Sariska Tiger Reserve in Rajasthan's Alwar district has shut its core area to visitors from July 1 for the next three months, but anyone still hoping to spot a tiger this monsoon has a reason to smile, the reserve's buffer zone remains open and is currently home to 11 tigers.
Why the core zone closes every monsoon
Every year during the rainy season, Sariska's management suspends tourist movement inside the core area entirely, citing both safety and wildlife conservation. Monsoon happens to be the breeding season for tigers, tigresses and other wildlife in the reserve, and the forest tracks turn slippery and risky at the same time. That combination is why the core zone has once again been closed to tourists from July 1, with the restriction staying in place until the end of September. Once the rains recede and conditions return to normal, the core area will reopen to visitors on October 1.
Buffer zone keeps the safari going
The buffer zone near Alwar city will continue welcoming tourists even while the core area stays shut. Frequent tiger sightings in this buffer area over the recent past have already lifted visitor enthusiasm, and the zone currently has 11 tigers, a number higher than several other tiger reserves. With so many tigers around, visitors to the buffer zone have a fairly strong chance of spotting one during their safari. For the next three months, while the core area remains closed, this buffer zone will be the main draw for anyone visiting Sariska.
Hilly roads being repaired, surveillance stepped up
Sariska Tiger Reserve field director Sangram Singh Katiar said safaris in the buffer area close to Alwar city will keep running. He said the buffer range lies in fairly hilly terrain, so the administration has already begun repairing its roads to make sure safari vehicles don't run into trouble once the rains set in, and to keep the ride comfortable for tourists. He added that monitoring in the buffer range has also been increased because of the rising number of tigers there. According to Katiar, the administration is fully prepared to provide better facilities to tourists visiting the buffer range through the monsoon months while the core area stays closed.
Pandupol temple route stays open, Wala Fort road still shut
Katiar also said the route that pilgrims use to reach Pandupol temple, via Talha and through Sariska Tiger Reserve, will remain fully open for people travelling to and from the temple. He explained that whenever forest safaris are suspended during the rains, the administration steps up its watch because some pilgrims visiting the temple tend to get off their vehicles and wander toward the forest. To manage this, the administration has deployed Tiger Mitra volunteers to keep an eye on everyone moving along the route. Separately, the Wala Fort road inside the buffer range remains damaged, so tourists will not be allowed to access that stretch either.
