The Magical Ranthambore National Park

Posted on by Parul Thakur

Ranthambore National Park was the first national park we ever visited. The firsts are always the best and most memorable. We were on our 7-day trip to Rajasthan and strange as it may sound, we did not know what to expect.

Most lessons are best learnt experiencing however I wanted to summarize a few for you. This should help when you plan to take a safari into the wilderness. I wish I had read some but nonetheless, you can.

We drove from Jaipur and had our safari booked for the evening slot. The plan was to drive back to Jaipur after the safari. That’s lesson #1 for you. Never visit a national park and assume that ‘one’ safari would be all you need to explore. Core and buffer zones make up Indian national parks. The safaris run on various pre-specified routes and if you are someone like us who loves to explore the jungle, book atleast two safaris in two different zones.

Let’s ignore the wild boar and have a conversation

Lesson #2 when visiting a national park is to never lose patience and absorb what the jungle brings – bio-diversity, free space for animals, flora and fauna and the opportunity to see all this up close. Enjoy the calmness of natural surroundings and feel what it is to be a part of Mother Earth. This is the one thing I love the most about jungles. In cities all I hear is honking, sound of vehicles, sirens of police vans or ambulances but in a jungle everything comes to a stand still. The chirping of birds, the call of animals when they see a predator, insects and the rustle of leaves take dominance.

I am not camouflaging.

National Parks also teach us the power of observation. Lesson #3 is all about looking around finding the beauty in details. Which bird is perched on the branch of which tree. Or is it a woodpecker trying to dig a hole in the trunk of a massive tree? Did you hear the barking deer somewhere far? Was it really an elephant or did you imagine? Birds and animals also camouflage so better to look around and find treasures as you move on the road.

Can you see me?
It’s sunny and I love this tree

When we were planning our trip, we were confused if we should take a canter or a jeep. Lesson #4 was it doesn’t matter much which vehicle you take. Both have its pros and cons. While canters are cheaper, they can’t go inside the jungle. Safaris can get you close but they are at a lower height than the canter. In a canter you have fellow passengers and sometimes it can be fun with others around. In a safari, you have your own space and thrill but you also bear the cost alone. If your guide is well aware of the jungle, the vehicle doesn’t matter. You get to know a lot more about the national park.

Look at the shadows of travelers and the dry side of the forest.

Spotting a big cat is a matter of chance. Lesson #5 would be to not run after the big cat in theory or reality. When animals live in their natural habitat, they do as they please. Getting angry with the guide or coaxing wouldn’t help. If you do spot one, do not follow and chase the animal. Respect the fact that you are an outsider. Don’t litter or make noise. It disturbs the animals and you shouldn’t scare them. Follow the rules. These rules keep humans and animals safe.

Yes, the water bodies are a necessity in the jungle. This is where animals meet and greet each other

As the Sun began to set and safari ended, I looked back one more time. The sky and the jungle had blended and covered each other. The scene was so beautiful that I wanted to capture all that with my heart. Isn’t travelling about absorbing the beauty and living with the memories we make?

The setting Sun and the colors in the sky

Our experience at Ranthambore was extraordinary and since then VT and I have been to three other national parks in India. We know now that other than the mountains, the national parks are also on both of our travel bucket lists.

After the safari at Ranthambore, we came back to Jaipur. The next day was the long drive towards the city that stole my heart. Jaisalmer, you are still missed!

Sharing a story from our 7 day road-trip to Rajasthan.

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35 thoughts on “The Magical Ranthambore National Park”

  7. I have to say I dont recall ever being to a national park… it is something that is on my bucket list, if nothing else and I should probably make a better effort to get it done

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  11. It’s great to be out in the wild every now and then. It’s been a while since I’ve gone on a safari, now.

    Those are some superb images you brought back from Ranthambore — the first of the many National Parks you will visit, I hope.:)
    (Here, National Parks are more of way to protect natural/georgraphical features. I love them!! 🙂

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  14. What a coincidence that I happened to read this post just in time before I headed to Ranthambore! I am planning to visit next month and am so excited about the trip coz I love the jungles. I’m bookmarking this for reference. Your tips are definitely going to help. Thank you!

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  16. Ranthambore is beautiful and you have captured the jungle beauty so well …… I too had a recent trip to Ranthambore via Jaipur and I must say I loved every bit of it ……. working on the post which should be out soon …..

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  17. What gorgeous photos and I love the lessons posted here. This is so important to remember when we go to such habitats. Sadly in this world of Instagram and selfies, this is being lost to the new geenrations.

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