A Guide to Booking a Jeep Safari in Sariska Tiger Reserve Online
If you’re planning a trip to the Sariska Tiger Reserve in Rajasthan and want to make the most of your experience, booking a jeep safari is a must. The thrill of driving through the lush deciduous forests, spotting wildlife, and, if you’re lucky, glimpsing the majestic Bengal tiger, makes a jeep safari one of the best ways to explore this beautiful sanctuary. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the steps and tips for booking a Sariska jeep safari online.
Why Choose a Jeep Safari in Sariska?
The Sariska Tiger Reserve is spread across 866 square kilometers and offers a variety of wildlife, including tigers, leopards, sambar deer, hyenas, jackals, and numerous bird species. A jeep safari allows you to cover more ground in a shorter time compared to a canter (which accommodates more people). Here’s why a jeep safari stands out:
- Personalized Experience: Jeeps carry fewer passengers (usually 6), offering a more intimate and focused wildlife experience.
- Flexibility: Jeeps can navigate narrow trails, providing a better chance of encountering wildlife.
- Guided Tour: Safaris are accompanied by trained guides who share insightful details about the reserve’s flora, fauna, and history.
Steps to Book a Sariska Jeep Safari Online
- Visit the Official Website or Trusted Booking Platforms The Rajasthan Forest Department manages jeep safari bookings for Sariska. You can either book through their official portal or use other reliable travel platforms that offer safari bookings.
- Official Website: Sariska Online Booking
- Select Your Preferred Safari Zone Sariska is divided into different zones, and when booking, you’ll need to choose which one you want to explore. Each zone offers unique wildlife sightings, so choose based on availability and personal preferences. Note that the core areas tend to have higher chances of tiger sightings.
- Zone 1-4: Popular for higher wildlife visibility.
- Choose Your Safari Time Sariska offers two safari slots daily:
- Morning Safari: Generally starts around 6:00 to 6:30 AM (varies by season).
- Evening Safari: Usually between 2:30 to 3:00 PM.
Early morning safaris are often considered better for spotting tigers and other nocturnal animals, but the evening safaris offer a chance to see animals as they return from waterholes.
- Fill in Details and Proceed to Payment You’ll need to provide some personal details while booking, including:
- Name of the visitors.
- Age.
- Gender.
- Identification document (Aadhaar, passport, or driver’s license).
After filling in these details, proceed to the payment gateway. Online payments are typically made via credit/debit cards or net banking.
- Receive Confirmation Once the payment is processed, you will receive an e-confirmation via email or SMS, which includes the details of your safari, such as the time slot, vehicle number, and the reporting point. Save this confirmation and bring a printed or digital copy with you to Sariska.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Booking
- Book in Advance: Jeep safaris in Sariska can fill up quickly, especially during peak tourist seasons (November to March), so it’s advisable to book your slot at least a few weeks ahead of time.
- Carry ID Proof: Every visitor must carry the same identification document used during the booking. Without it, you may be denied entry.
- Safari Cancellation Policy: Check the cancellation and refund policy on the platform you’re using. Generally, cancellations are allowed up to a certain period before the safari, with varying refund policies.
What to Expect During the Safari
- Duration: A jeep safari typically lasts about 2.5 to 3 hours.
- Trained Naturalist: Each jeep is accompanied by a knowledgeable naturalist or guide who provides insights into the wildlife and ensures safety.
- Wildlife Spotting: Tigers are the main attraction, but you can also expect to see leopards, deer, monkeys, and various bird species. Keep your camera ready!
- Photography: While capturing photos is exciting, ensure you respect the wildlife and do not disturb the animals by making loud noises or using flash photography.
Pro Tips for an Enjoyable Safari
- Wear Neutral Colors: Earthy tones like khaki, olive green, or beige help blend in with the surroundings and avoid startling wildlife.
- Be Punctual: Arrive at least 30 minutes before your safari to ensure a smooth boarding process.
- Stay Silent and Alert: Wildlife safaris require patience and quiet observation. Silence increases the chances of seeing more animals.
- Carry Water and Snacks: While the safari is relatively short, carrying a bottle of water and light snacks can make your experience more comfortable, especially in warmer months.