The Garh of Tigers

by Shweta Bhardwaj 

It was a regular humid and hot afternoon in the jungle that day; we were patiently and quietly sitting on our jeep looking across the small lake. As one of the member in the second safari jeep pointed towards a set of bushes across the same lake and shouted “There it is! I see it” The atmosphere became tenser. I looked at our guide, he was quiet too. (We were sitting here with our guide with the intention of spotting a Tiger) He pointed towards the trees and bushes across the lake and said “yes, looks like he is planning to charge and make a kill” Then I noticed the frantic sound of birds and monkeys in the area where they all were pointing. Suddenly birds took off from the trees and one of the deer grazing in the lake made the ‘Alarm call’. It is a typical call that animals like monkeys and deer make to warn the herd of the presence of the beast in the area. It was the most desperate and chilling call that can be heard for several kilometres. After this yelp, I saw the entire deer herd (that was enjoying in the lake) running for their life. The calmness and quiet of the jungle was destroyed now. The lake water made sounds, birds in the sky were disturbed, Monkeys hooting and Deer herd galloping and piercing through lake water. Then I saw it! The tiger! Finally, it appeared running and jumping from one of the side bushes on the land and then into the water. Unfortunately, I could not capture him in my camera but clearly managed to capture the fearful deer running for their lives.

What a majestic creature! That hunts with Precision, Planning and Speed. We were very fortunate to see this majestic creature hunting in Zone- 3. Being there and observing the hunt from a distance, we could sense the fear that the prey (deer & sambars) felt while running for life in the lake. This bolt happened after one member from the herd made the call and informed others of the danger.

Ranthambore National Park sits in Sawai Madhopur District of south-eastern Rajasthan. It’s almost an eight hour drive from New Delhi to Ranthambore and we reached our destination about half past midnight.

Nature is purely magical in its own way and I experienced it’s magic when we were driving through the Jungle area at night. It was a different feel altogether, a once in a lifetime experience for me!! This drive was one such unforgettable one! On our way to the park we saw a pack of deers crossing the road before us and disappearing in the thick forest in the moonlight. No words to describe the view and the moonlight.

We stayed at Ranthambore for three days. One day to visit the national park, second day to see the Ranthambore fort and the famous Trinetra Ganesh Temple and the third day to relax and be lazy for a change. In order to have a true Jungle experience we stayed in tents, in the village itself (very near to the national park and the fort).

Although the approach to the fort and the jungle is a bumpy, man made, hilly road but one can already feel being inside a densely forested area surrounded by hills. Before saying hello to the king of the Jungle, We spotted various species of birds and animals, like; Cheetal, Black bucks, Neelgai, Langoors, beautiful peacocks, Wood peckers,common kingfishers, Bayas, Bulbul, Mynas, and Quail etc. I was amazed to see a family of quails crossing the road in front of us. That was a beautiful sight indeed. Mama Quail leading the three chicks behind her.

Some of the animals and birds showed curiosity towards the tourists entering their territory and some behaved as if they have been eagerly waiting for you to click their pictures, especially the Langoors. An interesting thing to note about them was that all of them were so used to humans visiting their habitat that they were least bothered and continued doing what they were busy with.

Climbing the stairs at the Ranthambore Fort gives you the feel that you have travelled back to the olden times. The raw yet beautiful view of the national park from the fort, the lakes, peacocks dancing with their feathers open in all their grace, baby Langoors playing, birds chirping, all this kind of captivates you and takes you back to the times of King Hammir (The ruler who got the fort built in olden times) for a moment. While walking through the fort you cannot stop imagining how the life would have been during those times. We were fortunate enough to see a kitchen utensil made of stone, which must have been used at large family functions/ occasions etc by one of the families settled inside the fort in the olden days. It lay there as one of the remains of what could be a house inside the fort.

The view of the national park from the fort is breathtaking. If you wait patiently and spend some time at the stairs going upwards (inside the fort) and the weather is nice, you can actually spot peacocks dancing in the jungle below near the lakes. As locals say that one can spot a dancing Peacock in the jungle only when the breeze flows cool indicating that it is about to rain soon. Catching a glimpse of two peacocks dancing like that confirmed on our prediction of rains that day.

