Sariska is a beautiful wildlife sanctuary located in the Alwar district of Rajasthan, about 200 km southwest of Delhi. It is famous for its tiger reserve and rich biodiversity, making it a popular weekend getaway for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts from Delhi and nearby cities.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Delhi to Sariska, covering trains, buses, cars, and taxis. You will also find practical travel tips, a step-by-step plan, and advice on what to expect upon arrival to make your journey comfortable and hassle-free.

Getting from Delhi to Sariska – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a budget-friendly and scenic option, suitable for those who prefer a relaxed journey. However, Sariska does not have a direct railway station, so you need to combine train travel with road transport.

• The nearest railway stations to Sariska are Alwar and Khairthal, both well connected to Delhi via multiple daily trains, including express and passenger trains covering 160-180 km in about 3-4 hours.

• Train fares from Delhi to Alwar range from ₹150 to ₹500 depending on class, with trains departing from New Delhi Railway Station and Hazrat Nizamuddin Station frequently throughout the day.

• From Alwar or Khairthal, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus for the remaining 40-50 km to Sariska, which takes around 1-1.5 hours on NH48 and SH25 roads.

• Train travel is comfortable but can be crowded during weekends and holidays; booking tickets in advance via IRCTC is recommended to secure preferred timings and classes.

Bus

Buses are a popular and economical way to reach Sariska from Delhi, especially for solo travelers and budget tourists. Several government and private operators run services connecting Delhi to Alwar and nearby towns.

• MSRTC and Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation operate regular buses from Delhi’s Kashmiri Gate ISBT to Alwar, with journey times around 4-5 hours covering 160-180 km.

• Bus fares typically range from ₹150 to ₹300, with options including ordinary, deluxe, and Volvo AC buses depending on comfort and budget.

• From Alwar bus stand, shared jeeps, local buses, or prepaid taxis are available for the last 40-50 km to Sariska Tiger Reserve.

• Bus services are frequent during the day but may be limited early morning or late night; monsoon season can cause delays due to road conditions on NH48 and SH25.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Delhi to Sariska is the most flexible and convenient option, ideal for families or groups wanting to explore at their own pace. The route is well connected by national and state highways.

• The distance from Delhi to Sariska is approximately 200 km via NH48 and SH25, with a typical driving time of 4-5 hours depending on traffic and stops.

• Starting from Delhi, you can take the NH48 (Delhi-Jaipur highway) towards Alwar, then switch to SH25 towards Sariska; toll plazas are present on NH48, so keep some cash handy.

• Rest stops with food options are available at Murthal (famous for dhabas), Dharuhera, and Alwar, making it easy to break the journey comfortably.

• Driving during early mornings or late evenings is advisable to avoid Delhi and Alwar city traffic; monsoon rains may cause slippery roads, so drive cautiously during July-September.

Taxi / Cab

Hiring a taxi or cab from Delhi to Sariska offers door-to-door convenience and is suitable for travelers who prefer a hassle-free journey without driving themselves.

• Ola and Uber provide outstation taxi services from Delhi to Sariska, with fares typically ranging from ₹3,000 to ₹5,000 one way depending on vehicle type and demand.

• Prepaid taxis can be booked from Delhi airport or railway stations, offering fixed rates and reliable service for the 4-5 hour journey.

• Taxi drivers often wait at Alwar or Khairthal stations if you prefer to take a train first and then continue by road, making combined travel easy.

• Booking taxis in advance is recommended, especially during weekends and holidays, to avoid last-minute price surges and availability issues.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers from Delhi to Sariska, helping you organize your trip smoothly and avoid common pitfalls.

• Book your train or bus tickets online in advance through IRCTC or MSRTC websites to secure seats and preferred timings, especially on weekends and holidays.

• If traveling by train, choose Alwar or Khairthal as your destination station, then arrange a taxi or local bus for the onward journey to Sariska.

• If driving, plan your route via NH48 and SH25, check vehicle condition, and start early to avoid Delhi traffic and reach Sariska by afternoon.

• Carry sufficient water, snacks, and a physical map or GPS device, as mobile network coverage can be patchy in forested areas near Sariska.

• Upon arrival, use prepaid taxis or local shared jeeps for travel inside Sariska Tiger Reserve, as private vehicles are often restricted within the park.

Practical Travel Tips

• Carry enough drinking water and avoid tap water in Sariska; bottled water is widely available at rest stops and park entrances to prevent stomach issues.

• Book train and bus tickets well in advance via IRCTC and MSRTC portals to avoid last-minute unavailability during peak tourist seasons and festivals.

• Use prepaid taxi services or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber for safe and transparent fares, especially when traveling from Alwar or Delhi to Sariska.

• Pack light but include rain gear if traveling during monsoon months (July-September), as heavy rains can cause roadblocks and slippery paths.

• Be cautious when driving or riding on highways after dark; some stretches near Sariska are poorly lit and wildlife crossings may occur.

• Carry a valid ID and park entry permits if visiting Sariska Tiger Reserve, as these are mandatory and checked at multiple points.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to visit Sariska is during the cooler months from October to March when the weather is pleasant and wildlife sightings are easier. Summers can be hot and uncomfortable, while monsoons bring lush greenery but also travel challenges.

Seasonal factors affect travel conditions and crowd levels, so planning your trip accordingly will enhance your experience and safety.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Diwali and Holi when roads and trains are crowded, and accommodation prices rise sharply.

• Monsoon season (July to September) can cause delays due to slippery roads and occasional landslides on SH25; carry rain protection and check weather forecasts.

• Early morning departures from Delhi help avoid city traffic and allow you to reach Sariska by late morning, maximizing your time at the sanctuary.

• Winter mornings can be foggy on NH48 near Delhi and Alwar, so drive carefully and allow extra travel time during December and January.

Arrival at Sariska & What to Expect

When you arrive at Sariska, you will find a small town with basic amenities and several entry points to the Sariska Tiger Reserve. The nearest major town is Alwar, which offers more accommodation and transport options.

Local transport inside Sariska mainly consists of prepaid taxis, shared jeeps, and guided safari vehicles. Private vehicles are restricted within the core sanctuary area to protect wildlife.

Accommodation options range from forest rest houses to private resorts near the reserve entrance. Booking in advance is advisable during peak seasons to secure your preferred stay.

Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs are available at Alwar and Sariska, but it is best to arrange your return transport in advance to avoid last-minute hassles.

Conclusion

Traveling from Delhi to Sariska is straightforward with multiple options including train, bus, car, and taxi. For most travelers, driving or hiring a taxi offers the best balance of convenience and flexibility, while trains and buses provide economical alternatives combined with local transport.

Planning your journey with advance bookings, starting early to avoid traffic, and preparing for seasonal weather will ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip. With this guide, you can confidently plan your visit to Sariska and experience its rich wildlife and natural beauty without stress.