Monday, July 31, 2017

Sariska Jungle Safari


To spot a tiger in a tiger reserve is a dream for photo enthusiasts. Sariska being the closest to Delhi, I planned a trip to this lovely sanctuary, though I knew that it would be sheer luck to capture the wild cat in with my lenses. There is no good and bad season to spot animals or tigers in open. The lucky ones can spot tigers during summers near waterholes or during winters basking in the Sun. My visit was in January 2017.  
 The reserve is divided into three zones and you need to pick one, though its your forest guide and driver’s decision most of the times. Again no one can guarantee tiger sighting on any of the three routes. 

I was lucky to spot female leopard with her two cubs. The moment she stared at me when I clicked, she wasted no time in leaving the spot, escorting her cubs to a “no human” zone. What a beauty she was. My disappointment of not seeing a tiger vanished since I had seen this close cousin of the big cat, staring straight into my eyes.

Leopard with her cubs

The "stay away from me" look

Godvit


Red-Wattled Lapwing


The hide and seek moment

Village dwellers behind our resort






      Male Black Headed Grosbeak

Male Purple Sunbird



Blue Bull or Neel Guy



I spotted a leopard kill hanging from a tree. It was apparently hunted by the leopard the previous day.

The leopard kill

Spotted deer







Indian Rufous Treepie











Apart from the forest tour, the guide would take you to Kankwara Lake. Watching the migratory birds and crocodiles is equally exciting. 
Black Headed Ibis







 Common Stilt


White and Black Crane



Common Stilt







Advisable- Please don't waste your time visiting the temple inside the sanctuary because it will eat up good 1 hour’s time from your 3 hour safari trip. 

Start early because more jeeps would mean more noise and animals don't come out when it’s noisy. 

The safari would cost around Rs 3000 and the price directly goes to the Forest department. Do not let an agent fool you. 

Please don't fall for the radio collar stunts because that is just to create a hype. Most of the guides try to create excitement and will stop the jeep at a certain place for a long time but better not wait anywhere for more than 10-15 minutes. 

Saturday, July 22, 2017

Sariska Tiger Heaven by Sterling Holidays


Sometimes we skip few places which are nearby and always think that we can visit it anytime. But that "anytime" took me many years before I decided to visit Sariska. I wanted to visit this place because I had never been to a wild-life sanctuary. Personally I don't endorse the large number of tourists visiting jungles since it disturbs the law of the jungle. Tourists flock to such places these days because of easy accessibility while government also fails to check the number of people entering forest just to see a tiger. Well, the fact is it is only a matter of luck that you would spot a tiger because of less tiger population.

From Hero Honda Chowk, Gurgaon, Sariska is 195 km which includes a straight drive of 155 km and then a left turn for 45 km. I was very well aware of the traffic situation on Jaipur-Delhi highway, so leaving early was the best decision. The road is good till the left turn to Viratnagar from were the ride was not smooth because of potholes and traffic. It took us 4 hours to reach our destination Sariska Tiger Heaven by Sterling Holidays. The huge resort is beautiful and peaceful where nature blooms. The resort is divided into many sections which also include tents, swimming pool, activity area, a big restaurant and few stand-alone cottages. We chose the cottage stay.

Below is my photo journal for this resort




Our Room







                                                                                                 





 Activity area  
                                                           
 Way  to the restaurant
                                                         
 







             

                                                               Pool in shape of tiger paw                                            












                                                                          Reception area





                                                                          Gopal- As our host






                                                                           Tents




So if you are in Delhi NCR this is a perfect weekend getaway. I suggest that please take a complete package with meals if you are booking online because the restaurant is the only eating place. The food was too good and the service is flawless. You can start Saturday morning and be back till Sunday evening.

I really want to thank few staff members.

1. Gopal- Helped us to visit a part on jungle behind the resort. He was also responsible for all team activities including bonfire and made an extremely good host.

2. Lalita (Reception)- She is an amazing women and she made sure that we had everything in our room. She did not hesitate to click our pictures when we requested.

3 Mr Pandey (Manager)- A service industry veteran and knows about the history of this resort. He was the one who encouraged us to go for a tour behind the cottage seeing my interest in bird watching.