Spotting Stars and Stripes in Sariska

The car took a right down a dusty path. I could spot yellow mustard fields in the distance and peacocks trotting around the mud walls of the village houses. I had arrived in Sariska, a Tiger reserve on the outskirts of Alwar, Rajasthan. I can’t deny I was getting a little skeptical of the stay I had booked. The site had promised luxurious tents and all I could see was a big, bright gate and compound walls that went on and on. Trusting my usual positive travel instincts and my thorough research too, I went inside, ready for what the camp site had to offer.

Now, what happened after that is a story of pure bliss – it is a story of sunsets, spicy pakoras, wintery nights, stargazing, morning chills made cosy with copious amounts of steamy kulhad chai, driving through the jungle, chasing pug marks, spotting felines, and knowing mother nature like never before.

And since words can’t do justice, here’s a photo-log of my weekend of spotting bright twinkly stars and tiger stripes. Not to worry, there’s a travel guide at the end too.

Photo of Spotting Stars and Stripes in Sariska 1/9 by Divya Iyer — Arrived in Sariska to this luxurious, glam tent

Photo of Spotting Stars and Stripes in Sariska 2/9 by Divya Iyer — Just in time for this gorgeous sunset

Photo of Spotting Stars and Stripes in Sariska 3/9 by Divya Iyer — Along with some chai-pakoras by the pool

Photo of Spotting Stars and Stripes in Sariska 4/9 by Divya Iyer — And when it got dark, this happened. Sariska happens to be one of the darkest places in India. So Happy star-gazing!

Photo of Spotting Stars and Stripes in Sariska 5/9 by Divya Iyer — Day 2 started with this Jungle Sunrise and Lion King BGM playing in my head

Photo of Spotting Stars and Stripes in Sariska 6/9 by Divya Iyer — And through the jungle, all the way to the temple. By now, it is the Jungle Book BGM.

Photo of Spotting Stars and Stripes in Sariska 7/9 by Divya Iyer — Came for Tigers, and spotted these beauties on the way too

Photo of Spotting Stars and Stripes in Sariska 8/9 by Divya Iyer — And these spotted Indian Chital (deer) as well

Photo of Spotting Stars and Stripes in Sariska 9/9 by Divya Iyer — And that’s a wrap, with some hot chai and kachoris . . .

Where to stay in Sariska?

1. Astroport Sariska

2. V Resorts Sariska

How to reach Sariska ?

Sariska is an hour’s drive away from Alwar in Rajasthan. You can reach Alwar by train or road from Delhi/Jaipur which are the nearest airports.

Things to do in Sariska

1. Glamping in one of the many resorts here near the National Park.

2. Stargazing at night and maybe add some astro-learning at Astroport. Also look out for night photography workshops at V Resorts.

3. Jungle Safari at the National Park in the morning to spot peacocks, tigers, leopards and Chitals. A jeep costs close to INR 6000 so try joining a group if you are traveling solo.

4. Visit Kankwari Fort in the jungle

5. Pitstop at Alwar and visit the local bazar and fort.

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