Sariska Tiger Reserve, located less than two hours from Jaipur, is one of the few tiger reserves unknown to many travelers. Ask your friends to journey with you to Sariska TR and you will see many raised eyebrows, as if you had just discovered a new species.
Inasmuch as extraordinary experiences are often considered truly elegant, we went on a weekend drive with local and expat friends who now call Delhi home. The idea was to enjoy a nice weekend together. But little did we know what we were getting into as none of us had never been to this relatively undiscovered place. Although all of us had passed by travelling between Delhi & Jaipur.
There was only one camp that had really caught my eye some time ago and I’d been following their Instagram closely. So, I decided to get in touch with the owner of Utsav Camp, Luv Shekhawat. My first question was “I am planning to bring a small group of friends who are gay/gay-friendly. Are you okay with that?” In a very sincere tone, he replied with the best ever line “We are all humans. Everyone has preferences. Who am I to judge how you should live your life? This is your home. We do not discriminate based on caste, religion or sexuality”. This conversation was over the phone, but it almost left me in tears. I wished all hotels in India would openly welcome gay people just as Utsav Camp does. Currently, The Lalit is the only luxury hotel to welcome the lgbtq+ community openly, with the tagline #PureLove.
Back to glamping (glamorous camping), Utsav Camp is an eco-luxury tented accommodation, very boutique with only 10 tents located on the non-touristy side of the reserve. We started off from Delhi around 8.00AM in a twelve-seat coach and arrived at the camp around 1.30 in the afternoon. In fact, the staff were all waiting to welcome us with red tilaka & rice, which is considered a welcome and expression of honor.Welcome drinks were served, check-in procedure expedited, and off we went to our tents where our bags were already waiting for us. A tasty vegetarian buffet lunch was served. Luv had planned a nature walk through the village and on to the rugged mountain terrain, reconnecting with the wilderness where the nomadic goat herder could be seen, and the Indian blue bull running in the wild. After walking for 2 miles, we climbed up to one of the rocky plateaus and were delighted to see the tea sundowner set up just for us with cookies, biscuits, masala chai and other black & green tea. Wouldn’t you know, one of our group even brought a little wine to celebrate the sunset?
Oh, these urban souls now really understood the sheer exhilaration pure air as we watched the sun go down, gentle, cool breeze wafting by.
We walked back along the road to our camp, coming across more shepherds herding goats toward home. We all had a bit of chat and learned a bit of the technique of chopping tree branches to feed the herd. Perhaps we were planning for our retirement pastime.
Our evenings were about getting to know each other better aside the bonfire with a few of our favorite libations, local snacks, and a sumptuous buffet.
We went on one morning safari, where we encountered deer, antelope, wild boar, and monkeys while enjoying the serenity of the jungle. We were not fortunate to see the tiger, leopards & the striped hyenas but the sighting has been good lately.After breakfast, some of us decided to go explore a small, nearby village. It was a pleasant stroll, where the kids were playing while the ladies surrounded the hand pump washing clothes. But one thing we saw on every face was a big fat, happy, welcoming smile when they saw us.
One late afternoon, Luv took us to a nearby lake for bird watching followed by yet more tea and snacks set up along the lake. We spotted about 29 species of bird including the great white pelican, bar-headed goose, northern shoveler, pied avocet, black-tailed godwit etc. to name a few. A nice place for beginner birders. Quiet and less crowded.
It was a fantastic weekend getaway from Delhi, not too long of a drive. The staff at Utsav did a fabulous job in making sure everyone was well looked after. There are various experiences that will keep you entertained once you arrive at the camp from the evening sundowner trek, to the nature trail to bird watching along the lake, etc. Or simply enjoy the blessing of doing nothing at all. More slideshow photos of the camp.
Please note that there is a pool if you like soaking in the sun. So be sure to bring proper swimming attire. Also, there is no alcohol offered at the camp, but you are welcome to bring your favorite libation with you.
All in all, a perfect glamping weekend.
This blog is our unsolicited personal opinion. By no means, a requested review from the owners.
Robindro Saikhom
robin@serenejourneys.co
www.serenejourneys.co
Robin is the founder of Serene Journeys, a gay travel company based in Delhi, a travel curator & a travel photographer, exploring the beauty of India, Nepal, Bhutan and Southeast Asia.
Thank you for this delightful description – sounds marvellous! Chris xx
Sent from Chris’ iPhone
>
One of my most favourites trips after 2 years of living and travelling within India. So close to Delhi and peaceful, but highlight post the tents, food and staff at the camp. had to be our mad hatters tea party up in the mountain after a walk ….pure bliss.
Everything so beautifully described. Sounds so peaceful.