If you’re hunting (pun intended) for a wild escape that mixes royal Rajput echoes with raw Aravalli wilderness, Sariska National Park in Alwar, Rajasthan, is one of North India’s most rewarding weekend safaris. Just a few hours from both Delhi and Jaipur, Sariska offers tiger country without the crowds of Ranthambore, a dramatic fort inside the forest (Kankwari), ancient temples, and a rich cultural belt around Alwar that can turn a simple wildlife run into a full-blown heritage trip.

Perched atop the rugged Aravalli Ridge north of the Amber Fort, Jaigarh Fort stands as a testament to Rajput engineering, military might, and architectural splendor. Often overshadowed by its more ornate neighbor, Jaigarh’s true majesty lies in its formidable walls, hidden passages, and the legendary Jaivana Cannon—the world’s largest cannon on wheels.