Indian Wildlife Club Forum

The best hotel near Sariska Tiger Reserve is Chokhiwadi Forest Retreat — an eco-luxury resort on the edge of Sariska National Park in Ajabgarh, Thanagazi, Rajasthan. Rooms start from ₹5,999 per night. It is 3 to 3.5 hours from Delhi and just over 1 hour from Jaipur.

That is the direct answer. Everything below gives you the full picture — distances, options by budget, and what actually separates a good stay in Sariska from a forgettable one.

How Far Is Sariska from Delhi and Jaipur?

Before comparing hotels, get the distances right.

Delhi to Sariska distance: Approximately 200 km via NH48 through Gurgaon and Bhiwadi. Travel time is 3 to 3.5 hours by road — manageable on a Friday evening after work.

Jaipur to Sariska distance: Approximately 107 km via NH48. Travel time is just over 1 hour. One of the fastest genuine nature escapes from the Pink City.

Alwar to Sariska distance: Approximately 37 km. Alwar is the nearest major railway station if you are travelling by train. Taxis are available at Alwar station.

Self-drive is the most practical option for both Delhi and Jaipur. The NH48 route is clean, well-lit, and straightforward.

Types of Hotels Near Sariska Tiger Reserve

Not every stay near Sariska delivers the same experience. Here is an honest breakdown by category.

Budget Guesthouses (Under ₹3,000/night)

Basic rooms near Thanagazi or the forest gate. Clean, functional, no frills. No safari assistance, no nature programming, and no direct forest connection. Right choice only if the safari is the sole objective and cost is the primary constraint.

Mid-Range Forest Camps (₹3,000 to ₹6,000/night)

Open tent setups in forest clearings. Shared facilities, bonfire experience, some organised activities. Better than a guesthouse for atmosphere but limited in comfort and individual experience.

Luxury Eco Resorts (₹6,000 to ₹15,000/night)

The category where the stay becomes the experience. Chokhiwadi Forest Retreat is the standout option in this range near Sariska — solar-powered, farm-to-table dining, and built on 20,000+ planted native trees.

Best Hotel in Sariska: What the Options Actually Look Like

Chokhiwadi Forest Retreat — The Top Choice

Chokhiwadi Forest Retreat in Guwara Dulawa, Ajabgarh, Thanagazi sits on the edge of Sariska National Park — not adjacent to it, on it.

The property covers 9.5 acres. Over 20,000 native Aravalli trees were planted before the first room opened. More than 90% of the land is living forest, organic farm, and food garden. Solar-powered. Rainwater harvested. Every staff member hired from a village within 5 km.

Room types and rates:

Luxury Glamping Tents — African safari-style canvas tents with open porticos directly facing the Aravallis. Peacocks arrive before your alarm. From ₹5,999 per night plus taxes.

Mud Villas — Handbuilt and painted with Mandana folk art by local women. Intimate, characterful, genuinely unique. From ₹7,999 per night plus taxes.

Stone Cottages — Full luxury in the forest. Most dramatic Aravalli hill views on the property. From ₹12,999 per night plus taxes.

All rooms include AC, hot water, free Wi-Fi, in-room dining, and 24×7 assistance. Fully pet-friendly.

What makes it different from every other hotel near Sariska:

The Baori — a handmade stepwell at the centre of the property where the AQI regularly sits under 50. On a clear winter night, guests see Mars, Venus, and Saturn with the naked eye. Rajeev Aggarwal, Senior VP at Samsung India, described it as unlike anything in years of international travel.

Spice Aangan — farm-to-table Rajasthani dining under a Maharaja-styled tent. Dal baati churma, slow-cooked laal maas, food from the property’s own garden.

The 360-degree Aravalli pool with no walls or enclosure. Guided Food Forest walks through 7,000+ native trees. Bonfire nights. Open-air yoga at Vaayu lawn. Stargazing. Safari bookings arranged directly by the resort.

Is There a 4 Star Hotel in Sariska?

