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Sariska National Park holds a special place in my heart as a wildlife destination because it was the first wildlife park I visited. My husband had earlier visited this place twice , since he is interested in wildlife. I was always scared to visit a forest myself , and with little kids , it was a complete no-no. But my husband and our family friends were able to convince me and we started off early morning in April by our car.

Ways to reach Sariska from Delhi

By Air

Jaipur airport , Sanganer is connected to Delhi and Mumbai which are connected Internationally. Jaipur is approximately 101 kms from Sariska.

By road

Delhi to Gurgaon to Bhiwadi to Tiara to Alwar leading to Sariska National Park

By train

There are many trains for Jaipur from Delhi. Few of them listed – Rajdhani, Double Decker, Ajmer shatabdi,Porbandar Shatabdi, Ashram Express . Alwar is 35 kms from Sariska. Trains from Delhi to Alwar- Double Decker, Porbandar Shatabdi, Ashram Express etc. 

We went by car as it was approximately 225 kms from Delhi and we wanted our trip to be flexible. As we crossed Bhiwadi , drive became pleasant and comfortable except the last 3 kms of the stretch , which was bumpy. 

Staying options at Sariska

There are many options for stay ranging from approximately Rs. 2000 to approximately Rs.21,000. Few hotels to name- Aravali hotel, Gulmohar Sariska resort, Hive Alwar ,Kushalgarh Lodge,Sariska Palace, Shakunt Resort, Tiger Camp, Welcome Heritage,  etc.

Our stay was right across Sariska Tiger reserve – The Sariska Palace. Sariska Palace was a royal hunting lodge of the King of Alwar.

Entrance to Sariska Palace

Sariska Palace

We had lunch at the hotel itself and enjoyed the scenic view.

View from terrace of Sariska Palace

Hill view from terrace of Sariska Palace

Kids played in the sprawling lawns of Sariska Palace.

Lawn at Sariska Palace

Another lawn at Sariska Palace

We then retired to our rooms and rested. It was pin drop silence and I relaxed for a while. As I woke up with a loud noise , to my surprise,kids were playing with a group of monkeys across our window and my husband smiling.

Monkey outside the room

In the evening,we went for swimming in the pool.

Swimming pool

We had tea and played for a while. We walked down across the road and made our reservations for next day jungle excurtion. To my surprise a big sambhar deer crossed our way & I was thrilled. We had dinner early and enjoyed the folk dance on terrace.

Rajasthani folk dance

Dancer holding fire in a pot on head

Guests dancing with Rajasthani folk dancers

It was time to go to bed a little early today as we had to get up early. All of us including kids were ready by 5.30 AM and we started as soon as the gates opened. It was scary for me but with all the people in one jeep , I was assured. Still , I could not understand why my husband likes to be in jungles. We saw a group of peacocks across the road and all the kids were very happy.

Peacock on the way to Sariska National Park

Peacock in front of our jeep

Then we saw a group of spotted deers & sambher deers and I began to like the place.

Deers crossing road in front of our jeep

Sambhar Deers in front of our jeep

It was dead silent with our jeep tracking the terrain in search of the king – A Tiger. To my relief it was not sighted by us in this trip. It is hard to spot Tigers here because of undulating low hills, wide valleys and hill platues. We saw a old machan , which King used to visit during his hunting times across a small cemented pond where animals generally come to drink water.

Hunting Machan at Sariska National Park

Water supplied in jungle in an artificial pond

As we moved further we saw a natural pond in the heart of the jungle. It was a spectacle to watch as number of animals had come to drink water in the morning.

Deers and peacocks drinking water

Spotted Deer near pond in Sariska National Park

We switched off our vehicle & stood silently to watch the beauty of nature for some time. It was so peaceful and serene that all of us were mesmerized. I realized that till now I had only visited man made places which were full of noise. I had only heard of such a place where all animals were living in harmony till now , and here I was , among them . They stared at us and continued with their activities.

We came back by noon tired, had lunch and played indoor games. As we relaxed in the room, kids were busy looking at a monkey from the window, which was again a good time pass. It was time for long luxurious dinner on the roof top with Rajasthani dance troops and puppet show for kids. We enjoyed traditional dance and show ended with mindblowing fire ball antiques.

Fire stunt

Man blowing fire in the air

Fire ball in the air

Another astounding stunt was dancer dancing on nail bed.

Dancer dancing on nail bed

Next day we left for Delhi after breakfast. In all , It was a beginning of my love affair with wildlife and nature which led us to our future trips to more adventurous Ranthambore National Park and Jim Corbett National Park . I would recommend Sariska National Park to all beginners who want to visit wildlife from close quarters.

Other places near Sariska n things to do

Alwar and Siliserh lake

There is a restaurant in Alwar, Prem Pavitra which is a must visit.

Other beautiful snaps

Neelgai

Antelopes in bushes

Sambhar Deer grazing

Deer in its nature

Beautiful scenery

Mesmerizing view of forest

Nidhi K.M

9th March, 2014

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