Sariska Tiger Reserve and National Park info

	Sariska Tiger Reserve and National Park info
Home \| Rajasthan \| Ajmer \| Taragarh \| Bikamer \| Jaipur \| Udaipur \| Jaisalmer \| Jodhpur \| Mount Abu \| Pushkar

The 37-kilometer journey by bus to Sariska from Alwar (1hr) can be very crowded. Tours run by the Aravali Hotel in Alwar cost well over the odds for a trip in a packed minibus that rushes through the park, with a minimal chance of any sightings.

If you choose to stay in Sariska there are two options. RTDC Hotel Tiger Den (phone 0144/41342; up to Rs900), set in peaceful gardens right next to the park entrance, offers well-kept spacious rooms and a cheap dorm.

Otherwise, get your credit card out and head for the totally extravagant Sariska Palace (phone 0144/41322, fax 41323; Rs1500-2500), the former maharaja's hunting lodge, which charges Rs3000 per night for its luxurious rooms (ask for one in the main block or you'll find yourself in the far less appealing converted stable annexed).

The hotel has a gorgeous pool, manicured grounds and a television room with videotapes of BBC wildlife documentaries about tigers.

Tours of the park leave twice each day, at 7am and 3pm, and last around three hours. Unlike Ranthambore, only Gypsy Jeeps operate in Sariska.

The cost depends on which vehicle you choose. For a quieter petrol Jeep, count on paying Rs825 (which includes rental and admission charges), or Rs725 for a diesel one. Don't, however, arrange a safari through your hotel, as they'll slap a Rs200 surcharge on top of these prices.