The formal star rating system does not apply to boutique eco resorts. But the honest answer is that Chokhiwadi Forest Retreat delivers what most 4 star hotels in Sariska and standard Sariska hotels and resorts cannot — genuine forest immersion, verifiable sustainability, and experiences specific to this landscape.

Standard hotel amenities — AC, hot water, Wi-Fi, room service — are covered across all room types. What a branded 4-star cannot replicate is a stepwell with Saturn visible overhead, a food forest you can walk into barefoot, and a safari booked before breakfast by the same team that cooked it.

Practical Tips Before You Book

Book safari in advance. October to March private jeep slots fill fast. Chokhiwadi arranges all bookings directly — confirm at the time of reserving your room.

Minimum stay: One night covers the safari and an evening at the resort. Two nights adds Bhangarh Fort, Pandupol Hanuman Mandir, or the Somsagar Waterfall trek.

Best time to visit: October to March for wildlife. November and December for the clearest skies and post-monsoon greenery combined.

Carry cash for forest gate entry. Cards work at the resort.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the best hotel near Sariska Tiger Reserve?

Chokhiwadi Forest Retreat in Ajabgarh, Thanagazi is the top-rated eco-luxury resort near Sariska Tiger Reserve — on the national park boundary, solar-powered, farm-to-table dining, three room types from ₹5,999/night, and full safari booking assistance for guests.

Q: How far is Delhi from Sariska Tiger Reserve?

Delhi to Sariska is approximately 200 km — 3 to 3.5 hours by road via NH48. It is one of the closest tiger reserves to Delhi NCR and one of the most rewarding for a weekend trip.

Q: Are there luxury hotels in Sariska for couples?

Yes. Chokhiwadi’s Stone Cottages and Mud Villas are both popular with couples. The resort offers dining beside the Baori stepwell, bonfire evenings, and a 360-degree Aravalli-view pool — consistently rated the most romantic stay near Sariska Tiger Reserve.

Q: How far is Alwar from Sariska Tiger Reserve?

Alwar is approximately 37 km from Sariska — roughly 45 minutes by road. Alwar is the nearest major railway station for guests travelling by train to Sariska.

Introduction

Located on the sacred banks of the River Ganga in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the most revered temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Known as the “Golden Temple of Varanasi,” it is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, making it a major pilgrimage destination for millions of devotees every year. The temple’s spiritual atmosphere, ancient heritage, and magnificent architecture make it one of India’s most iconic religious landmarks.

History of Kashi Vishwanath Temple

The history of Kashi Vishwanath Temple dates back thousands of years and is deeply rooted in Hindu traditions. Ancient scriptures, including the Skanda Purana, mention Kashi as the eternal city of Lord Shiva. Over the centuries, the temple was rebuilt several times after facing destruction during different periods of history.

The present temple was constructed in 1780 by Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore, who restored the shrine with great devotion. Later, in 1839, Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the ruler of the Sikh Empire, donated gold to cover the temple’s main domes, giving it the famous title of the Golden Temple of Kashi. Today, the temple stands as a symbol of faith, resilience, and India’s rich spiritual heritage.

Religious Significance

Kashi Vishwanath is regarded as one of the holiest temples in Hinduism because it houses one of the twelve sacred Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. According to Hindu belief, visiting the temple and offering prayers to Lord Shiva helps devotees attain spiritual peace and seek divine blessings.

Varanasi itself is considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and is often called the City of Lord Shiva. Pilgrims from across India and abroad visit the temple throughout the year, especially during Mahashivratri and the holy month of Shravan.

Major Attractions Near Kashi Vishwanath Temple

A visit to Kashi Vishwanath is incomplete without exploring the nearby attractions. The famous Dashashwamedh Ghat hosts the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti every evening, attracting thousands of visitors. Manikarnika Ghat, one of the oldest ghats in Varanasi, holds immense spiritual significance.

Other popular places include Assi Ghat, Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, Durga Temple, Tulsi Manas Mandir, Ramnagar Fort, and the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor, which provides convenient access between the temple and the Ganga River.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant for sightseeing and temple visits. Festivals such as Mahashivratri, Dev Deepawali, and Shravan offer a vibrant spiritual experience, although they also attract large crowds.

