords of Emperor Akbar, Aurangzeb, and Sultan Ghori; open 10 AM-4:30 PM, closed Fridays
- Alwar Royal Cenotaphs: Ornate marble cenotaphs (chhatris) of the Alwar royal family – stunning architecture
- Vijay Mandir Palace: A palace on a hilltop built in 1918 – now the residence of the royal family
- Company Bagh (Purjan Vihar): A beautiful public garden with a colonial-era European-style pavilion
9. Garbhaji Waterfall – A Hidden Gem Near Alwar
Located approximately 25 km from Alwar city (roughly 50 km from Sariska), Garbhaji Falls is a beautiful, silvery cascade tumbling down a rocky hillside into a natural pool below. Surrounded by boulders and lush greenery, this waterfall is at its most spectacular between July and October when monsoon rains swell the flow.
A popular picnic spot with local families, Garbhaji is off the standard tourist circuit and retains an authentic, unhurried character. The walk to the waterfall through rocky terrain is short but scenic, and the pool at the base is refreshing on a warm day.
| Location | Approx. 25 km from Alwar, 50 km from Sariska |
| Timings | 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (daily) |
| Best Season | July-October (monsoon swells the waterfall beautifully) |
| Activities | Photography, picnicking, short nature walk to the falls |
| Tip | Visit in the late afternoon for the best light on the falls |
10. Bird Watching – 220+ Species in One Reserve
Sariska Tiger Reserve is one of North India’s premier birding destinations, home to over 220 species of birds including both resident and migratory varieties. Between November and February, the reserve fills with migratory birds from Europe, Central Asia, and the Himalayas – making it a paradise for ornithologists and nature photographers.
Key Species to Spot
- Raptors: Crested serpent eagle, short-toed eagle, Bonelli’s eagle, changeable hawk-eagle
- Game birds: Indian sand grouse, painted sandgrouse, grey francolin, jungle bush quail
- Wetland birds at Siliserh Lake: Painted stork, woolly-necked stork, oriental darter
- Forest birds: White-throated kingfisher, Indian pitta, Indian grey hornbill, treepie
- Migratory visitors (winter): Bar-headed goose, Eurasian hobby, common teal
The early morning jeep safari is the single best time for birdwatching – the reserve comes alive with calls and movement in the hour after sunrise. Ask your naturalist guide to focus on specific species you want to spot.
11. Kesroli Hill Fort – Stay in a 700-Year-Old Heritage Hotel
For travellers who want to combine history with luxury, the Kesroli Hill Fort – now operated as a boutique heritage hotel by the Neemrana Hotels group – is one of the most extraordinary stay experiences near Sariska. Built in the 14th century by the Yaduvanshi Rajputs atop Hornstone Breccia rock, the fort features magnificent ramparts, turrets, and arched verandahs with sweeping countryside views.
Staying here feels like inhabiting a living piece of Rajputana history – waking up to sunrise views from ancient battlements, dining in royal halls, and exploring secret passages between towers. Even if you’re not staying, a visit and lunch at the fort restaurant is worth the detour.
| Location | Kesroli village, Alwar District – approx. 35 km from Sariska |
| Built | 14th century by Yaduvanshi Rajputs |
| Today | Heritage hotel operated by Neemrana Hotels group |
| Best For | Couples, history lovers, photography, heritage stays |
| Experience | Royal dining, fort exploration, countryside views, heritage walks |
| Booking | Through Neemrana Hotels website – advance booking recommended in peak season |
12. Nature Walks & Trekking in the Aravalli Hills
Beyond the motorised safari, Sariska and the surrounding Aravalli hills offer outstanding opportunities for nature walks and light trekking. The buffer zones of the reserve, including areas around Siliserh and the Bala Quila region, have trails that wind through rocky outcrops, scrub forest, and hidden valleys.
Best Trekking Options Near Sariska
- Bala Quila Trek: A moderately challenging hike up to the Alwar fort with panoramic views of the city and surrounding plains
- Naldeshwar Temple Trek: A scenic walk to a cave temple carved out of rock, featuring two natural ponds fed by hillside springs
- Bhartrihari Temple Area: Trails through the hills around this ancient pilgrimage site with waterfalls and forest cover
- Astroport Nature Walks: Guided morning and evening walks through the Tehla area farmland and Aravalli fringes
- Sariska Buffer Zone Walks: Resorts inside and near the reserve organize guided nature walks – ask your accommodation to arrange one
13. Sariska Heritage Drive – Temples, Forts & Villages
One of the most rewarding ways to experience the Sariska region is via a self-drive or hired-car heritage circuit that takes in the area’s remarkable concentration of historical sites. Within a 60 km loop from Sariska, you can visit a haunted Mughal fort, a 14th-century heritage hotel, an ancient Shiva temple, a sacred waterfall, and a royal lake – all in a single day.
| Suggested One-Day Heritage Drive Circuit Morning: Sariska Tiger Reserve Safari (6 AM – 9:30 AM) Late Morning: Drive to Neelkanth Temple (inside reserve via safari) Noon: Lunch at Sariska Palace Hotel or resort near the reserve Afternoon 1: Siliserh Lake – boating, bird watching, photography Afternoon 2: Alwar Museum & City Palace exploration Late Afternoon: Kesroli Hill Fort – sunset views from the battlements Evening: Return to accommodation or drive to Bhangarh for pre-sunset visit Night: Stargazing session at Astroport Sariska (book in advance) |
14. Village Life & Agro Tourism – Rural Rajasthan Up Close
Away from the forts and wildlife, some of the most authentic and memorable experiences near Sariska come from simply slowing down and engaging with the rural life of the Aravalli villages. The Tehla and Rajgarh areas around the reserve are home to farming communities with deep cultural traditions – and several eco-resorts now offer structured agro-tourism experiences.
What to Experience
- Organic farming tours: Visit kitchen gardens, learn about traditional crop cycles, and participate in harvesting
- Pottery workshops: Hands-on clay pottery with local artisans in nearby villages
- Rajasthani folk music evenings: Many resorts organize live folk music and dance performances around a bonfire
- Village cycling tours: Guided bicycle rides through villages, fields, and forest fringes
- Local market visits: The weekly haats (village markets) near Alwar are a wonderful slice of authentic rural Rajasthan
15. Camel & Horse Safaris – A Different Way to See Sariska
For a completely different pace and perspective, several resorts and operators near Sariska offer camel and horse safaris through the buffer zones, farmland, and village outskirts of the reserve area. Moving at a walking pace on a camel or horse, you experience the landscape in a way that a motorised jeep simply cannot offer – the sounds of the forest, the details of the terrain, and the interactions with local wildlife feel entirely different.
These safaris typically operate in the buffer areas outside the core reserve and are arranged through your accommodation. They’re especially popular with families with children and make for extraordinary photographs – the Aravalli backdrop, the camel silhouetted against a dusty sunset, the wildness of it all.
| Arranged By | Most resorts and camps near Sariska – request at check-in |
| Duration | 1-3 hours typically |
| Area Covered | Buffer zones, farmland, village outskirts – not inside core reserve |
| Best Time | Early morning or late afternoon (golden hour light + cooler temperatures) |
| Good For | Families, children, photographers, those who want an unhurried pace |
| Cost | Approximately ₹300-₹800 per person depending on resort and duration |
