A walk in the wild

The spectacular stripes,the intense stare and the magnificent stride,the wild cat has just got wilder,and it's time to check it out at its home in the Ranthambore National Park.

The spectacular stripes,the intense stare and the magnificent stride,the wild cat has just got wilder,and it’s time to check it out at its home in the Ranthambore National Park. Nestled in the Sawai Madhopur district of eastern Rajasthan,one can catch the majestic tiger in all its royal glory. Due to its unique climate and vegetation,the Ranthambore National Park is one of the most easily tiger spotted park in India. The dry forests and open ground cover further makes wildlife viewing relatively easier. Apart from the royal tigers,you can spot other animals too including Sambhar,Blue bull,Wild boar,Leopards,Rusty Spotted cats,Wild dogs,Mongoose and Jackal.

FYI: The park is home to over 40 species of mammals,320 species of birds,over 35 species of reptiles,and over 300 species of plants. The hills to the northwest are the Aravalis and is highly undulating except for a small plateaus and some small valleys. Most of the tigers are found in these valleys.

Getting There:
By Road: From Chandigarh and Sawai Madhopur is approximately 687 km.

Chandigarh – Jaipur: 507 km (Ref. CITCO)
Jaipur-Tonk- Dausa-Sawai Madhopur: 180 km.

By Train: ‘Paschim Express’ from Chandigarh goes directly to Sawai Madhopur. The best part is that train reaches at 22:00 hrs,which allows you to easily get up for morning safari. Don’t forget to ask your hotel for free station pick up.

Safari Permit: Only 20 Gypsys and 20 Canters are permitted inside the park in any one safari. As a result there is a huge demand of vehicles,particularly for Gypsy. It is advisable to book a Gypsy or Canters well in advance,especially during the peak tourist season from October to March.

Permit for an adult cost Rs. 391 for a Gypsy,that includes the rent of the gypsy as well. One can take the permit on-line by visiting: http://www.rajasthanwildlife.com. The park is open only from October 1 to June 30. And the timings of park are:

Between October to March: 6.00 am – 9.00 am & 3.00 pm – 6.00 pm

Between April To June: 6.30 am – to 9.30 am & 3.30 pm – 6.00 pm

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Where to Stay:
Luxury: Vanyavillas (Oberoi Group): http://www.vanyavilas.com: Rs. 29000 onwards.
The Sawai Madhopur Lodge (Taj Group): http://www.tajhotels.com: Rs. 9500 onwards.
RTDC: Hotel Jhoomar Baori: Phone: 07462-220495 : Rs. 1700 to Rs. 4000.
Hotel Vinayak: Phone: 07462-221333: Rs. 600 to Rs. 1200.
Government Accomodation: Circuit House: 07462-234151.
Tented Accomodation: Jungle Niwas: 9810226091,+ 91 -9999776081: Rs. 4000 onwards.
The writer is a city based gemmologist and owns adventure club,www.clubfootloose.com.
Mail him at solisethi@gmail.com

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wildlife