Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for Tigers. We went there in Dehradun express from Delhi. It was 7 hrs journey. We started late night and reached Sawai Madhopur early morning. Best time to visit Ranthambore is from October to June. Rest of the time park is closed for visitors. One must see weather forecast before packing bags.
Sawai Madhopur railway station
It was a comfortable journey. ‘Tiger Den resort’ in Ranthambore is a great resort to stay. All the facilities except TVs are provided. I liked being close to family and nature. The resort has three parks and a swimming pool. Well behaved staff helped kids (2 and 4 yr)adjust faster. Food was good too! There was a little shop to offer stuff like hats, pants, bands etc.
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Sun set at Tiger den resortTiger Den resort was just 5 mins away from Ranthambore wildlife sanctuary. The trip to Ranthambore is worth two nights stay. One should go for Safari everyday, if possible both rounds – morning and evening. That way, probability to spot a Tiger increases.
We had our plans laid down. Since it was February and kids were too young to go for morning Jungle Safari, we went in the evening. We started with Zone 3 which had three beautiful lakes.
All of us were eager to spot a Tiger. We knew that jungle had 40 tigers but to our dismay, we could not spot any in the first trip. Although the wood was beautiful!
Peacocks
We wore clothes merging with forest color to avoid any disturbance to wild life.
Lake at Ranthambore
Another lake view
Birds chirping
Antelopes fighting
Monkeys lined up
After alot of search , we got to spot a Tigress (T39 as per our guide) few meters away in bushes. She was lazing away to glory. We decided to wait and watch the majestic animal. Soon she started licking her limbs. Suddenly, she was alert, looked around and stretched herself. Ahh, there she starts.
Tigress ready to hunt
Whhhattt….a majestic animal! Look at her divine stripes and golden fur. Oh my God, she is so close to us!!
My first experience to watch a Tigress in its natural habitat. She seemed hungry and ready to hunt.
Tigress walking towards a pond
She started walking towards a small pond. I was getting scared but was trying to stay composed as I had heard that Tigers don’t attack jeeps. A single noise could have alarmed her leading to attack. I held my kids tight. They were well behaved.
Tigress near pond
Tigress at pond
Then,T39 crossed the road where our jeep was standing. We started following her. Suddenly, there was an alert call by a Sambhar Deer. I could see nature’s drama right there. She went towards another small pond, tried to attack a baby crocodile which vanished in water at her sight.
Tigress on her way to bushes
Soon, she was out of our view. We decided to wait for her again and were lucky.
She was in front of us, not even 3 meters away giving a killing look. First she looked at me and then my kids one by one. I was numb and started saying ‘Jai mata di’.
Tigress in front of us
Kids were silent and brave, surprisingly behaving very well. They were really curious. Everyone in jeep was enjoying nature’s drama.
Tigress in front of our jeep
After staring at all of us in jeep, T39 vanished in bushes. Ooh…fooh…! Relaxed, relieved, amazed! What an experience! Got to get once in a lifetime opportunity.
Now, about something else.
Those who have never seen a village can visit ‘Shamsher Village’. We visited the village in a camel cart arranged by resort authorities. Village is a true picture of rural India.
We also visited a beautiful place called Bani ghat located 40 kms away from Sawai Madopur Railway station. Pictures will tell how beautiful the place is.
Bani ghat
Another view of Bani Ghat
Sun shining at Bani Ghat
We were told that Ganesh Temple is very nice and worth going. On learning about more than 250 stairs to reach there, we did not go because of kids.
So, guys, go and enjoy Ranthambore. There are resorts catering to all budgets.
Map of various resorts and hotels
Nidhi, KM
©viharin.com
I enjoyed the blog post very much…keep it up…you were lucky that you could spot and and shoot a tiger.
Thanks Swayam! Ya, to be able to spot a Tiger, one has to visit the jungle at least twice or thrice. A smart guide is a great fortune for the site
Wow! The tiger pics are really nice and the experience sounds great Nidhi. It has been on my list of things to do. Also I realised I could do it with my kids, thanks to your post.
Sure Prerna, since kids then aged 4 n 2 were extremely well behaved. We can prepare them well in advance mentally so they behave.
The tiger reserve have high density of tigers, so tiger sightings are very much possible. The flora and fauna is excellent. Highly recommended for wildlife lovers.
Well said Vikram!
Wow! Loved your post. Awesome captures too ????
Thanks for the compliment Ajuli!
very nice photo and thanks for the suggestion.. this would be such a nice holiday… the blend of nature and some adventure.
Now that was really interesting! I could well visualise the events, thanks to your clicks! I would love to visit this wildlife sanctuary!
Wow that’s awesome, being from Rajasthan I have loved this place and still missed going their , would visit soon and share my thoughts
ohh my God, view of Tigress was so close. It’s worth going there. I too wish to take my kids to Ranthambore SAnctuary
This place is really awesome for adventurous people.. Every year we visited Rajasthan but never get opportunity to visit the place.. This time we will sure..
This place is so rich in culture and definitely so much fun!! I have to put this in my travel wishlist!
I have been to this place and it was an amazing experience. We could not spot a tiger though but still loved it.
I have never been to a tiger reserve but I am planning a trip soon. Thank you for sharing all the information.
Sounds like a perfect weekend getaway from Delhi! Shall keep in mind for my next trip.
Have heard a lot about Ranthambore, was already planning for a safari here, this post was damn helpful thank you for sharing