Have you ever dreamed of living like a king or a queen in a majestic palace surrounded by nature and wildlife? If yes, then Sariska Palace is the perfect destination for you. Sariska Palace is a heritage hotel and a former royal hunting lodge located near the Sariska National Park in Alwar, Rajasthan.
It offers a unique and luxurious experience of staying in a palace that blends Rajasthani and French architecture, while enjoying the scenic beauty and the rich biodiversity of the Sariska National Park. Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or an adventurous trip, Sariska Palace has something for everyone. Read on to find out more about this royal retreat in the lap of nature.
History of Sariska Palace
Sariska Palace was built in the late 19th century by Maharaja Jai Singh of Alwar, who was an avid hunter and a patron of art and culture. He wanted to create a grand and elegant hunting lodge that would impress his guests and reflect his taste and style. He hired a French architect to design the palace, which was inspired by the Versailles Palace in France. The palace was also equipped with modern amenities and facilities, such as electricity, telephones, and plumbing.
The palace was frequented by the Maharaja and his guests, who enjoyed hunting expeditions in the nearby Sariska forest, which was then a private hunting reserve of the royal family. The palace also hosted many dignitaries and celebrities, such as Lord Curzon, the Viceroy of India, and Queen Elizabeth II, the Queen of England. The palace witnessed many lavish parties, cultural events, and royal ceremonies, such as the coronation of Maharaja Jai Singh’s son, Tej Singh, in 1902.
After India gained independence in 1947, the palace and the forest were handed over to the government, which declared the forest as a wildlife sanctuary in 1955 and a tiger reserve in 1978 under the Project Tiger initiative. The palace was converted into a heritage hotel in 1982, which is now managed by the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation (RTDC). The palace has been renovated and restored to its original glory, while retaining its historical and cultural charm.
Architecture of Sariska Palace
Sariska Palace is a splendid example of the fusion of Rajasthani and French architecture, which reflects the Maharaja’s vision and the French architect’s creativity. The palace covers an area of 120 acres and has a symmetrical and rectangular layout. The palace has two wings, the eastern wing and the western wing, which are connected by a central hall. The palace has three floors and a basement, which house 85 rooms and suites, each with a different theme and decor.
The exterior features of the palace include domes, arches, pillars, fountains, gardens, and courtyards, which give it a royal and majestic look. The palace is built with red sandstone and white marble, which contrast beautifully with the greenery of the surroundings. The palace also has a clock tower, which is a replica of the Big Ben in London, and a flagpole, which flies the flag of Alwar.
The interior features of the palace include paintings, furniture, chandeliers, carpets, and artifacts, which showcase the Maharaja’s passion and collection of art and culture. The palace has a blend of Rajasthani and French styles, such as the Sheesh Mahal, which is a hall of mirrors, and the Durbar Hall, which is a hall of audience. The palace also has a library, a museum, a dining hall, a bar, and a lounge, which offer a glimpse of the royal lifestyle and hospitality.
The modern amenities and facilities of the palace include a swimming pool, a spa, a gym, a conference hall, and a banquet hall, which cater to the needs and comfort of the guests. The palace also has a restaurant, which serves a variety of cuisines, such as Rajasthani, Indian, Continental, and Chinese. The palace also offers various services, such as room service, laundry, doctor on call, travel desk, etc.
Sariska Palace Hotel
Sariska Palace is a heritage hotel that offers a unique and luxurious experience of staying in a palace that has a rich history and culture. The hotel has 85 rooms and suites, which are divided into four categories: the Maharaja Suite, the Maharani Suite, the Deluxe Room, and the Standard Room. Each room and suite has a different theme and decor, such as the hunting theme, the floral theme, the royal theme, and the contemporary theme. Each room and suite is spacious, comfortable, and well-equipped with modern amenities, such as air-conditioning, television, telephone, minibar, etc. Each room and suite also has a balcony or a terrace, which offers a stunning view of the palace, the garden, or the forest.
The hotel also offers various facilities and services, such as the restaurant, the bar, the lounge, the library, the swimming pool, the spa, the gym, the conference hall, the banquet hall, etc. The hotel also organizes various activities and events, such as cultural shows, folk dances, puppet shows, bonfires, etc. The hotel also arranges for wildlife safaris, sightseeing tours, adventure sports, etc. for the guests.
The tariffs and booking options for the hotel vary depending on the season, the room type, and the package. The hotel can also be booked offline through phone, email, or walk-in. The hotel accepts various modes of payment, such as cash, card, net banking, etc.
Sariska National Park
Sariska National Park is a wildlife sanctuary and a tiger reserve located near the Sariska Palace in Alwar, Rajasthan. It covers an area of 866 sq km and is home to a variety of animals, birds, plants, and insects. The park is one of the best places to witness the wildlife and nature of Rajasthan, and is a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts, nature lovers, and photographers.
