Sariska Tiger Reserve is one of India’s most well-known protected areas. It holds environmental, historical, and strategic conservation importance. Known for its dry deciduous forest and tiger population, Sariska draws attention not only from wildlife enthusiasts but also from those preparing for competitive exams like UPSC.

One common question students often ask is “Sariska Tiger Reserve is located in which state?” This guide provides the answer with rich details—covering its geography, ecology, tourism, challenges, and significance for civil service exams.

Sariska Tiger Reserve is Located in Which State?

Sariska Tiger Reserve is one of India’s prominent wildlife sanctuaries, and a common question among students and wildlife enthusiasts is: Sariska Tiger Reserve is located in which state? The reserve is located in the state of Rajasthan, specifically in the Alwar district in the northeastern part of the state. Nestled in the Aravalli Hills, Sariska spans a vast area of dry deciduous forests, grasslands, and rocky hills, making it a crucial habitat for various species, including the Bengal tiger. Its proximity to cities like Jaipur and Delhi also makes it a popular destination for tourists and researchers alike. Whether the question is framed as Sariska tiger reserve is located in or Sariska tiger reserve in which state, the accurate and official answer remains Rajasthan. Understanding the exact location of this reserve is essential for general knowledge, environment-related studies, and competitive exams like UPSC, where such factual questions are frequently asked.

Sariska Tiger Reserve Geographical Details 

To understand its ecological and conservation value, it’s important to look at where Sariska lies.

Sariska is nestled in the Aravalli mountain range and comprises part of Rajasthan’s semi-arid landscape. It is located between 27°5′N latitude and 76°20′E longitude. The reserve covers a total area of 1,200 sq km, with a core area of 881.11 sq km and a buffer zone of 322.22 sq km.

The terrain consists of:

• Hilly cliffs
• Narrow valleys
• Plateaus
• Dhok tree-dominated dry deciduous forest

Its location in north-east Rajasthan makes it accessible from Delhi, Jaipur, and Alwar city.

The reserve was originally a hunting ground for the Maharaja of Alwar. Later, it was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1955, a National Park in 1979, and became a Tiger Reserve under Project Tiger the same year.

Sariska became world-famous in the mid-2000s for a grim reason—it lost all its tigers due to poaching. However, it became the first reserve in the world to successfully relocate tigers, bringing back the big cats from Ranthambore in 2008.

Sariska Tiger Reserve Biodiversity and Wildlife

Sariska is rich in flora and fauna. It features scrub thorn forests, grasslands, semi-deciduous forest, and rocky terrain, offering ideal conditions for many animal species.

Mammals You Can Spot:

• Royal Bengal Tiger
• Leopard
• Striped Hyena
• Caracal
• Jungle Cat
• Sambar and Chital Deer
• Nilgai (Blue Bull)
• Wild Boar
• Langurs and Rhesus Macaque

Birds and Reptiles:

Sariska is home to over 220 bird species including:

• Peafowl
• Grey Francolin
• Crested Serpent Eagle
• Indian Pitta
• White-Rumped Vulture

You’ll also find monitor lizards, crocodiles, and Indian rock pythons in some areas.

Sariska Tiger Reserve Conservation Challenges

Even though tiger relocation was a success, Sariska continues to face threats:

1. Forest Fires

Several forest fires have occurred in various locations in March, including the Similipal Wildlife Sanctuary in Odisha's Mayurbhanj district (March 29, 2022), and the Perimalmalai Peak near Tamil Nadu’s Dindigul district's Kodaikanal hills (March 11, 2022).

As per the Forest Survey of India , 381 forest fires were reported in India by March 30, 2022. Madhya Pradesh had the highest number of forest fires with 133. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in its annual Frontiers Report released on February 17, 2022, warned that wildfires have become more dangerous and are affecting larger areas.

2. Human-Wildlife Conflict

The reserve includes several villages within the buffer and core areas. Grazing, firewood collection, and construction have created constant challenges.

3. Poaching & Missing Tigers

In 2025, tigress ST-9 went missing. This raised concerns about poaching networks still active in surrounding regions like Naldeshwar.

Sariska Tiger Reserve Recent Developments (2024–2025)

The development happened in Sariska Tiger Reserve has been explained as under -

• In 2025, the Rajasthan government redefined Sariska’s Critical Tiger Habitat, removing mining-affected land and adding ecologically intact buffer areas.
• Tourist zone closures during the monsoon (July–September) have been debated due to economic impact on local businesses.

These recent actions are vital for understanding the administrative side of wildlife governance—especially for aspirants appearing in UPSC Mains.

Sariska Tiger Reserve Tourism and Attractions

Sariska isn’t just about tigers—it’s also culturally rich.

Tourist Spots Inside/Adjacent to the Park:

• Kankwari Fort – where Dara Shikoh was imprisoned by Aurangzeb
• Siliserh Lake – boating and crocodile spotting
• Bhangarh Fort – the “most haunted” fort of India
• Pandupol Temple – associated with the Mahabharata

Accessibility

Reaching Sariska is easy due to its strategic location.

• Nearest City: Alwar (37 km)
• From Jaipur: 107 km
• From Delhi: 200 km
• Nearest Airport: Jaipur International Airport
• Railway Station: Alwar Junction

Why is Sariska Important for UPSC?

Sariska frequently appears in UPSC Prelims Environment and Ecology questions, especially under topics like:

• Tiger Reserves of India
• National Parks
• Biosphere Reserves
• Conservation Projects

UPSC often frames MCQs around questions like:

• Sariska tiger reserve is located in which of the following states?
• Which of the following was the first reserve to successfully relocate tigers?
• Identify a national park from the Aravalli range.

Thus, knowledge about Sariska enhances your factual base for both GS Paper I and Environment sections.

Conclusion

Sariska Tiger Reserve is located in Rajasthan, and it stands as a crucial element in India’s conservation framework. It has witnessed ecological disasters and has also set global benchmarks in tiger reintroduction.

From an exam perspective, knowing that “Sariska tiger reserve is located in which state”—Rajasthan—is just the beginning. Understanding its challenges, significance, and biodiversity adds depth to your UPSC preparation.