Sariska stands as a remarkable example of concerted conservation efforts and is known to be India’s first successful tiger relocation initiative. Once home to a thriving wildlife reserve, it witnessed the near-extinction of its tiger population in the early to mid-2000s (due to a poaching crisis). State forest authorities worked tirelessly to reintroduce tigers into the reserve, and two decades later, it is a sanctuary for 56 tigers – a number that continues to grow, reflecting the major success achieved through the continuing endeavours of conservationists and the community working together to help preserve the ecosystem.
The men who helped bring tigers back
RS Shekhawat, former Director of Ranthambore National Park (IFS), was a senior forest officer who also served as Deputy Field Director. He is renowned for his work in wildlife conservation and for leading Sariska’s iconic tiger relocation project. He was part of the pioneering Sariska tiger reintroduction after it lost all its tigers to poaching in 2004. Then began the world’s first successful relocation of tigers, and RS Shekhawat was among the officers who supported the capture, translocation and long-term monitoring of tigers from Ranthambore to Sariska. Scientific publications acknowledge his role during those operations. His contribution included tiger reintroduction, protection of the Aravalli landscape, village relocation, science-led management, long-term planning, recognition and balance.
Along with him was Anil Kumar Jain, who has served as an Honorary Wildlife Warden in Sariska for over 15 years and has contributed his deep knowledge of the jungle and commitment to wildlife preservation – a legendary figure in tiger conservation. Many years ago, they acquired a barren stretch of land (2008) that would one day become Sariska Lodge – envisioned as a site for afforestation and a natural buffer for wildlife. Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of the lodge is that it began as a project focused on ecological restoration rather than construction.
The conservationist’s legacy
It then became the vision of their sons, Anand Shekhawat and Puneet Jain, rooted in their passionate belief in genuine hospitality and conservation. What sets Sariska Lodge apart is this founding team of visionaries. Anand is a veteran hotelier, conservationist and sustainability-led entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience working with globally renowned groups such as Aman Resorts and Oberoi Hotels & Resorts. He has a deep respect for the wild, an emotional bond with the local community and a lifelong commitment to building with purpose. Puneet is a visionary entrepreneur and devoted wildlife enthusiast who effortlessly balances boardroom brilliance with his profound connection to nature and local communities. With over 22 years of experience in finance, he brings a strategic, future-facing perspective to Sariska Lodge while serving as a stellar example of wildlife conservation efforts in India.
Anand Shekhawat is, in many ways, carrying forward his father’s conservation legacy, but through hospitality rather than forestry. “My father was the director of the park when he moved from Ranthambore to Sariska in 2010 (post his retirement), so we got to spend a lot of our childhood here in the bush, which shaped our characters into the men we became, with respect for the wild,” stated Shekhawat. What makes his story interesting is that he didn’t simply build another luxury safari lodge but one rooted in authenticity, ecology and a strong sense of place. One can easily see that Anand, having been raised in a family deeply connected to forests, developed a passion for nature and conservation early in life. The opening of Sariska Lodge, 50 km from the heritage town of Alwar in Rajasthan (September 2025), has brought experiential, luxury-cum-responsible travel, celebrating the region’s biodiversity and cultural heritage. Merging sustainable living with distinctive hospitality, the lodge offers thoughtful design, perceptive service, seasonal cuisine, and experiences centred around nature, wildlife, history, wellness and beyond.
Being in Rajasthan to witness this wonderful undertaking, Business India ventured to experience the land acquired by a family that believed in reviving the ecosystem. Beautifully planted 20,000 native saplings, water-retention ponds and restored native grasses were a sight to behold. “Sariska Lodge is the result of sheer dedication and tireless effort by our team. As we progress on our path to redefine responsible travel in India, we are confident that our guests will appreciate our meticulously designed experiences as well as heartfelt hospitality – that make every journey here truly unique and unforgettable,” said Anand Shekhawat, Founder.