The wildlife and safari experience at the Sariska National Park is one of the main attractions and highlights of staying at the Sariska Palace. The park offers jeep safaris, which are conducted twice a day, in the morning and in the evening, by the forest department. The safaris are guided by experienced and knowledgeable drivers and naturalists, who take the guests through the different zones and trails of the park, and provide information and insights on the flora and fauna of the region. The safaris are also an opportunity to spot and observe the various animals and birds that inhabit the park, such as the Bengal tiger, the leopard, the sloth bear, the hyena, the jackal, the sambar, the chital, the nilgai, the langur, the peacock, the eagle, the owl, etc.
The flora and fauna of the Sariska National Park are diverse and unique, and reflect the ecological and climatic conditions of the region. The park has a dry deciduous forest, which consists of trees, such as the dhok, the salar, the kadaya, the ber, etc. The park also has grasslands, which provide grazing grounds for the herbivores, and water bodies, such as the Kalighati, the Siliserh, and the Jaisamand, which provide drinking sources for the animals and birds. The park also has a rich and varied insect life, which includes butterflies, moths, beetles, etc.
The conservation and management of the Sariska National Park are crucial and challenging, as the park faces various threats and challenges, such as poaching, habitat loss, human-animal conflict, etc. The park is under the protection and supervision of the forest department, which implements various measures and initiatives, such as the Project Tiger, the relocation of villages, the anti-poaching patrols, the awareness campaigns, etc. The park also involves and engages the local communities and stakeholders, such as the villagers, the NGOs, the media, the tourists, etc. in the conservation and development of the park.
The timings, entry fee, and best time to visit the Sariska National Park are as follows:
Timings:
The park is open throughout the year, except on Tuesdays. The safari timings are from 6:30 am to 10:30 am and from 2:30 pm to 6:30 pm in the summer, and from 7:00 am to 11:00 am and from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm in the winter.
Entry fee:
The entry fee for the park is Rs. 80 for Indians and Rs. 470 for foreigners. The safari fee is Rs. 575 for Indians and Rs. 1150 for foreigners. The camera fee is Rs. 200 for still camera and Rs. 400 for video camera.
Best Time to Visit Sariska Palace:
The best time to visit the Sariska Palace is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and the wildlife is active.
The winter season (October to February) is the most favorable time to enjoy the Sariska Palace and the Sariska National Park, as the temperature ranges from 8°C to 25°C and the chances of spotting tigers and other animals are high
The spring season (March) is also a good time to visit the Sariska Palace, as the temperature is moderate and the landscape is lush and green
The summer season (April to June) is the least preferable time to visit the Sariska Palace, as the temperature can soar up to 45°C and the wildlife is less visible
The monsoon season (July to September) is also not a suitable time to visit the Sariska Palace, as the rainfall can cause roadblocks and the Sariska National Park remains closed for visitors
Tips for Visiting Sariska Palace
Some of the tips for visiting the Sariska Palace are:
- Book your stay at the Sariska Palace well in advance, as the hotel is in high demand and has limited rooms and suites
- Carry your ID proof and booking confirmation, as they are required for check-in and entry to the Sariska National Park
- Wear comfortable clothes and shoes, as the Sariska Palace and the Sariska National Park involve a lot of walking and exploring
- Carry sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, and water bottle, as the sun can be harsh and the weather can be dry
- Carry binoculars, camera, and guidebook, as they will enhance your wildlife and sightseeing experience
- Respect the wildlife and the environment, and do not litter, feed, or disturb the animals
- Explore the nearby attractions, such as the Bhangarh Fort, the Siliserh Lake, and the Neelkanth Temple, as they are worth visiting and offer a glimpse of the rich history and culture of the region
- Enjoy the local cuisine, shopping, and festivals, as they will give you a taste of the authentic Rajasthani flavor and hospitality
The Sariska Palace is a royal retreat in the lap of nature, where you can enjoy the best of both worlds: the luxury and heritage of a former hunting lodge, and the adventure and wildlife of a tiger reserve. The Sariska Palace is a perfect destination for those who love history, architecture, and nature, and want to experience the charm and elegance of the Rajasthani culture.
Whether you want to relax in the spacious and comfortable rooms and suites, indulge in the delicious and exotic cuisine, pamper yourself with the spa and pool facilities, or explore the stunning and diverse landscape and wildlife of the Sariska National Park, the Sariska Palace has something for everyone.
So, what are you waiting for? Book your stay at the Sariska Palace today and get ready for an unforgettable and memorable vacation. Thank you for reading this article and we hope you found it informative and helpful. Happy travels!
