Alwar

No, and it is worth being straightforward about that. Sariska lost its tigers entirely in the mid-2000s and was repopulated by relocation; the population remains small and sightings are considerably less frequent. The landscape is attractive and the reserve is quiet, which has its own appeal — but if seeing a tiger is the point, Ranthambore is the better choice.

Only if you are visiting Sariska, which needs a night to allow a dawn drive. As a city on its own, Alwar has perhaps half a day of interest — the hill fort and the palace complex — and limited places to stay or eat. Most travellers pass through rather than stop.

Access has at times required permission from the local authorities, and the position has changed more than once. Confirm on the day rather than assuming, and expect a steep, rough approach road. When it is open it is a rewarding and almost empty fort.

It sits roughly halfway, about three and a half hours from each, which makes it a natural break if you want one. Combining a morning at the fort with an afternoon Sariska drive, then continuing to Jaipur the next day, is the version that makes sense.

Core zones normally close during the monsoon, broadly in the wet months, with buffer areas sometimes remaining open. Dates are set each year by the forest department and do shift. Verify current dates before booking anything non-refundable.

No, and nobody can promise otherwise. Sariska's population is small and spread across a large reserve, so a substantial proportion of drives see none. Two drives improve the odds. Book because you want the forest and the Aravalli landscape; treat anything more as a bonus.

Siliserh Lake, thirteen kilometres out, makes a pleasant short stop, and the City Palace museum will hold older children for an hour. Honestly, though, Alwar is thin for families compared with Jaipur, and we would not build a family itinerary around it.