Sariska Vs Ranthambore Which Is Better

Jessica_91

Member
I just read a reply where I found out that Sariska is very close to Bhangarh which I am planning to visit on my upcoming visit so I am kind of confused if I should drop Ranthambore and go to Sariska instead.

I am mainly after spotting tigers if I am lucky and I would appreciate if some one could tell me which place is better for seeing a tiger and what is accommodation like at Sariska.
 
I have been to both Sariska and Ranthambore. The problem is that it is not a guarantee to spot a tiger at either of the places. Until a few years ago, Sariska had no tigers atall and the government transported some from Ranthambore. If spotting a tiger is important then go for Ranthambore and also Ranthambore has a lot of birds if you are into bird watching. I also find resorts at Ranthambore to be much more reasonably prices as compared to Sariska probably because of proximity to the capital, Sariska hotel prices remain higher for similar quality rooms when compared to what you would pay at Ranthambore.
 
I have been to Sariska three times and never got lucky but the only one time I went to Ranthambore I had a chance to see a tiger for more then 5 mins. It also depends on your guide. Going in one of those battery operated canters greatly reduces your chance as most people cannot keep quite and make noises which is a big no no. Take a jeep and a guide to better your chances at Ranthambore.
 
For spotting a tiger Ranthambore is your best bet. You need to be extremely lucky to spot one at Sariska. Ranthambore is also more greener and plenty of other attractions that can be covered in the same trip. Sariska is easier to get to from Delhi but that is where advantages end. Ranthambore is also a lot smaller as compared to Sariska which makes it easier to spot a tiger.
 
If you are planning and wanting to see tigers, it's best to avoid Sariska for that. Your best bet between the two would be Ranthambore. There are many other animals that can be spotted in Sariska, but the tigers there are very elusive. In Ranthambore, the chance to see tigers are low, but still higher than the probability of seeing tigers in Sariska. If you're lucky, you may even spot tiger cubs here as a lot of people had reported seeing tigers along with their cubs.

Also, the accommodations in Sariska can be quite high. So that's another downside to going there. Ranthambore has some affordable hotels around the area.
 

Sariska vs. Ranthambore: Which is Better for a Wildlife Safari?

Both Sariska Tiger Reserve and Ranthambore National Park are popular wildlife destinations in Rajasthan, but they offer different experiences. Here’s a comparison to help you choose the best one:

Tiger Sightings

  • Ranthambore: ✅ Higher chances of spotting tigers due to better tracking and a larger population.
  • Sariska: ❌ Lower chances as tigers are fewer and spread across a larger area.
Winner: Ranthambore for tiger sightings.

Scenery & Landscape

  • Ranthambore: Features dense forests, lakes, and rocky hills, offering a stunning landscape with Ranthambore Fort adding to the charm.
  • Sariska: More of a dry, arid forest with open grasslands, but offers serene and peaceful vibes.
Winner: Ranthambore for diverse and scenic landscapes.

Accessibility & Travel Time

ParkNearest CityDistance from JaipurDistance from DelhiBest for Quick Trip?
RanthamboreSawai Madhopur180 km (4 hrs)390 km (7 hrs)❌ (Far from Delhi)
SariskaAlwar110 km (2.5 hrs)200 km (4 hrs)✅ (Closer to Delhi)
Winner: Sariska for those coming from Delhi, Ranthambore for those prioritizing safari experience.

Safari Cost Comparison (2025 Updated)

ParkGypsy (6-seater)Canter (20-seater)Safari Timings
Ranthambore₹12,000 (Private) / ₹2,000 per person₹1,300 per person6:30 AM & 2:30 PM
Sariska₹6,500 (Private) / ₹900 per person₹600 per person6:00 AM & 2:00 PM
Winner: Sariska for budget travelers, Ranthambore for better safari experience.

Accommodation & Stay Options

  • Ranthambore: Wide range of luxury resorts, mid-range hotels, and budget lodges.
  • Sariska: Fewer accommodation options, mostly mid-range and budget-friendly stays.
Winner: Ranthambore for luxury stays.

Final Verdict: Which One Should You Visit?

  • Choose Ranthambore if you want higher chances of seeing tigers, scenic beauty, and luxury stays.
  • Choose Sariska if you want a less crowded, budget-friendly, and quick wildlife escape from Delhi.
Pro Tip: If you want a guaranteed tiger sighting, go for Ranthambore. If you prefer a peaceful getaway, Sariska is a great choice.
Which one do you prefer? Have you visited both? Share your experience below!
 
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