At the doorstep of the Sariska Tiger Reserve, where the Aravalli Hills unfurl in shades of green and ochre, stands Sariska Lodge, an intimate retreat where conservation, culture, and comfort converge. Set within 15 acres of carefully restored wilderness, it opens a gateway to Rajasthan’s untamed heart, offering travellers a rare harmony of sustainability and hospitality.
The story of Sariska Lodge is deeply personal. Co-founders Anand Shekhawat and Puneet Jain have roots intertwined with the land itself. Anand, a seasoned hotelier and conservationist, brings with him decades of experience with Aman Resorts and Oberoi Hotels, along with a deep respect for the wilderness shaped by his father’s pioneering work in tiger relocation at Sariska.
Puneet, an entrepreneur and lifelong wildlife enthusiast, balances strategic foresight with an emotional bond to the region. Together, they dreamed of creating a retreat that honoured Sariska’s fragile ecosystem while offering travellers transformative experiences.
Life at Sariska Lodge moves to the rhythm of the wilderness. Located just 150 metres from the Tehla Gate of the reserve, it gives guests privileged access to safaris where tigers, leopards, hyenas, jackals, and over 200 bird species roam free. Beyond jeep trails, travellers can hike forested slopes, picnic on secluded hilltops, ride horseback across rugged terrain, or explore ancient temples and ruins scattered across the landscape. Each activity is designed as an invitation to slow down and see the land intimately.
Inspired by British-era forest resthouses and Rajasthani hunting lodges, Sariska Lodge has been crafted with a low-impact, sustainability-first ethos. The architecture makes use of local stone and reclaimed wood; the interiors echo the colours of the earth, complemented by carved jaalis, leather accents, and views that frame the surrounding Aravallis like living paintings. Over 15,000 native plants and grasses have been reintroduced to restore soil health, building a micro-ecosystem where birds and wildlife thrive.
With just 11 private suites, an organic garden, open dining spaces, a serene pool, and the Ku Nye Wellness Centre, the lodge offers both seclusion and immersion. The stables, Ashwalaya, house majestic horses that connect guests with the land through equestrian trails.
Dining at Sariska Lodge celebrates the farm-to-table philosophy. Seasonal produce from the organic garden, along with locally sourced ingredients, shapes menus that move seamlessly from traditional Rajasthani fare to global flavours. Guests can savour their meals under a canopy of trees, in the restaurant’s warm interiors, or around a campfire beneath a canopy of stars. Every plate reflects the lodge’s ethos: rooted in place, yet open to interpretation.
Balance is restored at the Ku Nye Wellness Centre, where Ayurvedic therapies meet Tibetan healing rituals. Guests can retreat into spa rooms with steam and sauna facilities, stretch into yoga on a rooftop terrace, or meditate by a nearby reservoir. The experience is not just restorative, it is deeply attuned to the environment, encouraging a sense of stillness that lingers long after departure.
At its core, Sariska Lodge is about people as much as it is about place. Many members of the staff hail from nearby villages, some beginning as construction workers before being trained into hospitality professionals. A significant part of the team comprises women, ensuring that the lodge’s growth is shared with the community. Each stay directly contributes to sustaining livelihoods and nurturing conservation practices.
Sariska itself is a story of resilience. Once stripped of its tiger population due to rampant poaching, it became the site of India’s first successful tiger relocation project, led by Anand’s father, R.S. Shekhawat. Today, with 49 tigers thriving in the reserve, the landscape is a testament to what communities, forest authorities, and conservationists can achieve together.
Sariska Lodge is just 2.5 hours from Jaipur and 3 hours from Delhi, making it both accessible and remote. Its location near the quiet village of Tehla and just 50 kilometres from Alwar ensures that while you are never too far from the city, the experience feels a world away.