How to Reach

Varanasi is well connected by air, rail, and road.

• By Air: Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport is about 25 km from the temple.
• By Train: Varanasi Junction and Banaras Railway Station provide excellent connectivity to major Indian cities.
• By Road: Regular buses and taxis connect Varanasi with nearby states and cities.

From the city center, auto-rickshaws, e-rickshaws, and local transport make it easy to reach the temple.

Conclusion

The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is more than just a place of worship — it is a symbol of India’s timeless spirituality, devotion, and cultural heritage. Whether you visit to seek Lord Shiva’s blessings, witness the divine Ganga Aarti, or explore the ancient streets of Varanasi, the experience is truly unforgettable. A journey to Kashi Vishwanath offers not only spiritual fulfillment but also a deeper connection to one of the oldest living traditions in the world.

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Why to choose Kia Carens for your Delhi travel?

The Kia Carens sedan offers comfort and space making it ideal for families, couples and small groups of friends.

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Spacious & Comfortable interiors

When it comes to family road trips and small group getaways, space and comfort are among the top priorities. The Kia Carens offers a comfortable cabin for a family of four and extra space for luggage for that long-distance travel from Delhi.

Ideal for Any Occasion

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Kia Carens on Hire in Delhi with Driver

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Rent Kia Carens Car in Delhi for Local Sightseeing

There are tons of sightseeing opportunities in National Capital Region. However, it can get a bit tiresome wandering around the city in search of taxis or buses to get you around. Especially for families with children and elderly people, it can get really challenging to get around Delhi in search of the best places to see and visit.

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Why Book Kia Carens Rental in Delhi?

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The best road route from Delhi to Chintpurni Temple is via NH 44, which offers smooth highways and good road conditions for most of the journey.

• Distance: Around 430–450 km
• Travel Time: Approximately 8–10 hours, depending on traffic and weather
• Road Condition: Mostly four-lane highways with well-maintained roads
• Best for: Families, groups, and senior citizens

To avoid heavy traffic, start your trip early in the morning, preferably between 4:00 AM and 6:00 AM. This helps you cross Delhi and reach the temple before evening. During the monsoon season, check the weather forecast before starting your journey and drive carefully in hilly sections near Una and Chintpurni.

Planning a safari in Tadoba is simple when you understand the booking procedure. The Tadoba Gypsy Booking process begins by selecting your preferred safari zone, travel date, and safari shift (morning or evening). Next, provide the required visitor details, including the name, age, gender, and a valid government-issued ID for each traveler. After submitting the information, complete the online payment to confirm your reservation. Once the booking is successful, you will receive a confirmation voucher that must be carried during your visit. As safari permits are limited and highly demanded during peak wildlife seasons, it is advisable to reserve your Tadoba Gypsy Booking well in advance. On the day of the safari, arrive at the designated entry gate before the reporting time with your original ID proof. Following this straightforward process ensures a smooth, hassle-free experience and gives you the best opportunity to enjoy an unforgettable wildlife adventure in Tadoba National Park.

A road trip from Delhi to Chandigarh is one of the smoothest highway journeys in North India. The route follows NH-44, passing through the states of Delhi, Haryana, and Punjab before reaching the beautiful city of Chandigarh.

On this route, travelers usually cross 3 major toll plazas. These tolls help maintain the highway, improve road safety, and ensure a faster travel experience.

As you leave Delhi, the busy city roads gradually turn into wide expressways. The journey then takes you through well-known cities like Sonipat, Panipat, Karnal, Kurukshetra, Pipli, Ambala, and Zirakpur before you finally arrive in Chandigarh. Along the way, you will pass three major toll plazas:

• Panipat Elevated Corridor Toll Plaza – Located near Panipat in Haryana.
• Gharaunda Toll Plaza – Situated between Panipat and Karnal.
• Dappar Toll Plaza – Located near Zirakpur, just before entering Chandigarh.

These toll plazas are spread across the route, allowing travelers to enjoy a well-maintained highway with smooth traffic flow, better road infrastructure, clean rest areas, fuel stations, and food courts.