When hospitality meets habitat
Both took their time because they wanted to build it very sustainably; every piece of wood was refurbished and reused, so no trees were cut. They wanted to be sustainable and responsible towards the environment, the people and the community for whom they actually worked. The retreat was built with a low-impact, sustainability-first approach. Noticeably, the design drew inspiration from the British-era forest rest houses and Rajasthani hunting lodges. The built-up outdoor and indoor spaces highlighted local stone and reclaimed wood. The interiors were all done in an earth-toned palette and complemented by intricately carved jaalis, leather accents and locally sourced materials. On the design, Anand says: “The place has a lot of contribution from my wife, Rie Tayoda; she brings in the muteness. A lot of it also comes from our work with great organisations like the Oberoi and Aman. Our DNA got a bit altered while we were there.” Anand laughs. For us, every corner felt like a seamless connection to nature, with views of the stunning Aravallis.
Encouraged to slow down in the comfort of the retreat, we immersed ourselves in nature’s embrace. We had the opportunity to witness both the remarkable natural beauty and layered history of Sariska. At the heart of the lodge’s ethos is ensuring that every stay supports nearby communities. What we learnt was that many of the staff had started out as construction workers and had been trained into specialised hospitality roles. The lodge is known for making great strides in championing community livelihoods, and a sizeable percentage of the team also comprises women from local villages. With 11 private suites, Sariska Lodge offers an extremely peaceful stay, where seclusion meets immersion in nature. In-house are a dedicated restaurant, an open dining area and bar, lush native flora with an organic garden, quiet outdoor spaces, a serene outdoor pool and a wellness centre.
Beyond the safari
Sariska Lodge has a unique farm-to-table philosophy; meals are freshly prepared using seasonal, locally sourced produce and harvests from the organic garden. Trekking was never as bountiful as when one did it to Tehla Fort, where, after exploring the ruins, one was served wonderful regional specialities and aromatic teas by a personal butler. Alfresco picnics, depending on the season, were laid out in carefully chosen locations beside a lake or a dam. The whole scene of chairs, baskets and an open-air jeep completed the picture postcard. All designed for seclusion and ease. One can dine under the trees, in the elegance of the restaurant, or savour campfire dinners under starlit skies while enjoying fresh flavours, select global cuisine and Rajasthan’s regional dishes.
Wellness is a big draw for travellers these days. Resorts almost always make it a part of their offering. For balance, quietude and a deeply restorative journey after outdoor excursions, guests could head to the Ku Nye Wellness Centre. Guided yoga and meditation are available at the wellness centre, which features an open rooftop for both. One must indulge in ancient Ayurvedic treatments and a wide range of therapies, including Tibetan healing. Steam and sauna facilities are offered for ultimate rejuvenation after long days of safari. One can also find peace in meditation by a serene reservoir nearby or amid fort ruins that are over a thousand years old.
The culture could not be far behind, as the region offers forts, stepwells and havelis. It was a delight to meet skilled galeecha (carpet) weavers and learn about their craft, visit a potter’s home, take a pottery class and take home a handmade souvenir. History tells us that Sariska has been part of an old trade route. Exploring Alwar’s historic old town, forts and museum, which narrates tales of its regal past, local artistry and traditions, rounded off our experience.
What is India without its temples? The Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, built between the 6th and 9th centuries CE, is one fine example, with its symbolic architecture reflecting Hindu cosmology and mythology. The surrounding area is dotted with the scattered ruins of approximately 200 temples. The Naugaza Digambar Jain Temple, known for its striking architectural features and intricate carvings and sculptures, reflects the spiritual essence of Jainism. Temples like Pandupol, Mangalsar and Parasar, nestled amid the surrounding forests, hills and reservoirs, are deeply rooted in local beliefs and associated with the Pandavas. These sacred sites offer a glimpse into the region’s ancient heritage – a delight for people who love temple holidays. There are also two major water bodies (lakes) that are not to be missed. Taking a scenic drive to the Mangalsar Water Reservoir, we realised that these are Ramsar-designated water bodies that are ecologically important and a valuable national resource. Being located in a forested landscape makes them unique and an important habitat for roosting birds.
