Alwar's Sariska Buffer Zone Keeps Its 11 Tigers on Show Even as the Core Forest Shuts for Monsoon

Sariska Tiger Reserve's core area in Alwar has shut for three months from July 1, but its buffer zone, home to 11 tigers, will keep hosting safaris.

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.

What this means for you
• Across India: Tourists planning a Sariska trip this monsoon can still book a buffer zone safari and get a real chance of spotting a tiger even though the core area is shut.
• In Alwar, Rajasthan: Keeping the buffer zone open means local safari operators, guides and hotels near Alwar will continue earning from visitors for the next three months.

Questions & Answers

1. From when to when will Sariska's core area stay closed?
The core area has been closed since July 1 and the restriction will last till the end of September, with it reopening on October 1.

2. Why does Sariska close its core area every monsoon?
It's an annual decision made for safety and wildlife conservation, since monsoon is the breeding season for tigers and the forest tracks become slippery and risky.

3. Will safaris be completely shut in Sariska during the monsoon?
No, safaris will continue in the buffer zone near Alwar city for the next three months.

4. How many tigers are currently in the buffer zone?
The buffer zone currently has 11 tigers, more than several other tiger reserves.

5. What did Sariska's field director say about the buffer zone?
Field director Sangram Singh Katiar said the hilly buffer range roads are being repaired and monitoring there has been stepped up.

6. Which route stays open for pilgrims visiting Pandupol temple?
The route via Talha and through Sariska Tiger Reserve leading to and from Pandupol temple remains open.

7. Are tourists allowed on the Wala Fort route?
No, the Wala Fort road in the buffer range is still damaged, so tourists will not be permitted there.

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