Ranthambore: Adrenaline pumping experience, right into the wild!!!

Chaitrali Datar

Jaipur, February 23, 2021: Are you looking for a splendid and unforgettable travel safari experience that will take you straight into the wilderness? Experiences that will stay with you forever and get you a lifetime of memories? Then Ranthambore, Jaipur is a must-visit place!

A well-stocked schedule of at least 3-4 days for exploring the park must be made as it is a strenuous activity and requires a lot of time. If you wish to visit in a hurry, the entire purpose of the activity will have been in vain and you will not be able to enjoy the magic of a safari.

How to reach?

You can reach Ranthambore by cab from Jaipur. It takes a minimum of 3 hours by road.

The Park

Spread across a vast expanse of 1600 hectares, this deciduous reserve is surely a memorable one to visit. It consists of a never-ending canopy of trees with streams gushing in between and the pleasant trickling sound.

Although it is mainly the land of tigers, it also consists of the spotted deer, the wild deer (sambar), wild monkeys, peacocks, crocodiles, and birds. At the same time, the big cat is a rarity as the chances of spotting it purely depends on your luck.

We were lucky enough to spot our national animal twice, although at a distance. But the experience was surreal!!!!

Exploring the reserve is a joy in itself as you breeze through the forest in your jeeps past the trees.

There are two types of rides which you can take; one is the Jeep and the other canter. The Jeeps are mostly for small families and canters are for groups. Both types of rides are enjoyable, however, if you wish for some private time with your family then the Jeep ride is preferable. Canter rides have their own fun and thrill as exploring in a group makes the tiger spotting quite memorable.

The safaris are mostly in the morning, afternoon, or for an entire day till 5.30. You can book the ride according to your own timings and preferences. However early morning rides are more preferable. Your guide will accompany you and provide extensive information regarding the forest.

Precautions to take

Please note that this is not a luxury ride or a ride in the park. So continuous bumps in the Jeep and dust are a part and parcel of the safari!

Take with you sufficient water and only if necessary you may carry some kind of eatables.

While standing in the jeep make sure you do not lean or take out your hand.

Make as minimum noise as possible or no noise at all. Remember you are not in your own territory!

Do not chat among yourselves, put on music or shout and make noise. It may frighten the animal or worse may make him violent. Respect the purpose of your safari.

Follow the instructions of your tour guide strictly.

Do not forget your binoculars and of course your cameras, a big lens camera.

Kindly avoid taking kids below 5 years.

Clothing

Wear light coloured comfortable (track pants or baggy pants) clothes (green, brown)

Do not wear bright coloured clothes or any kind of accessories which will make noise.

If you are going for an afternoon ride do not forget your sunglasses and a hat.

How to spot the tiger?

The tiger is a soft padded animal and will leave its ‘pugmarks’ on the soft sand. So you can follow the trail.

After entering sufficiently deep in the jungle, your forest guard or the forest ranger (who accompanies you) will inform you regarding all the watch-out signs. Whenever any other animal spots the tiger, he ‘calls’ out to his friend or rather alerts that the tiger is around. It is normally the hooting of animals or monkeys screeching. That is a thrilling experience altogether! It is at this very moment when you have to wait and literally scan your eyes through the dense trees. If you are lucky enough you will spot the animal in its full glory in his land.

Upon seeing the tiger, do not make noise or shout. You can alert your fellow travellers by hand gestures.

Use all your photography skills to capture the image of the tiger.

On a concluding note

Ranthambore has plenty of budget hotels as well as 3 and 5-star hotels. Most of them provide services for a safari. Ensure you make all the arrangements beforehand so that you have a comfortable and enjoyable trip.

Happy Journey!

(Chaitrali Datar is a content writer with 5 years of experience. She has worked for various domains and they typically include travel and tourism, management sector, education, hospitality and real estate.)