While Sariska is not a new weekend destination for Delhites what makes it an absolute necessity for a revisit? Here's the answer.

Located right next to the Sariska Tiger Reserve, the newly built sariskalodge Sariska, Rajasthan is redefining adventure luxury stay. With a striking blend of the past and the present, the Lodge is not just about adventure, it takes you on an immersive journey of local food, attentive staff, culture, heritage and an exotic vegetable farming experience, that of course lands deliciously on your plate. 

It's apparent that the resort is run with absolute passion by Anand Shekhawat - former hotelier with the Aman group of hotels, and his Japanese wife Rie who resides in the vast 15-acre forest land with their two beautiful dogs. Anand founded the property with Puneet Jain taking the duo two and half years to build from the concept to fruition.

My easy two-and half-hour drive from Delhi to Sariska came with an accurate direction advice from the founder and help from the GPS while passing beautiful Rajasthan villages, locals wearing colourful attires and herding sheeps, making it absolutely delightful. The welcome by the resort's guard of honour on a shining Marwari horse from their stable at the entrance made for a regal touch-Rajasthan style. A giveaway to what we were about to experience.

Giving a glimpse into the resort's unique construction and architecture, which takes plenty of natural stones and colours from the surroundings, Anand informs us about incorporating the forest's natural inspiration while conceptualising the 10 suites, which they have presently. Many of the furnitures are repurposed giving an insight into the founder's motto of keeping it sustainable as well as environment friendly. Rain water harvesting and hot composting add to it.

My own suite came with an impressive private pool (23ft by 8ft) sit outs in the front as well as the back, a swing and furniture highlighted with leather. The huge bathroom came with bathtub overlooking the vast forest expanse, his and her sinks, a separate WC and shower area. The soft cotton blinds with striking leopard embroidery in the room were made using the weaving technique of the Indus Valley civilisation still practised in some villages in India. A personal butler attached to every suite makes your stay experience truly rich. 

The dining experience was so exclusive that you could practically point at the vegetables, and it would appear on your plate cooked according to your specifications by the indulgent chef. From the local dishes to the international asian, and continental you can relish it all. One can dine at their restaurant or opt for an in-room dining.  

Some must-have experience that you should indulge at the lodge apart from the obvious tiger safari must include a bush dinner. Relishing local dishes like the laal maas, home-grown vegetables, freshly made steaming chapattis cooked right in front of you and served under a clear starlit sky with cocktails makes for an unforgettable vacation memory. 

 If you love horses, then request for petting and a ride session at the Ashwalaya stable where beautiful and famous Rjasthani breed of Marwari horses are housed indulgently by the owners. Found only in Rajasthan, with its origins from Marwar region this breed is known for its beauty, agility and hearing powers making it an important part of Rajasthan's legendary Polo history. It is also used for important ceremonial occasions. It was this horse that give us our ceremonial welcome to the lodge. The visit to the stable with be fun for families with children as there are hens and rabbits running around freely. A trip to the nearby village for a cultural experience can enhance your furthere enhance your stay here.  

The lodge also houses a spa conceptualised with Bhutnese wellness philosophy. A stunning traditional blue Rajasthani door will lead you to it as Sonam Zang and his team welcomes you with pink crystal stones and scents of khempa dhoop and traditional detox drink.

I was whisked off to a two-bedroom treatment room where I indulged in the spa's one hour signature massage therapy.

The outdoor relaxing area of the spa looks out into the forest giving you a magical feel after being pampered to the hilt.

Included in our itinerary was this visit to an old temple ruin overlooked by an ancient fort. While this is quite common in Rajasthan what made this absolutely gorgeous Neelkanth Mahadeva Shiva temple an absolute must visit with its powerful positive energy, surrounded by the majestic Aravali majestic mountains, was the fact that it dated back to the 9th century. This heritage, which is a cluster of around 300 lost temples is under the maintenance of Archeological Survey of India.

The main temple of Shiva has beautiful carvings of God Vishnu and his 10 avatars on the outside, while the sanctum sanctorum is of God Shiva. Also among the ruins is a beautiful temple of a Jain Trithankar strikingly standing tall. Since it is almost an hour's drive from the main town there are less visitors and tourists. Nestled in the clean village of Alwar run with solar power, it was in the temple ruins that our accompanying host Rie and eher team organised refreshments of home backed cookies, varieties of Indian snacks and drinks. A truly magical moment when you can experience the modern with the ancient.