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Mornings and evenings are the best time to observe animals and
birds - which is why we planned out an overnight trip both here
and to Bharatpur.
Ranthambhor is
known for
its "friendly" tigers, who are
not merely nocturnal,
but frequently seen during
the day, often stalking their
prey in full view of visitors. |
The Ranthambhor National Park certainly is one of the most
picturesque game reserves in the world - the entire forest being
dominated by the silent, ruined battlements of the Ranthambhor
Fort, which is inside the sanctuary.
Another interesting feature of the park is a huge banyan tree -
supposedly one of the world's largest - near the graceful
Jogi Mahal water palace. Incidentally, Jogi
Mahal still does not have electricity.
Covered under Project Tiger (one of Asia's most important
conservation efforts), Ranthambhor is the favourite haunt of
wildlife buffs and professional wildlife photographers from around
the world. Apart from tigers, other animals include panthers,
caracal, hyena, jackal, jungle cat, marsh crocodiles, wild boar,
bears and various species of deer. The Park has a rich birdlife as
well including The Great Indian horned owl, which has an
uncanny resemblance to my boss back home.
Ah yes, a very interesting thing
about the Ranthambhor Fort. Atop the rocky cliff, there is a post
office and a temple of the Hindu god, Ganesha.
Big Deal, you would say! But hear this... the invitation
card of every Hindu wedding is first sent to this temple and
the post office is there because of the overload. I pity the poor
postal department chappie who has to climb the fort's steep
serpentine ramp with overflowing mailbags.
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