Forest Fitours – Passion for the Wild
Inclusion:
Escape the city for a quick wildlife break in Sariska. This package includes 1 jungle safari, a comfortable overnight stay, and optional visits to Pandupol Temple or Siliserh Lake. Ideal for weekend trips from Delhi NCR or Jaipur.
Inclusion:
Unwind in the Aravallis with multiple safaris, temple trails, and nature walks. Great for families, birders, or those looking for a relaxed yet wild experience. Stay options include eco-resorts and nature lodges.
Tucked away in the Aravalli hills of Rajasthan, Sariska Tiger Reserve is a hidden gem for wildlife lovers and nature seekers. Just a few hours’ drive from Delhi and Jaipur, the park is home to Bengal tigers, leopards, deer, and a wide variety of birdlife. Whether it’s the thrill of a jungle safari, spotting a tiger in the wild, or exploring ancient ruins like Kankwari Fort deep inside the forest, Sariska offers a truly raw and memorable wilderness experience.
Sariska Tiger Reserve, located in Rajasthan’s Alwar district, was declared a tiger reserve in 1978 under Project Tiger. Once a royal hunting ground, it faced a major crisis in 2005 when all its tigers were lost to poaching. But Sariska made history by becoming India’s first reserve to successfully relocate tigers, starting in 2008.
Just 16 km from Alwar and about 30 km from Sariska, lies this beautiful lake that feels like an oasis surrounded by hills. Overlooking the lake, on the hill is a palace built by Maharaja Vinay Singh for his queen Shila which now has been converted into a hotel administered by the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation LTD. (RTDC). The lake is home to more than 100 species of birds and crocodiles can be seen basking in the sun around the banks of the lake. It’s a fine tourist destination as visitors can explore the lake on boats and enjoy this wondrous beauty from the fort.
Kankwadi Fort is a forgotten gem that lays alone in the heart of Sariska Tiger Reserve for centuries. This Fort was built by the ruler of Amer Maharaja Jai Singh in 16th Century. This fort was primarily built for keeping political prisoners with its most historic prisoner being Dara Shikoh, brother of the Mughal ruler Aurangzeb. It is said that Dara Shikoh was to be made the next successor after Shah Jahan of the Mughal empire but Aurangzeb had different plans for him. Wanting to be the ruler himself, Aurangzeb then imprisoned Dara Shikoh to Kankwadi Fort and became the crown head of The Mughal Empire.
The Fort is 22 kms from the main Sariska gate and is located deep inside the Sariska Tiger Reserve. Surrounded by the forest hills, the fort is situated on top of a smaller hill right in between of a vast field. Theres a lake near by that is visible from the fort. The fort contains hallways and rooms that have beautiful carvings and very old painting on the walls. The view from the top of the fort is breathtaking and the surrounding forest, lake makes is relaxing spot.
Rajasthan has always been a place of great historic significance and evidence of the past. It is not very uncommon to find old ruins of forts and temples in these places. Bhangarh is one such place. Built by Madho Singh, in 1613, and soon deserted, Bhangarh is also associated with being one of the most haunted places in India! Bhangarh is about 45 km from Sariska and about 20 km from the town of Dausa on the Jaipur-Agra highway. Bhangarh is a town that has inspired countless folklore which has played an instrumental role in giving this place great tourist leverage. There are many stories about how or why this town was deserted and has never been resettled.
One such story is also depicted on the Chhatri outside the fort
‘Long ago queen Bhanumati, known for her magical powers, engaged an eminent magician to further enhance her magical powers. This magician fell in love with her but felt his love would not be accepted because of the difference in status between them. So he played a trick. He charmed the oil brought for the personal use of the queen. The oil would hypnotise the queen and he could then control her. The queen, being a magician herself, realised the trick and became furious. She decided to punish the magician. She showered her magical powers over the oil and poured it on the magician. The magician suddenly turned into a rock. During the process, however, he cursed the queen that the country would soon be destroyed.’
Bhangarh is a haven of great archaeological value! The ruined fort buried market under the soil, and just the fact that this place is on the edge of the Sariska Tiger Reserve and has been untouched by human settlement makes it a place worth visiting.
The Pandupol Hanuman Temple in Sariska is a revered pilgrimage site nestled within the Sariska Tiger Reserve. Surrounded by rugged cliffs and lush forest, the temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman and is associated with the Pandavas from the Mahabharata, who are believed to have taken refuge here during their exile. A cascading waterfall flows near the temple during the monsoon, adding to its serene charm. Accessible via a scenic jungle trail, Pandupol offers a unique blend of spirituality and natural beauty, attracting both devotees and nature lovers seeking a peaceful escape into the heart of Sariska.
The Neelkanth Mahadev Temple in Sariska is an ancient and lesser-known gem nestled deep within the Aravalli hills inside the Sariska Tiger Reserve. Believed to date back to the 10th century, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is renowned for its beautifully carved stone architecture and surrounding ruins of over 300 smaller temples. Set atop a secluded hill, the temple offers a peaceful, spiritual experience away from the crowds, with panoramic views of the jungle valley below. Though not easily accessible, the journey to Neelkanth is rewarding—blending history, devotion, and the raw beauty of Sariska’s wilderness.
The Fort is 22 kms from the main Sariska gate and is located deep inside the Sariska Tiger Reserve. Surrounded by the forest hills, the fort is situated on top of a smaller hill right in between of a vast field. Theres a lake near by that is visible from the fort. The fort contains hallways and rooms that have beautiful carvings and very old painting on the walls. The view from the top of the fort is breathtaking and the surrounding forest, lake makes is relaxing spot.
Virat nagar also famously known as Bairath is a small town just 27 kms from Sariska Tiger Reserve. Virat nagar holds as great a historic significance as it does in the Hindu Mythology. Getting mentions in The epic Mahabharata, Virat nagar is said to have been founded by King Virat and It is here that the Pandavas spent some duration of their exile. Historians believe that Virat nagar dates back to before 5th century and was the capital of an ancient kingdom known as Mahajanapada. It was later occupied by Chedi Kingdom and then The Mauryan Kingdom.
Apart from the absolute stunning scenic beauty that Virat nagar holds, It is also famous for its prehistoric natural caves, trek worthy hills and rocky terrain. Some of these caves have rooms built in that were believed to be where Pandavas lived. In addition, there are several piligrim spots such as Ganesh Giri Temple, Jain temples, remnants of ancient buddhist monasteries, Ashoka Shilalekh (an ancient edict of king Ashoka depicting engraved laws, advices and announcements) and a Museum.