Whether you are driving a car, SUV, Tempo Traveller, or Force Urbania, the number of toll plazas remains the same. However, the toll amount varies depending on the type and size of the vehicle.

Chandigarh road trip with tempo traveller covers approximately 245–260 km and usually takes 4.5 to 6 hours, depending on traffic, weather conditions, and the time of travel. Early morning departures are ideal, as they help you avoid city congestion and make the journey more comfortable.

For families, corporate groups, and tourists, this highway offers one of the most scenic and convenient road trips in North India, with plenty of opportunities to stop at popular food joints in Murthal, enjoy a break near Karnal Lake, or explore attractions around Kurukshetra before reaching the planned city of Chandigarh.

Most people book a camel safari in Jaisalmer without knowing the difference between a 45-minute dune loop and a proper overnight desert experience. They end up disappointed, paying tourist-trap prices for a ride that lasts less time than their photo session. If you want the real Thar Desert experience — golden dunes, a slow sunset, and a night under more stars than you’ve ever seen — you need to know what to book, when, and where.

So here we will break down exactly that, based on how camel safaris around Jaisalmer’s Desert Camp circuit actually run.

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A Camel Safari in Jaisalmer Isn’t Just a Ride — It’s a Package Decision

The camel itself is the easy part. The real decision is which camel safari package fits your trip:

• Sunset or sunrise safari (45–60 minutes): Best for day-trippers with limited time. You’re picked up from the camp, taken deep into the dunes, and back before dark.
• Overnight safari: Includes a camel ride out to the dunes, dinner under the stars, and a night in a desert camp before riding back at sunrise.
• Multi-day safari (2–3 days): For travelers who want to see remote dune belts and village life, not just the tourist-heavy Sam Dunes stretch.

Most first-timers should start with the overnight option. It gives you both sunset and sunrise without needing two separate bookings.

Where the Safari Actually Happens

Nearly every camel safari originates near camp in Sam Sand Dunes, roughly 40 km from Jaisalmer city, or the quieter Khuri dunes further south. Sam is more commercialized but has better infrastructure — proper camps, generators, and washroom facilities. Khuri is calmer if you’re avoiding crowds, but options are more limited.

Timing Your Camel Safari in Jaisalmer Changes Everything

• Best months: October to March. Daytime temperatures sit around 20–25°C, and nights are cool enough for a bonfire and blankets, not unbearable heat.
• Avoid: Late March through June, when afternoon temperatures can cross 38–45°C. Several camps scale down operations in peak summer.
• Best time of day: Ride between 5:00–7:00 PM for sunset, or 4:30–6:00 AM for sunrise. Midday rides in winter are fine; midday rides in summer are not.
• February bonus: The Jaisalmer Desert Festival brings folk music, camel races, and cultural shows — but it also means higher prices and earlier bookings.

If your dates are flexible, winter evenings are non-negotiable for comfort and for the best light in your photos.

What a Desert Camp Jaisalmer Stay Should Include

Not all camps are equal, and the difference usually shows up after check-in, not before. A solid desert camp Jaisalmer package should cover:

• Camel pickup from the camp to the dune point, not a shared jeep ride that skips the actual safari
• Dinner with live folk music — Rajasthani thali is standard; ask if it’s included or charged separately
• Bonfire and cultural performance (folk dance, Kalbeliya performances) as part of the evening, not an upsell
• Clean tents or Swiss tents with proper bedding, since desert nights get cold even in warmer months
• Sunrise camel ride back, not just a jeep transfer

A common complaint from first-time visitors is vendors on the dunes pushing paid extras — drinks, photos, quad rides — that feel like part of the package but aren’t. Confirm inclusions in writing before you pay anything.

How Much Should You Actually Budget

Camel-only rides can start as low as ₹500 per camel (two riders max), but that’s just the 45–60 minute segment. A full overnight package — camel ride, camp stay, dinner, and cultural show — costs considerably more and varies by camp tier, from basic to semi-luxury tents. Always ask what’s bundled: some quotes include the camel ride and camp fee separately, which can double your expected cost if you’re not paying attention.

