Sariska is the tiger reserve closest to Delhi and Jaipur, set in the Aravalli hills near Alwar.
To go on safari you book in advance on the official Rajasthan government portal, obms-tourist.rajasthan.gov.in, the same government system used for Ranthambore. Foreigners pay more than Indians. Sariska stays open for much of the year, though some zones rest in the monsoon.
Who needs to book
- Every visitor going into a safari zone, Indian or foreign, per person.
- You cannot take your own car inside. A registered gypsy or canter with a driver and a guide is part of the booking.
- Foreigners pay a higher fee than Indians, so the nationality on the booking must be correct.
The zones, in plain words
Sariska is entered mainly from the town of Sariska, near Alwar, and the safari runs through the reserve's tourism zones in the Aravalli hills. A second entry at Tehla opens up a quieter side. When you book you are given a zone and a time.
[The open zones can change season to season. Confirm on the official portal. Last checked 13 September 2026.]
Gypsy and canter, in plain words
- Gypsy. A small open jeep, six seats, the more personal way to go, and easier for photography.
- Canter. A larger open bus with more seats, cheaper per person and easier to get at short notice.
You choose gypsy or canter when you book, and it decides the price and the feel of the trip.
How to book, step by step
- Go to the official Rajasthan government portal, obms-tourist.rajasthan.gov.in, and open Sariska Tiger Reserve.
- Sign in through the Rajasthan single sign on, then pick gypsy or canter, the date, and the morning or afternoon session.
- Add each visitor with identity details, and declare the correct nationality.
- Pay online, then download the permit.
- Carry the permit and the same original identity, because it is checked at the gate.
What it costs
The cost is made of the entry fee per person plus the gypsy or canter charge and a guide fee. Foreigners pay a higher fee than Indians. A gypsy costs more per head than a canter. The exact government figures are shown on the official portal at the time of booking.
Following the honest rule of this resource, we do not print a fee we cannot see clearly on the official source. [Exact fees for Indians and foreigners are to confirm on the official portal. Last checked 13 September 2026.]
Documents you need
- One government photo identity per visitor at booking. Indians can use Aadhaar. Foreigners use a passport.
- The same original identity carried to the gate, matching the booking.
- A working mobile number for the booking.
Season and timings
Sariska stays open for much of the year, which sets it apart from Ranthambore, though some core zones rest in the peak monsoon and the schedule can change. Safaris run in a morning session and an afternoon session, with the exact times set by the season. Winter mornings are cold in the Aravallis, so carry warm clothes. [The exact 2026 to 2027 open days, any closed zones, and the session times are to confirm on the official portal. Last checked 13 September 2026.]
Common mistakes to avoid
- Booking on a private look alike site. Many sites sell "Sariska safari booking" and add a fee. The official permit is only on obms-tourist.rajasthan.gov.in.
- Declaring the wrong nationality, then being stopped at the gate.
- Expecting a guaranteed tiger sighting. Sariska is beautiful hill forest and sightings take patience.
- Turning up without a booking on a busy weekend, when gypsies are gone.
Questions people ask
Where is Sariska?
In the Aravalli hills near Alwar in Rajasthan, the tiger reserve closest to Delhi and Jaipur.
Gypsy or canter, which should I pick?
A gypsy is smaller and more personal and better for photos. A canter is a larger open bus, cheaper per person and easier to get at short notice.
Do foreigners pay more?
Yes, foreigners pay a higher fee than Indians.
Is Sariska open all year?
It stays open for much of the year, though some zones rest in the monsoon and the schedule can change. Confirm on the official portal.
Where do I book?
On the official Rajasthan government portal, obms-tourist.rajasthan.gov.in, the same system used for Ranthambore.