Our trip to Sariska Tiger Reserve was something we had planned for weeks. With all four of us wanting to explore the jungle, we locked in a Saturday-Sunday getaway, booked our safari in advance, and mapped out our journey from Delhi. Sariska, known for its Royal Bengal Tigers, leopards, and diverse wildlife, seemed like the perfect weekend adventure.
Day 1: Drive from Delhi
We hit the road from Delhi at 5:00 AM, determined to beat the city traffic. The drive was smooth, covering approximately 200 km in around 4.5 hours.The roads were decent, except for some rough patches near Alwar. We made a quick breakfast stop at a highway dhaba near Bhiwadi, relishing some piping hot aloo parathas with curd. By 9:30 AM, we arrived at our stay—The Sariska Tiger Camp Resort (₹4,500 per night for a double occupancy room, including meals). The resort had a comfortable vibe, with cottages surrounded by greenery. After freshening up, we had a simple but delicious Rajasthani lunch featuring dal baati churma, gatte ki sabzi, and bajre ki roti. Post-lunch, we geared up for the main event—the Sariska Jungle Safari.
First Jungle Safari: Excited, Doubtful and Thrilled.
Afternoon Safari (3:00 PM – 6:00 PM)
We reached the Sariska Tiger Reserve gate by 2:30 PM. The safari booking cost us ₹1,100 per person (₹6,500 for a full gypsy with a guide). Since we were four, we opted for a private gypsy instead of a canter (which costs around ₹500 per person but is less flexible).
We entered the tiger reserve with some fear and great excitement. The landscape was breathtaking—dry deciduous forests, rocky hills, and expansive grasslands. Our guide, a local named Ramesh, briefed us on the wildlife and history of the reserve. My friend asked him if we encountered leopards and tigers, was it safe and whether there was a chance that they could attack us. Despite being home to tigers, leopards, and other wild animals, Sariska Tiger Reserve is completely safe for visitors. Thesafari experience is well-organized, with trained guides and forest officials ensuring both tourists and wildlife remain undisturbed. The guide told us that the animals here are accustomed to safari vehicles and do not see them as a threat. Additionally, strict rules are followed—tourists must remain inside the vehicle at all times, and designated routes are followed to minimize human-wildlife conflict. The gypsies and canters used for safaris are sturdy and well-maintained, providing a secure way to explore the jungle. Finally, we were assured that if we follow our guide’s instructions, Sariska would be an unforgettable yet safe wildlife experience!
Wildlife Encounters on Day 1
- Spotted Deer (Chital) – The most commonly seen animal, roaming in herds near the waterholes.
- Sambar Deer – A majestic stag stood still as we clicked photos.
- Nilgai (Blue Bull) – A few of them were grazing near the bushes.
- Jackal – Spotted one dashing across the track.
- Macaques & Langurs – Scattered all over, acting as the jungle’s alarm system.
- A Leopard’s Call! – Our most thrilling moment came when we heard a loud growl deep inside the forest. The guide whispered, “Leopard nearby!” We waited for almost 45 minutes and then were very happy to spot it.
- Birds – We saw a crested serpent eagle, peacocks, and parakeets.
Though we didn’t spot a tiger on Day 1, the thrill of tracking one, the eerie jungle sounds, and the golden evening light filtering through the trees made the safari unforgettable.
Day 2: The Ultimate Tiger Encounter
Morning Safari (6:30 AM – 9:30 AM)
Our guide took us towards the Pandupol area, known for frequent tiger sightings. The first 30 minutes were quiet, but suddenly, we heard warning calls from langurs and deer. The guide hushed us—this meant a predator was near.
Emerging from the bushes, a magnificent Royal Bengal Tiger strolled onto the track, barely 15 feet from our gypsy. Our hearts pounded as we locked eyes with the beast. For a few intense moments, he stood there, looking at us as if acknowledging our presence. Then, with a flick of his tail, he walked off into the jungle.
The entire gypsy sat in stunned silence before breaking into excited whispers. This was the moment we had been waiting for!
Exploring Pandupol & Departure
After the safari, we visited Pandupol Temple, a 500-year-old Hanuman temple inside the reserve. Monkeys ruled the place, but the serene waterfall nearby made the visit worthwhile.
The drive back to Delhi was relaxed, stopping at Alwar’s Baba Thakur Das sweet shop to pick up their famous Alwar ka mawa. By 5:00 PM, we were back in Delhi, exhausted but exhilarated.
Challenges & Tips
- Tiger Sightings Aren’t Guaranteed – Patience is key!
- Rough Roads Near Sariska – Be prepared for bumpy rides.
- Limited Network Connectivity – Enjoy the digital detox!
- Extreme Weather – Summers are scorching; winters are freezing. Best time to visit: October–March.
- Book Safari in Advance – Slots fill up quickly, especially on weekends.
- Safety- Strictly follow the instructions given by your guide.
Last Thoughts
Our Sariska trip was nothing short of magical. From the thrill of the jungle safaris to the rustic beauty of the landscape, every moment felt like an adventure. The tiger sighting on Day 2 was a memory that will stay with us forever.
For anyone looking for a quick wildlife getaway from Delhi, Sariska Tiger Reserve is a fantastic option. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a photographer, or just craving adventure, Sariska won’t disappoint!