Booking Tips That Save You Money and Time

• Book directly with the desert camp rather than through a third-party agent to avoid commission markups
• Confirm pickup point and timing the night before — desert roads have poor signal, and last-minute changes are hard to coordinate
• Carry cash; many smaller camps and roadside vendors don’t accept cards
• Pack a light jacket even in “warm” months — desert nights drop temperature fast after sunset

Final Word

Visiting Jaisalmer is one of those experiences that’s either unforgettable or forgettable, depending entirely on timing and planning. Pick the winter months, choose an overnight package over a rushed sunset ride, and confirm your desert camp’s inclusions before you book. Do that, and the dunes will do the rest.

FAQs

1. How long does a typical camel safari last?

A standard sunset or sunrise safari runs 45–60 minutes. Overnight and multi-day safaris extend this significantly, combining riding time with camp stays.

2. Is a camel safari safe for children and elderly travelers?

Yes, most camps allow two riders per camel and keep pace slow and controlled. It’s worth informing the camp in advance so they assign an experienced handler.

3. Do I need to book in advance, or can I just show up?

During winter (October–March) and especially around the February Desert Festival, advance booking is strongly recommended. Camps and camel availability fill up fast in peak season.

4. What should I wear for a camel safari?

Loose, breathable clothing during the day, plus a jacket or shawl for evening and early morning rides, since desert temperatures swing sharply after sunset.

If you're planning a wildlife trip, finding a trusted platform for Tadoba Gypsy Safari Booking is the easiest way to secure your preferred safari slot. Since safari permits are limited and often sell out quickly, booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during weekends and peak travel months. A reliable booking platform allows you to choose your preferred safari zone, date, and timing while ensuring a smooth reservation process. In the middle of your planning, completing your Tadoba Gypsy Safari Booking online helps avoid last-minute hassles and increases your chances of getting the safari zone you want. Whether you're visiting for tiger sightings, birdwatching, or a family adventure, early booking makes your trip more convenient and stress-free. Always verify booking details, carry valid ID proof, and arrive at the gate on time to enjoy a seamless safari experience in one of India's most popular tiger reserves.

Rajasthan has always drawn travellers. But for most of its tourism history, the draw was palaces, forts, and desert — a landscape experienced from the outside, photographed, and left behind.

Eco-tourism in Rajasthan is changing that relationship entirely. Instead of passing through a landscape, you stay inside it. Instead of consuming a destination, you contribute to it. And in the Aravalli hills near Sariska Tiger Reserve, one property is demonstrating what that actually looks like in practice — not as a concept, but as a functioning, verifiable reality.

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What Eco-Tourism Actually Means — and What It Does Not

The word eco-tourism has been stretched so thin that a hotel with solar fairy lights now uses it in its tagline.

Real eco-tourism meets three criteria simultaneously. It minimises environmental impact — not just offsets it with a tree-planting donation. It benefits local communities directly and measurably. And it educates guests about the natural environment they are staying in, building awareness that extends beyond the checkout date.

Most properties in Rajasthan calling themselves eco-resorts satisfy one of these, occasionally two. Chokhiwadi satisfies all three — and the evidence is specific enough to verify.

How Chokhiwadi Practises Eco-Tourism in the Aravallis

Chokhiwadi Forest Retreat a resort in Sariska sits on 9.5 acres in Guwara Dulawa, Ajabgarh, Thanagazi — on the edge of Sariska National Park in Alwar, Rajasthan. The founders made a foundational decision before the property opened: plant the forest first.

Over 20,000 native Aravalli trees were in the ground before the first guest arrived. Today, more than 90% of the property is living forest, organic food garden, and native farmland. The built footprint is deliberately small. The green footprint grows every season.

Energy: The property runs entirely on solar power. Grid dependency is minimal. Diesel generators are not the backup plan.

Water: A rainwater harvesting system manages all water use on the property. In the semi-arid Aravalli landscape, where water is not abundant, this is not a marketing feature — it is responsible land stewardship.

Food: Spice Aangan, the resort’s dining space, serves food grown in the property’s own organic kitchen garden. Dal baati churma made from ingredients that grew fifty metres from your table is farm-to-table in the most literal sense available.