Meticulously curated activities by the team resonate with travellers who want to experience the rich biodiversity and spellbinding landscapes, and discover hidden spots through safaris, birdwatching trails, scenic forest drives and visits to ancient temples. Anand says: “It’s not only about wildlife, but we want to connect people with their environment, whether it’s a movie under a starlit sky or exploring ancient ruins, trekking up a fort or just having breakfast there; we want people’s lives to be about rare experiences, because what is actually rare is termed luxury these days.” They make sure they cater to the needs of every traveller by offering a butler for each room, taking care over food preferences, and ensuring that nothing is standardised. Much is sourced locally, giving farmers a fair opportunity. That, in turn, helps the lodge give back to the community.
Ashwalaya
It is actually a sanctuary for rescued Marwari horses, saved from rural fairs and offered care and dignity. That in itself creates a wonderful ecosystem and allows people to experience horse riding. The advent of the in-house stables, which offer scenic riding trails, enables guests to wind through the countryside. There are also routes to a tranquil lake for a sundowner, or to a forest trail leading to a hilltop for a stunning sunrise, followed by a ride through the old town before heading back to the lodge. These horses are not used for entering the forests, since riding into a national park on horseback is not permitted (unlike the new trend of horseback safaris at some other resorts). Instead, they are used for visits to nearby sites, as there are many beautiful bush and riding trails where one can experience the countryside beyond the roads and tarmac.
A lakeside sundowner picnic near the lodge, or a scenic drive through the hills to a hidden destination, where butlers welcome guests to a romantic or family-style picnic, is equally memorable. A tour of the town, farms and the peaceful life surrounding the lodge is a welcome change for city dwellers. Sariska Lodge serves as a stellar example of wildlife conservation efforts in India. We were also able to familiarise ourselves with the terrain on horseback, enjoy picnics on secluded hilltops, explore centuries-old temples and sacred sites, and visit nearby villages to meet local artisans who keep their traditions alive. These aren’t rushed, checklist-driven experiences – they’re thoughtfully designed, with careful consideration of the ecosystem, landscape and communities, and rooted in respect for the land.
Where the wild still rules
Sariska was the royal hunting ground of the Maharajas of Alwar before Independence because they recognised it as the perfect habitat for tigers. Today, it is home to an extraordinary diversity of wildlife. Because of its terrain and proximity to the Aravalli range, it is the only tiger reserve in the Aravallis; Ranthambore, by comparison, occupies only 5 per cent of the Aravalli range. In ecological terms, Sariska has one of the densest deciduous forests and one of the highest densities of leopards in Asia. For the longest time, the leopard was the apex predator until Anand’s father reintroduced tigers.
Recognised as a wildlife reserve in 1955 and declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1958, it became part of India’s Project Tiger in 1978. Declared a national park in 1982, it spans about 274 sq km. It is located adjacent to the Tehla Gate. The lodge has easy access to the park and its safaris. Morning and evening safaris to the Sariska Tiger Reserve in open-air jeeps, guided by experienced naturalists, offered us a chance to spot tigers, leopards, caracals, hyenas, jackals, bears, small wild cats, chital and sambar deer, along with more than 200 species of birds.
Our safari began with the morning light spilling over the hills as we witnessed the jungle coming to life. Rajasthan has the largest population of peacocks in India. Then, as the evening light faded into the shadows of the jungle, we finally caught a fleeting glimpse of a tiger, seeing only its eyes. The Boulder Trail Safari, to track leopards in the hills, is a 15-minute drive from the lodge, where centuries-old rugged landscapes are home to wild hares and jackals. The search for the elusive leopard usually takes place among crevices and rocky outcrops.
Sariska is, therefore, a conservation success story in progress. It has become a shining example of India’s first successful tiger relocation initiative. For travellers, this offers a chance to witness an extraordinary conservation comeback. The lodge itself was envisioned as a site for afforestation and a natural buffer for wildlife. At a time when ‘luxury’ is often defined by excess, Sariska Lodge quietly reminds us that the most enriching experiences come from being close to nature. Perched on the edge of the Sariska Tiger Reserve and enveloped by the Aravalli Hills, the lodge is set within 15 acres of afforested land. It is located near the quiet village of Tehla, about 150 m from the Tehla Gate of the Sariska Tiger Reserve, and is just a 2.5-hour drive from Jaipur and around 3 hours from Delhi, with excellent connectivity from both cities via their airports. It has been listed by Travel + Leisure among the 100 Best New Hotels of the Year 2016, along with several other accolades.