Christmas at Sariska I had been planning for long to visit Sariska again.
Although April May remain the best times for Tiger sighting over a waterhole, winter has its own charm with the Jungle teaming with a lot of activity all around and Sambhar stags in their winter coats.
The Cheetals grow new horns, by January most of them have shed their antlers.
Chistmas, December 25 is holiday time and it was my anniversary as well, having completed 17 years of married life.
Around December 20 the plan was finalized for a two day trip to Sariska with afternoon Safaris on both days.
One of the first things I did was to call up Guru Dutt ( GD ) 1418 to :
Invite him on the trip
Ask about the best road route to take
Find out about a suitable accomodation.
COuldnt get him on the phone for the first couple of days.
He was busy with his work, I had little interlude of times those days.
I tried Sariska palace, with the thought that it is close to the Sanctury.
I also callled the Guide Hari Singh and fixed up afternoon safaris with him for 25th and 26th.
Sariska Palace said they have a package for Rs. 10,000 with Christmas Dinner included. I dont drink alcoholic beverages so this all inclusive package did not appeal to me.
Moreover I had never heard good things about the level of service there.
Tiger den was out of question. I knew it is a Govt. run tacky shoddy joint.
I googled a bit and found out Clarks Inn a hotel in Alwar. They had a Delhi booking number. I called and found the rates reasonable, Rs. 3800 per night all inclusive.
I called up my elder brother in Patna, he said its a great plan and he will land up in Delhi on 24th morning along with his wife.
I booked two rooms, and called up Hari Singh in Sariska again to confirm. He said he will book a Gypsy and purchase our tickets and entry permit.
GD called me next morning and I told him of my plans. He said he is booked for a Rathambore trip from Dec 26th onwards and hence cannot join me.
ROUTE
I called GD again but couldnt get him this time too.
Options were continue on Sohna Road to Nuh and take the Ferozepur Jhirka, Loharu, Tijara route
Option 2 was take the Tauru road and meet up with the highway in Bhiwadi.
Option 3 was to take NH8 and turn left into Dharuwera and Bhidawi through the toll road.
It was christmas day. Traffic would be much thinner I assumed and we were correct.
The foursome my brother Kaiser, Mrs. Kaiser my Mrs. and me departed in the VLX 4WD Scorpio at 9 AM sharp.
It took us exactly 3 hours to reach Sariska, at dot 12,00 noon we were there. No ques at Manesar toll, not much traffic enroute in any of the sections, on the highway we were doing 100 - 120 most of the time.
Total travel time 2 Hr 45 min to Sariska.
15 minute break to take pictures in a mustard field!
Last edited by desertfox : 30th December 2013 at 15:20.
|