Sariska Tiger Reserve Zone 2 Safari in the Afternoon

Exploring Nearby Areas of Sariska Tiger Reserve

As my afternoon safari in zone 2 was about to begin in a while, I had a bit of time to kill and decided to explore the nearby areas. I then reached a beautiful spot that had Aravalli forests on all sides, and I was getting my camera ready in case anything appeared from the dense forests. 

Just as I finished setting up my camera, I saw our National Bird, the peacock. 

Are Peacocks Commonly Found in Sariska?

Peacocks are very common in the Sariska Tiger Reserve, and you can find them alongside forest paths and in open plains. After spotting them for a while, I decided to grab something to eat and drink and went to the “Bara Camp” near the safari gate to order some tea and Maggi. 

The camp is perfectly located right beside the main road and surrounded by the Aravalli hills. It’s a common place for people to camp due to its location, as it has a river flowing just behind it. Many migratory birds flock in this region in the winter. 

While walking around, I saw a few crocodiles and large turtles too, and that was quite an extraordinary sighting. I tried capturing the moments with my camera and was able to get a few shots.  

Then, it was time to begin the afternoon safari in Sariska, and I was all set to go after having my Chai and Maggi. The weather was pleasant, and I could see a bit of drizzle happening. 

Starting the Afternoon Safari in Sariska

Finally, the afternoon Safari in Sariska Started and I was excited and hopeful to spot some tigers today. The earlier morning safari was for sighting the tigress ST2, but the afternoon safari route was going to be Zone 2 in search of tigers ST7 and ST15. 

Suddenly, it started to rain a bit, and the weather was nothing short of mesmerizing. In such weather, the forests were looking alive, and it was the perfect chance for many animals to come out in the open due to increased moisture in the bushes and grass. This makes the safari even more thrilling and exciting. 

Quick Facts about Sariska National Park

Back in 2004-05, the tiger population almost went to zero, and in 2008, Sariska Tiger Reserve became the first wildlife park to begin tiger relocation. Two tigers from Ranthambore were brought in, named ST1 and ST2. ST2 is no longer alive, but her daughter, ST7, now rules Zone 2, and today I will try my best to find her and get some amazing pictures and videos. 

A little ahead, I saw a canter vehicle used for open view safaris that can accommodate 20-25 people. You can opt for this one if you are unable to get a jeep booking. But it’s a unique experience exploring the wild jungles of Sariska in both a jeep and a canter.

What is the Size of Sariska National Park?

My guide Dinesh Ji told me that Sariska has a total land area of 1213 sq. km with a core area that spans 881 sq. km. he told me that we were right inside the core region, and I was excited for the upcoming safari journey. 

Also, he told me that there are 50 tigers and 300+ leopards in the Sariska tiger reserve, along with many other animal species. He said that Sariska has the highest leopard density in Asia. 

Apart from that, I got to know that many other animals like hyenas, jackals, nilgai, chowsingha, sambar deer, spotted deer, wild boars, porcupines, hares, crocodiles, and even migratory birds can be found here. 

Spotting Owl, Peacock, Deer, and Jackal

As the Safari continued, and my guide was explaining about zone 2, I saw a beautiful owl sitting on a tree at a distance, and it was truly an adorable sight.

Soon after, I also saw three peacocks dancing lightly in the rain. 

The safari journey was looking very soothing, and after a while, I also spotted a woodpecker bird in search of food.

Driving further, I came across a huge herd of deer grazing, and it was truly a beautiful sight to look at. I even saw one tiny deer at a far-off distance, looking towards the jeep closely and attentively, always alert and ready to detect any unwanted movement. Deer usually stay in groups so they can warn each other at the first sign of danger.  

Then, after a while, I also saw some jackals with my binoculars at a distant land area who were out hunting. Jackals are clever, alert, and rely on their sense of smell and hearing heavily to communicate about danger through alarm calls. They usually move in packs of 3 to 8. Also closer to them, a group of partridges was roaming the same area.  

Reaching Tigress ST7’s Territory within Zone 2

After driving through zone 2 for a while, my safari jeep reached the core area, which is considered ST7’s main territory. My guide also confirmed that this was the area of the male ST15 tiger and female ST7 tigress. The zone area is also called Karnaka Vas and has a lake with crocodiles and migratory birds arriving from late November as winter sets in.  

As I was continuing with the safari, my guide told me that ST7’s territory is large and rich in water bodies. Many people have also spotted her swimming multiple times in the lakes, and interestingly, she doesn’t have any cubs yet. Her mother, ST2, played a major role in reviving the population of Sariska Tiger Reserve back in the day. 

Then, after a while, we arrived at a famous leopard and eagle hunting spot, as it was drizzling a bit. We were a bit unsure of any sightings happening. But always hopeful!

What I surely didn’t expect to see was a breathtaking scenery in front of me that was truly mesmerizing, and words could never describe it. I stayed there for a while, experiencing the beauty in front of me, and it was really a soothing and calming experience. 

Then the safari continued further. The path was rocky, and my guide was debating whether to continue further. For a moment in felt as if I was somewhere in Kerala or a coastal forest, given the type of trees. I then asked my guide more about the area, and he told me that it has an excellent leopard habitat, but moist weather often affects the movement of leopards. The region is called Alagwal, and in Zone 2, it’s a truly stunning place to be during jungle safaris in Sariska. 

Approaching the End of Sariska Afternoon Safari

By now, I was approaching the end of the afternoon safari in Zone 2 of Sariska Tiger Reserve as I continued further. The guide told me that the entire area once belonged to tigress ST2, whose lineage dominates Sariska. And it’s has ample lakes and water bodies. 

The safari continued in search of the Tigers ST7 and ST15. But we weren’t having any luck and the weather by our side. At one point in the safari, I almost thought that I was in Rajasthan or some other region. Given the demographic and weather situation. 

It was lush greenery everywhere. No alarm calls were heard. There was an unusual calmness, and no movement of any animals. For a brief moment, it felt very unusual, but we continued with the rest of the journey. 

What was the age of ST2 Tiger of Sariska?

My guide then told me that the ST2 tigress lived for a remarkable lifespan of 19 years and 6 months. Also, most of Sariska’s tigers are her offspring. He also told me that her mother, the legendary Machhli of Ranthambore, also lived for about 19 years. She was known as the crocodile killer. 

Although the weather was not ideal for tiger spotting, I still continued my search for ST7. I was trying my best to spot her somewhere hidden in the forests. 

Along the way, I came across wild boars, who have a great sense of hearing and smell. They often roam in solo or group settings. They are extremely sharp and run away at the slightest hint of danger.