Community: Every staff member at Chokhiwadi is hired from a village within 5 km of the property. The resort is one of the largest employers in its immediate area. Tourism revenue stays in the community that lives alongside the forest — not in a corporate office three cities away.

Conservation: The Baori — a handmade stepwell at the centre of the property — serves dual purpose: it is the most atmospheric space on the grounds and a functioning water conservation structure built using traditional local techniques.

The Guest Experience as an Eco-Education

Chokhiwadi does not lecture guests about sustainability. It lets the property teach.

Walking the Food Forest — 7,000+ native trees where guests pick pomegranates and papayas in season — makes organic farming tangible rather than theoretical. Sitting at the Baori on a clear winter night with an AQI under 50, watching planets appear without a telescope, makes air quality visceral rather than statistical.

The morning safari at Sariska Tiger Reserve connects guests to one of India’s most significant wildlife conservation stories — tigers that were wiped out and brought back through sustained, costly, imperfect effort. Understanding that story changes how people think about wildlife corridors, land use, and the relationship between tourism and conservation.

This is eco-tourism working at its best. Not signage about recycling. An experience that shifts perspective.

Why Rajasthan Needs This Model to Spread

Rajasthan receives millions of tourists annually. The majority of that tourism concentrates in Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Udaipur — cities that are increasingly showing the strain of overcrowding, water depletion, and heritage site degradation.

Dispersed eco-tourism — spreading visitor traffic to natural landscapes that benefit from managed, sustainable footfall — is the model that relieves pressure on overcrowded heritage cities while generating income for rural communities that currently see little of Rajasthan’s tourism revenue.

The Aravalli corridor near Sariska is one of the most ecologically significant landscapes in northern India. It is also one of the most economically underserved. A model where visitors come, stay, eat locally, employ locally, and leave the land better than they found it is not idealistic. Chokhiwadi is proof it is operational.

Stay Options at Chokhiwadi Forest Retreat

Luxury Glamping Tents — open porticos facing the Aravallis. From ₹5,999/night. Mud Villas — Mandana folk art, handbuilt by local women. From ₹7,999/night. Stone Cottages — full luxury, most dramatic hill views. From ₹12,999/night.

All rooms include AC, hot water, in-room dining, and 24×7 assistance. Fully pet-friendly. 3 to 3.5 hours from Delhi. Just over 1 hour from Jaipur.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What makes Chokhiwadi a genuine eco-tourism destination in Rajasthan?

Chokhiwadi meets all three criteria of authentic eco-tourism — minimal environmental impact (solar power, rainwater harvesting, organic farming), direct community benefit (all staff hired from villages within 5 km), and guest education through immersive natural experiences rather than informational signage.

Q: Is eco-tourism in Rajasthan worth choosing over heritage tourism?

Both have value. Eco-tourism near Sariska specifically offers something heritage tourism cannot — a direct relationship with a living landscape. The Aravalli hills, the forest, the wildlife corridor, and the communities who live alongside them are experienced differently when you stay inside them rather than passing through.

Q: How far is Chokhiwadi Forest Retreat from Jaipur and Delhi?

Chokhiwadi is just over 1 hour from Jaipur and 3 to 3.5 hours from Delhi via NH48. It is one of the most accessible genuine eco-tourism destinations in northern India from both cities.

Q: Does staying at Chokhiwadi contribute to local conservation?

Yes. The resort employs local village staff, sources food from its own organic farm, and operates within the Sariska buffer zone in a way that supports rather than degrades the wildlife corridor. Guest revenue directly funds the ongoing planting and maintenance of 20,000+ native trees on the property.

Dillimeriijaan videos

The videos are a documentation of the initiative on the ground by Jayati and Ajit to get ordinary people interested in nature. The walks are mostly in Delhi in the historical parks and archeological places. The walks are normally done on weekends and are announced on their instagram page : @dillimeriijaan. They also do customised walks for institutions and schools. Get in touch with Jayati Talapatra for booking. She can be contacted at jayati.talapatra@gmail.com