13th Feb 2025
The happiest news we can share with all wildlife buffs is that the Sariska National Park & Tiger Reserve is now home to 43 tigers. The beautiful tigress who has made the jungles here resonate with this triumphant event is six-year-old ST-17, who was captured on camera with her three cubs in June. This is her second litter. Her name may be rather unimaginative, but the service ST-17 has done for the tiger reserve is momentous. If you recall, Sariska was in the eye of the storm in 2004 for losing its entire tiger population to poachers and man-animal conflicts. Strong public opinion and strict conservation measures were pivotal for the tiger's return to Sariska’s jungles from 2008 onwards. The total tiger population in Sariska now stands at 43, including 11 males, 14 females, and 18 cubs.
The jungles of Sariska National Park and Tiger Reserve were once the private hunting preserve of the Alwar royals. But hunting was declared unlawful by the government in 1955, as was shooting, trapping or capturing wild animals. Declared a sanctuary in 1958 its protection progressed further apace when in 1978 it came under Project Tiger as a Tiger Reserve in 1978 and in 1982 the status of a National Park.
Located in the Aravali range in Rajasthan’s Alwar district, Sariska National Park and Tiger Reserve is spread over 800 sq km with a core area of about 500 sq km. About 20% of this area is open to tourists. Entry to the park is via the Tehla Gate and Sariska Booking Gate.
An excellent base for these myriad activities is the serene Sariska Lodge, conveniently located close to the Tehla Entry Gate The lodge, designed in the region's local architectural style, offers a lovely selection of rooms and suites equipped with all mod cons for a leisurely jungle sojourn.
Sariska offers visitors a unique wilderness jamboree with morning and evening tiger-spotting jeep safaris, ancient temples and historic spots to visit, jungle treks, birding, nature walks, lakeside picnics and much else. The undulating terrain of the game park and its surrounds is also dotted with ancient temples, waterbodies and an ancient fort with links to Mughal history.
Of primary interest for visitors is a rewarding jungle safari with a knowledgeable and expert naturalist. While spot-a-tiger is high on one’s list you will also enjoy the botanical beauty of the national park and the rich variety of migratory and resident birds. Apart from the tiger, the apex predator, this wildlife habitat is also home to leopards, sambar, chital deer, dholes, jungle cats, jackals, sloth bear, nilgai, wild boar, small Indian civet, Javan mongoose, ruddy mongoose, honey badger etc.
Almost 90 % of the forest canopy comprises the dhok tree, an important source of food for sambar deer, spotted deer, and nilgai etc. These trees have religious and medical values as well. Other tree species include the Pipal, and Banyan Neem valued for their religious and medical importance. The fruit-bearing trees you can spot here include the Mango, Tamarind, Jamun and Ber varieties. Unmissable is the flamboyant “The Flame of the Forest” when it is in full bloom.
A thrilling morning or late afternoon is perfect for the Boulder Trail Safari to track leopards on the hills. Birding enthusiasts can gather around the waterholes and lakeside to catch viewings of migratory visitors in winter. All year long alive with the birdsong of its domestic residents are the trees and hedges and fields interspersed in the mighty swathe of the game park. A stimulating trek to Tehla Fort, a former hunting fort riddled now with the tentacles of the jungle, presents some stunning panoramas of Tehla town, the lakes, and the forested hills. You can wander around the township and the village expanses to see step-wells, kothis, and havelis. It provides the perfect opportunity to meet and chat up the local carpet weavers, enjoy a pottery session in a potter’s home and take home a handmade souvenir. Sariska Lodge makes excellent arrangements for these excursions.
For first-time visitors, the discovery of some ancient shrines and an old fortress with a murky history add that extra zing to this wildlife holiday.
Pandupol is a point of interest because of its ancient linkages to the Pandavas who are said to have spent some time here during the last year of their exile (Agyatvas). The Pandupol Waterfall is said to have been created by Bhima who was said to have been defeated by Hanuman. The Hanuman shrine here attracts many devotees.
Close to Tehla stands the Neelkanth Mahadeva Temple complex which bristles with the remnants of many Hindu and Jain shrines dating between the 8th and 12th centuries. The stone carvings are reminders of the Chandela-built temples of Khajuraho. Streams of visitors also wend their way along the 2-km walk through the jungle to the nearby Naldeshwar shrine, a living temple. Another temple of note nearby is the Naugaja Temple, a beautiful 9th century Digambar Jain shrine. Unmissable here is the large sculpture of standing Shantinatha Tirthankar atop a raised platform.
The ruins of the Kankwari Fort serve as a lovely little adventure, made even more thrilling with the hint of a spot of danger if there is a leopard in residence! The route to the fort passes through a swathe of dense jungle where peacocks with their harems roam. The medieval fortress reigns supreme in solitary splendour on a hilltop, gazing down upon a perennial waterbody, where birds and little creatures dive in and out on hot days. The fortress is forever linked to the murky tale of how the Mughal, Aurangzeb, imprisoned his elder brother, the poet-prince Darah Shikoh, in the fight for the throne.
Surrounded by ancient fort ruins and the historic town of Tehla, steeped in the legends of the Pandavas in exile, Sariska Lodge offers one 3250 Sq.ft Family Pool Suite with two master suites, which is perfect for families; it also feature a private plunge pool, pool loungers, and a spacious patio. 2 Pool Suites sit amidst grasslands; these come with plunge pools, pool loungers, a bathtub, and patios. The 4 Mountain Suites feature a private patio seating overlooking the grasslands and the majestic mountains of Sariska. The 2 Fort Suites are standalone retreats with sweeping views of the Tehla Fort and a private rooftop.
Amenities include a king-sized bed, en-suite bathroom personalised butler services, free Wi-Fi, 55-inch smart TV, Air Conditioning (Hot and Cold) and a minibar.
Tempting culinary experiences, shaped by local traditions and global flavours, await at the Outdoor Restaurant, Terrace Fireplace Tent and the Dining Room. The chef crafts delicious fare from fresh produce grown locally or in the lodge’s organic gardens. Unwind with your favourite tipple at the well-stocked bar.
Guided yoga and meditation sessions are organized at the lodge; a lovely option is the scenic drive to Mangalsar Water Reservoir for a Surya Namaskar followed by a private yoga session.
The wellness centre features an open rooftop for yoga and meditation and two double-bed private treatment rooms. Indulge in ancient Ayurvedic treatments and a wide range of therapies, including Tibetan healing.