Ranthambore National Park, nestled in the Sawai Madhopur district of Rajasthan, India, is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Covering an area of 392 square kilometers, it’s renowned for its population of Bengal tigers, offering a rare glimpse into their majestic lives. Originally a hunting ground for maharajas, it later became a protected area in 1955 and was declared a national park in 1980. My visit to Ranthambore was on Feb 2024 for two days starting from Delhi via road.
The park operates several safari vehicles – twice a day and is very easy to book and hop on. Ranthambore National Park is home to a diverse array of wildlife species, showcasing the richness of India’s natural heritage. Among the park’s inhabitants are the majestic Bengal tigers, the undisputed stars of Ranthambore, along with other big cats like leopards. Sloth bears, sambar deer, chital (spotted deer), and nilgai (blue bull) are commonly sighted, while Indian wild boars, langurs, and macaques add to the park’s charm.
Ranthambore also boasts a vibrant birdlife, with over 300 species, including peafowl, eagles, owls, and migratory birds. Crocodiles, turtles, and various reptiles inhabit the park’s lakes and water bodies, contributing to its ecological richness. Visitors embark on a guided jeep or canter safaris, led by experienced naturalists and park rangers, traversing through the park’s diverse landscapes in search of these majestic predators.
The thrill of spotting a tiger amidst the lush forests, rocky outcrops, and serene lakes is unparalleled. One of its most famous inhabitants – Machli, fondly dubbed the “Queen of Ranthambore,” was a legendary tigress who left an indelible mark on India’s conservation narrative. Born in 1996 in Ranthambore National Park, she became an iconic symbol of the park’s thriving tiger population. Machli’s remarkable hunting prowess, fierce maternal instincts, and resilience against adversity garnered global admiration. Her numerous documented encounters with crocodiles and other
predators earned her the title of the world’s most photographed tiger. She was able to increase the tiger population in Ranthambore through 4 litters comprising 11 cubs. She died in the year 2016 at the age of 20 yrs. Indian Government issued a commemorative postal cover and stamp to honor Machli for her ecological and economic contributions.
As our safari began, we were anxious whether we’d have the king of the jungle’s darshan or not. In the first round of safari itself, we were able to spot Tiger – ‘Arrow Head’ at a distance, sleeping next to a creek. Arrowhead is named so because of a distinctive mark on its head that looks like an arrow mark. We loved the sighting but were a tad disappointed because we wanted to see a tiger much up close which may have been due to our heightened expectations watching YouTube videos of Ranthambore! Our next safari began with us spotting hundreds of peacocks as we drove towards the entry gates.
As we drove inside the forest, we saw a large number of vehicles parked alongside the road. Our driver immediately screamed “Tiger sighting ho gaya madam” and pushed the jeep brakes. And lo behold! right in front of our jeep walked a young female tiger in full view and with absolutely no regard for anyone around indicating that she owned this part of the jungle. It was the Ridhi tiger, daughter of Arrowhead and descendant of the famous Machli tiger.
We were mesmerized by this encounter and were dumbfounded for a few minutes. At that moment, time seems to stand still as we witness nature’s most regal creature in its untamed glory, etching an indelible memory of the wild. In a matter of minutes, Ridhi moved into the forest and disappeared. Our encounter with her turned out to be an unforgettable moment as we continued in the forest and viewed hundreds of sambhars, spotted deer, etc. We also hopped in to see the fort ruins and the Ganesh temple on top of it. Overall, the whole experience of seeing tigers up close was exhilarating and probably the most memorable forest visit I’ve ever had.
Ranthambore is a place to visit for any wildlife enthusiast and a must-visit for shutterbugs who have a fad for capturing big cats.
