Jungles have always intrigued me right from when I was a kid. My first experience was Jim Corbett with my parents. Recently my friends and I decided to explore another Tiger reserve of India over a long weekend in March. It was still nippy in Northern India and Sariska tiger reserve seemed to be the best option. It is in Rajasthan but is pretty close to Delhi. It was a very last moment planning but luckily we got our reservations in Ajmer Shatabdi Express that leaves from New Delhi railway station at 6:45 am and reaches Alwar at 8:40 am.
We reached Alwar almost on time and after a little negotiation, headed towards Sariska by a cab. There are plenty of cabs, auto-rickshaws etc. available right from outside the railway station which costs around 1000-1500 bucks only. It was an hour long journey and the amazing view of the Aravalli hills on both the sides of the road, added to the fun. We reached Sariska within no time but before moving straight away to our resort, Tiger Den, we took a little detour and stopped to enquire about the jungle safaris. There was already a long queue waiting for the ticket booth window to open for that day's afternoon safari. This is when we came to know that there are 2 safaris in a day that happen every day. The morning one starts at about 7 and the afternoon one at around 2. We came to know from some people there who had already done the morning safari but were not lucky enough to spot a tiger, had come back to do the afternoon safari. After acquiring plenty of information we moved towards Tiger Den, a resort by the Rajasthan Tourism Department Corporation. We had already booked our rooms online. As it is a government run resort, they provide special discounts to women only travelers and also government employees. I was lucky enough to be accompanied by a friend who works at IRCTC which is again a Public Service Unit.
As soon as we reached, the lovely view of the whole place, the greenery all around, the fresh air and the call of the birds immediately rejuvenated us. The place was full of monkeys and the resort workers asked us to be very careful about our valuables and be more cautious all the time. We soon checked into our rooms and after a warm soothing shower headed towards the dining room for a delicious lunch that waited for us. The hotel had an MAP dining system i.e. the 'Modified American Plan' that provides any 2 major meals of the day complimentary. After a sumptous traditional lunch we took a short nap. We were woken up calls of peacocks and the chattering of the monkeys. By the time we woke up it was almost dusk already. It had got colder due to the little drizzle. So, what could be better than a hot cup of tea and pakodas (onion and veggies fritters) for snacks. After munching on our evening snacks, we went for a little stroll at the garden outside. It was pretty dark by now and going out of the premises of the hotel was strictly prohibited. We joined in another group from Delhi who had lit a bonfire and were singing and dancing.
After quite an enticing session of music and dance we went back to our rooms and dozed off immediately as we had to wake up early next morning to go and stand in the queue for the safari as we had unanimously decided to do the morning one.
We woke up at about 5 am but it was too dark so we went back to bed. How stupid we were to think that as it was so cold and dark no one would reach the ticket booth window before 7 so we left our rooms by 6:30 and reached there at 7 but the crowd and the long queue took us by surprise. There were some people who already had online bookings. But we had to stand in the queue for about half an hour before we finally got the tickets but unfortunately all the gypsies were over so we had to settle for a cantor. This did not disappoint us at all as we would save a little money and the excitement was the same. Soon we hurried towards our cantor and we began our journey. It was freezing and was cloudy. So, if visiting in the winters a good warm jacket is recommended and an umbrella too. As soon as we entered the jungle we handed over the receipt that we had been given at the ticket booth. This was to keep a record of the number of vehicles that enters the jungle at a go. Gradually as we kept entering deeper into the jungle, the silence prevailed. The smell of the fresh air, the misty wind, the rustling of leaves, the clouds overhead made it all so enthralling. The guide with us had strictly asked us to keep our voice lower to the minimal or else we might scare away and disturb the animals. Deep in our hearts, hoping to spot the mighty beast, we kept hush. We came across various beautiful uncommon birds, spotted both male and female nilgai or blue bull which is the largest Asian antelope and is endemic to the Indian subcontinent. Different species of deer came across our way like herds of Sambar, antelopes and spotted deer. A huge group or family of the langoor (kondamuchu in English) looked in on us as if waiting to greet us on our visit to their abode. It started drizzling too and this is where my umbrella came to rescue. The cantor stopped only at a point before exiting the jungle. We got down for some photographs and some of us had to attend to the nature’s call. After quite a breathtaking journey we were dropped off at our resort. We were a little disappointed about not having spotted a tiger, but were also quite content by the whole experience all together.
After a quick breakfast and shower we again walked down to the ticket booking booth area. No, not to book another safari but to enquire about a ride to the Bhangarh Fort which is about an hour and a half journey from Sariska. Thankfully we got a cab for 1500 Rupees to and fro. We reached Bhangarh Fort in less than 2 hours. It was a pretty long walk from the main entrance gate to the fort complex. It was a sunny day and had got very hot by then but as it was windy too, the sun did not seem to be very harsh. It was pretty crowded and people from Rajasthan and surroundings had flocked into this place to enjoy a day out. On our way to the main fort we came across dilapidated portions of the fort’s walls, many temples and gardens with huge shady trees. We covered the whole area and finally reached the fort complex and climbed right up to the highest point. The view from there was so mesmerizing and refreshing. Though the place is considered as the most haunted place in India, the locals assured us that it’s just a rumour and a mythological story is connected to the ruins of the fort.
After spending about an hour or so we headed back towards Sariska. After reaching our resort we had lunch and rested for a while. The evening was same as the previous day. But the clear sky and the bright twinkling stars seemed a rare view for us being from Delhi. After a little walk in the garden we went inside as it got chilly. Thankfully we were carrying some board games which gave us good company. Our returning train tickets were also done at that very time. Though last time bookings are a bit risky but fortunately we got reservation in Gareebrath Express. At about 8:30 pm, we went to the dining hall for our last dinner at the resort, at least for the time being. After dinner we did our final packing as we were supposed to leave the next day.
After a delightful breakfast, we left Tiger Den in a cab that we had already booked the previous day. It was again a bright and sunny day and we reached Alwar station at about 11 am. Our train left right on time and we bid adieu to Sariska and brought back some beautiful memories.
