Monday 25 March 2013

Ranthambor Prelude

_______________________ Ranthambor The King's Den _____________________

Call of the wild and in particular the king of the jungle is always so tempting.
Tiger eluded us at Bandipur National Park despite five safaris in three days during Feb 13. Barely a month later, we are off again! This time to the famous Rantahmbor Tiger Reserve in west Rajasthan.

We had been there in late 80s. But despite two safaris then, we had no sighting.
Jogi Mahal then was maintained by the Forest department. A few days after our visit, Mr Rajiv Gandhi then Prime Minister had visited Ranthambor and had stayed at Jogi Mahal overlooking the Padam Talao. We now understand it is no longer maintained as a Rest House. We will see for ourselves when we get there on 27th March. Right now, no pictures (Unlike all our earlier posts!) as we would not like to post borrowed stuff! Please bear with us till the next post.

Fact file: 
Access: 11 km by road from Sawai Madhopur railway station.
Air: Nearest airport Jaipur which is 130 kms north west. A good 3 hour drive via Banasthali women's University.
Accommodation: Plenty of lodges and resorts to suit all budgets.
Best season: Nov to May. The grass dries up in Apr and May with better chances of tiger sighting.
Safari: Forest department issues permits for 20 Gypsies (6 seats each) and 20 canters (18 seater open roof) every day. Book early (90-100 days in advance) to get a Gypsy.
Photography: Still cameras no charges. Video cams: Rs 400 each.
Dressing: Wear earthy colours so as not to disturb the animals. Light woolens in winter and cool cottons with a hat in summer.

For more background info on the forest, topography, monuments etc the reader may refer to an excellent blog by Aditya Singh 'Dicky' at: http://www.dickysingh.com/ranthambhore/

More when we get there soon! Those of you who have been there, tips are welcome!

Bye till then.

  Ghumakkad Harsh/ 25th March 13

Postscript: Links to all our stories on Ranthambor are given below:

Prelude and Fac File
The Journey- Secunderabad to Sawai Madhopur
Tiger at last
Tiger's Cohabitants
Birds of Ranthambor
Ranthambor Fort and around Sawai Madhopur

Happy browsing.

#Tiger #Ranthambor #T24 #Sambhar #Cheetal #Aravalis #Zone6 #BirdsOfRanthambor #Fort #PugMarks #SawaiMadhopur #GhumakkadHarsh #GhumakkadHB


__________________________ Ranthambor Prelude _______________________

No comments:

Post a Comment