Ranthambore wildlife Sanctuary, Rajasthan, India

Ranthambore is famous for Tiger Sanctuary. We went there in Dehradun express from Delhi. It was 7 hrs journey. We started late night and reached Sawai Madhopur early morning.

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!

Sunset at Tiger Den Resort

Resort was just 5 mins away from the Tiger 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!

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.

Whhhattt....a majestic animal! Look at her divine stripes and golden fur. Oh my God, she is so close to us!!

Another move....

My first experience to watch a Tigress in its natural habitat. She seemed hungry and ready to hunt. 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.

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.

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'.

Kids were silent and brave, surprisingly behaving very well. They were really curious. Everyone in jeep was enjoying nature's drama.

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.

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.

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Nidhi, 31st Jan, 2014