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| A
surprised sambar stops in its tracks to stare into the Nikon. |
|
One of the smallest
Project Tiger sanctuaries, Ranthambhor is a protected haven for the majestic
cat. Ranthambhor, whose name comes from the massive 16th century fort that
stands in the middle of the forest, is famous for its tiger sightings -
as a matter of fact, of late it’s being said that if you go into the
park five times you’d see a tiger at least thrice. Of course there
are times when tigers are elusive, but there are plenty of other animals
to delight the visitor. The most commonly seen include spotted deer, sambar,
barking deer (or kakar), black-faced monkeys, neelgai and wild boar. Other
animals that exist in the park but are elusive are wild cats, jackals, leopards
and a solitary wild dog.
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| Forest
department Gypsys take tourists on a safari in the park. |
|
The District
Forest Office (DFO) that runs the sanctuary is very strict about the number
of Gypsys allowed into the park, so do book in advance to avoid disappointment.
Visit Ranthambhor with the idea of enjoying the place on the whole. While
on safari soak in the ambience - the distant hills and varied vegetation
that abounds in the jungle. If you go with your heart set on only seeing
tigers, you might not enjoy the place if they decide to remain camouflaged.
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| A
heard of chital freezes momentarily on hearing an alarm call. |
|
Out in the forest,
keep your eyes peeled and ears open. Even when you think there’s not
an animal in sight, rest assured that your every move is being watched and
followed by many eyes. Listen for alarm calls emitted by birds and animals
to help pinpoint the location of a predator.
The Ranthambhor tiger sanctuary is open from November to May (daily from
7am to 6.30pm). The Gypsys cost Rs 700 for a three-hour trip, plus a compulsory
guide (Rs 100) and entrance into the park is Rs 225 for a Gypsy. Everything
included, one safari for upto five people will effectively cost Rs 1025.
Please do tip the driver and the guide. A seat on the Canter (open truck)
is Rs 150 per person.
The
Ranthambhor fort is also worth seeing and you can take your own vehicle
till the fort through the first gate of the sanctuary, but only from 6.30am
to 6pm. Tread carefully, a tigress and her cubs have recently made the ramparts
of the fort their home. |
January 2002 
