Wildlife encounters- Visit to the Sariska Tiger Reserve, Rajasthan

Rajasthan being one the nearest destinations to Delhi, this time around we planned a trip to the Sariska Tiger Reserve located at about 185 kms. We started off early from Gurgaon taking the NH8. It took about 3 hours by our car to reach the resort we had booked on the Viratnagar- Alwar road. The journey was smooth although across the entire stretch a new flyover is being constructed that made the remaining road quite congested at times. However, once we reach the Viratnagar- Alwar road on the left, driving through the winding roads flanked by various mountain ranges, the view becomes amazing. Dotted with villages, the road offers breathtaking views of the mountain ranges. One can see villagers walking past tending to their routine chores of selling mud and bamboo utensils or fending their goats or even smoking leisurely on hookas.

We reached the Gulmohar Sariska Resort, our abode for the trip. A decent property, spaciously standing on the Viratnagar- Alwar road, this resort enjoys quite a coveted location.

It attracts a good number of tourists all through the tourist season. We reached the resort by 2pm and treated ourselves to a sumptuous lunch. The food is good and the rooms are well maintained and offer great views and landscapes.

In the evening we woke up to a nice cloudy weather and decided to explore the nearby destinations. Just about a kilometer from the resort is the Hanuman/Ganesh temple which is believed to have appeared on its own(Swayambhu). Thus it attracts many devotees throughout the year. Another half a kilometer drive back on the main road leads one to the road that meanders through the villages and takes one to the Jain Nashea or the ancient Jain temple.

The roads are quite narrow and at some stretches only one vehicle can pass thus it is advisable to be quite vigilant and drive safely. The villagers alongside are quite eager to help all through. Just at the end of one of the forks one can see a narrow road leading to Bhim ki dungari and the other towards Jain nashea. taking the left road ends on the red sandstone gate leading to the majestic Jain temple. The view of the main temple is quite soothing standing tall against the backdrop of the setting sun straining through the dark clouds. Just to the left of the road leading to the Jain temple is the Mughal era structure which is believed to be emperor Akhbar’s place of rest during his long hunting expeditions

Coming back towards the fork leads one to Bhim ki dungari. The story dates back to Mahabharat times when the Pandavas were sent to exile and had to live with hidden identities or “agyaatvaas”. The caves were abodes of the Pandavas then. It is believed Bhim stamped his foot on the ground to bring forth a stream of water to quench the thirst of his brothers and wife.

Other places of interest include the “bijjak ki pahari” which are the remains of two 634 AD Buddhist monasteries.

Thus all in all Viratnagar stands as the true symbol of secularism boasting of rich cultural heritage and religious tolerance.

While we returned back to our resort, although we were extremely tired with the day long journey yet way too excited for the ensuing animal safari which was booked for the next day early morning 6am.
Next day we woke up at about 5am and drove to the Sariska tiger reserve’s main entrance. It took us a drive of about 18 kms through the sleepy state highway to reach the main entrance. We were really looking forward to the safari with the most cherished desire in our hearts to be lucky enough to witness a tiger in all its grandeur.

We were greeted by groups of monkeys and deers all through the route and especially monkeys perched on the roof top of the reception of the booking counter. Animal safaris at Sariska tiger reserve are held in either gypsies or canters.

Gypsies are meant for small groups and can house six tourists while the driver is accompanied with the guide. After depositing the requisite papers at the counter, one gypsy with driver and guide is assigned to six passengers. Thus we jumped into the gypsy which would be our companion for the next 3 hours and began our journey into the tiger reserve with crossed fingers and smile on our faces.

We trudged through the thick foliage making way into the magnificent deciduous jungle flaked by dhok tress, grasses and huge mountain ranges all through. The journey transports one to the dauntless forest safaris shown on discovery channel except for the fact that here we were a part of the adventure. The rocky terrain, the melodious calls of birds, the alluring sights of deers, nilgais, sambhars and peacocks just takes the breath away. Being so close to animals and birds in their natural habitat is just so wondrous.

And yet somewhere deep in our hearts we desired to see the national animal “tiger” spring out of its hiding place!
No sooner we passed by a water hole our driver and guide were informed of a tiger sighting nearby. The thrill in our blood got unbearable, our driver drove at high speed through the rugged terrain and parked the car on top of the range overlooking the water hole so that we could spot the tigress. We waited with skipped heart beat but no one appeared.

We thought the tigress had gone to hiding and would not come out. The sun was beginning to shine hard now and in just awhile from now all the animals would go into their hiding places to rest for the day. We were really dejected so close and yet so far away. But just then our driver started to reverse the gypsy and suddenly we spotted the tigress crossing the lane we had just crossed. The sight of a tigress moving around so gallantly was indeed amazing. But no sooner did she appear did she disappeared back into the wild baring the fact that this time the driver knew her location. She was hidden in the foliage around the water hole. Our driver reversed the gypsy further and when we reached the bank of the water hole we saw her strolling past the water hole in all her valor. The sight was just awe inspiring! All of us were stunned to see the dauntless creature walking past in all its grandiose.

While we were still smitten by her sight she was least interested and walked past the water hole deep into the dense forest. We waited further for her to change her mind but in vain. Our driver steered the gypsy through and drove higher up the track further into another region of the reserve. While the trees cleared we could see another water hole appear in front of us in the more plainer area. While we drove to the water body, we were greeted by dancing peacocks and various other varieties of birds and deers who had come to quench their thirst, and suddenly we spotted a couple of crocodiles running swiftly from the banks and delving deep into the water. For some time it was as if it was just nature and us, no other thought… no other emotion, a new world where we in touch with our inner self… where we were witnessing the beauty of nature..where we were overwhelmed by her raw power.

Our trip to the reserve got completely justified and we felt blessed to have chosen the destination this time of the year. Way back to Delhi we were so encouraged by the success of having been able to see the tiger that we decided Ranthambore as our next wildlife destination.