Another important beautiful thing about this fort was the Shiva Temple that we visited. Not many people know of it though. The small room with the huge shiva lingam is pitch dark but is definitely breathtaking. Once inside, you can feel the pure positive vibes. Ranthambore fort is famous for housing another temple called ‘Trinetra Ganesh’ Temple and many people still come here to worship. I got to know from our guide that till date people send the first invitation for a wedding in the house to the deity Ganesha here.

Explore Rajasthan with Tiger Safari at Ranthambore

Wildlife Ranthambore Tiger safari Tour With Agra and Jaipur 04 Nights 05 Days

If You Go:

♦ The distance by road is approx 8 hours from New Delhi to Ranthambore (via Jaipur). It is approx. 440 km from Delhi.
♦ Nearest airport is in Jaipur, 150 km away by road. The town Sawai Madhopur has excellent rail connections with metro and other cities in India.
♦ The park is open to tourists from October to June. A lot of migratory birds visit the part during winters, therefore winter months are excellent for wildlife viewing.

About the author:
Shweta is an HR professional and a travel blogger, she loves to write about places that she visits, people that she meets and every day things that touch her. She has a travel blog at www.travel-lanes.blogspot.in

All photos by Shweta Bhardwaj:
Deer Pack running for life as they were attacked by the tiger
Nature’s another beautiful creation – Peacock
Mama Quail leading her chicks – This was captured in our camera on our way back from the fort
Animals are used to having humans around – This Langoor sat as if it was posing for my camera only
View of the national park as seen from the fort

Uttarakhand, India

by Jessica Frei

Everyone deserves a break from the monotonous lifestyle and I am no exception to it. With having said that, there is an exception in my definition of ‘a break’. I want my break to be full of adventures; no sitting back at home, no chit chat with long lost friends, all I want is thrill. And this hunger for thrill took me to Jim Corbett National Park.

Located in the foothills of Uttarakhand, this is the oldest established National Park of India and this is was another reason for my visit over there. So finally, last month I headed off for my expedition to the wilderness of Corbett. However in my over excitement, I forgot to take my camera on the safari and this I only came to know after leaving the resort, ‘too late to realize’. Nonetheless, being an optimistic person I decided to capture every bit through my eyes. The best part is that I succeeded in it, if I would have clicked images, then they would have been tasting dust in some corner of my drawer. But the memories clicked through the eyes are stored in my heart and today I am pouring my heart out here.

From Delhi to Jim Corbett National Park

I hired a cab and left for Corbett early in the morning at 4′ o clock. Please see, I hate getting up this early in the morning, but that day was an exception. So, after the cab driver tuned in his radio the journey began with a spiritual song and in next ten minutes I guess I was wandering in my dreamland. (I woke up at 4:00 AM, I deserved a quick nap). The next time I opened my eyes I saw the long stretched road, on my query the cab driver told we were at NH24. Meanwhile the cab stereo was playing some dancing beats and I wished good morning to myself.

Then the twists and turns of the road took me to Garhmukteshwar, where people take holy bath in River Ganga. I was surprised to see so many people taking a dip in the river, as if the entire India was there for a bath. From there on we headed to Gajarula. There the cab had its share of tea, I mean fuel and we (me and the driver) had ours. Our fuel was served in the form of hot tea and butter dipped Aloo paratha at the Tadka Dhaba, located just behind the fuel pump. I still can feel that taste in my mouth. Thereafter, with a heavy tummy we went back into the cab, while I was making myself comfortable at the back seat for another quick nap, the stereo gave a wake up call with some more dancing beats. With that music we crossed Muradabad, then Kashipur – the place where the famous Surya Roshni Limited is located, complete industrial area. By the time we reached Ramanagar, I could feel the aroma of the forest. Finally around 10 AM, I was there at the Corbett Leela Villas, the resort I had to stay in.

Corbett Leela Vilas

While I was making online booking for a wildlife resort, I read a lot about the Corbett Leela Vilas. On reaching the resort I realized that all those adjectives used for the resort were not sufficient, as the resort was much more splendid than what I read. The luxury of the resort complimented by my cab lag (when there can be jet lag, why can’t be cab lag), insisted me to spend a lazy day at the resort. So I checked in, made myself comfortable, took a shower and ordered the meal, sorry royal meal. The food was just awesome, I am no big foodie but for a meal like that I am ready to turn into one. I was so engaged in licking my fingers that didn’t even realize the time, it was 2.30 PM. After that tasty treat I spent a few hours relaxing in the room and then, went for pool refreshment. By the time it started getting dark, I knew I had to travel the next day, so very quickly I finished my dinner and went to bed. The next morning was the big day and that’s why I left the bed sharp at 4.30 AM. The resort arranged a drop to the Durga Devi Gate of the Park, where an elephant was getting ready to take us on the wildlife safari.

The Elephant Safari

I remember the last time I sat on an elephant, I was just nine years old. After a big leap, it was the time to climb on the back of the huge mammal. I wasn’t afraid, after all I love adventure; however, this was my first visit to a national park and I just got overwhelmed by seeing an elephant welcoming me. Meanwhile, the Mahavat and the travel guide were trying to accommodate everyone (I was accompanied by a group of other tourists) over the elephant. Once everyone was on their seats, the giant mammal took his course of action. We entered the Dhikala Zone of the park and meanwhile I was simply amazed by the sites that fell in the way. The foremost thing was that I was on an elephant and from that height I was able to get a very nice view of beautiful birds. Earlier I only used to hear their chirping, but that day I saw them from a close angle. I wanted to capture them in the camera that I unfortunately forgot in the resort, so I decided to let them fly in my eyes. The blue sky was filled with numerous colorful birds, as if a painter has sprinkled his entire color palette on the canvas.

My pleasurable moments of bird watching got disturbed when the tour guide indicated towards a herd of Spotted Deer. They were so beautiful; I couldn’t get my eye off from their sharp features. Their big innocent eyes were so compelling, especially the little baby deer were too adorable to take home. But, I gave my sentiments a break and told myself “you are not at zoo, it’s a safari in Jim Corbett”. Thereafter, we witnessed various other wild species especially the monkeys who were climbing from one tree to another, making highly annoying noise. Meanwhile other tourists were using their cameras for capturing the wild; I was just capturing the memories of the wild in my heart. Amidst all this chirping of the birds and noise of the monkeys, everyone paused by a big roar! The tiger was somewhere nearby!

Spotting the Majestic Cat – Tiger

Tiger, before visiting Corbett I had only heard and read about these big cats. But that day the royal cat was right in front of my eyes. Due to safety reasons, the elephant was standing at a distance from the furious predator, but I was able to see the tiger clearly. My heart and mind were going through mixed emotions; I was excited, happy but at the same time I was a little scared. With every single step of the tiger, my heart missed a beat. The perfect physic, that royal walk, that carefree attitude in eyes that glow of the fur coat; every detail of the tiger made me deaf towards the guide. I hardly paid attention to the guide as I was busy capturing the tiger in my eyes. The way he roared everyone understood that the entire forest is his kingdom. Though the tiger is a furious predator and his roar gives me goose bumps but his unmatched royalty made me his aficionado. He is undoubtedly the most beautifully dangerous wild creature. Before I could have thought of more adjectives for the big cat, he left us and vanished in the bushes. My eyes wanted more of him and I will be visiting Corbett again just for getting a mere glimpse of him.

The Memories

During my first encounter with the tiger, I actually even forgot that I had a camera or not. However once he went out of sight, for the first time I cursed myself for leaving the camera at the resort. Meanwhile it started getting dark and we moved back to the resort. I was too tired to write a blog about my experience but was too happy to share. Therefore, I ended up writing this piece of story.

3 Days Corbett Tiger Safari Private Tour from Delhi

If You Go:

LINKS TO SAFARI
Resorts in Corbett
Corbett National Park

Private 3-Day Corbett Safari Holiday Tour From Delhi

The entry and exit timing varies with seasons.

WINTER TIMINGS:
ENTRY:
Morning Safari: 0730 hrs
Evening Safari: 1500 hrs
EXIT:
Morning Safari: 1030 hrs
Evening Safari: 1700 hrs

SUMMER TIMINGS:
ENTRY:
Morning Safari: 0630 hrs
Evening Safari: 1600 hrs
EXIT:
Morning Safari: 0930 hrs
Evening Safari: 1800 hrs

About the author:
Jessica Frei is a wildlife enthusiast and a traveloguer too, she likes to travel different national parks and wildlife sanctuaries all over the globe. She is currently in India for her wildlife tour. She always shares her experience through articles and blogs.

Photo credits:
Tiger by Soumyajit Nandy / CC BY-SA
Elephant at Corbett National park by Vikram Gupchup / CC BY-SA