129bygone eras, Ranthambhore happens to be home to one of the oldest
settlements here. While the park’s exact origin is still disputed over,
it is stipulated back to 944 AD. The fortiied citadel, which was once
coveted to be won over by most rulers, still sits at the heart of the
park, impregnable, invincible, and surpassing the tests of time. The
UNESCO world heritage site is a must-visit when you are here.
A gamut of 300 species of lora envelop it, making the largest
national park of India an indelible experience to be had. And right
when one starts feeling the perfect amalgamation of blissful serendipity,
the scenic beauty is beholden by a glance upon “the lady of the
lakes”, the Royal Bengal tiger. Fierce as can be, eyes glittering with
pride, and devious as it prances.This sleek vision is a delight to the
heart as it is to the eye. Spanning an area of about 3,42,000 sq km,
the safaris here provide an unrivalled experience, and usually include
a ride of the vicinity altering from indomitable forests to exposed
ields and everything in between.What’s more, the jungle can be
explored atop expert work elephants instead of the usual car. Hot
air balloon rides can also be arranged depending on the weather (try
SkyWaltz.comorAdventureNation.com), great for a bird’s eye view of
the stunning ecological diversity below.
For the stay,The Oberoi Vanyavilas, Ranthambore, at the park’s
vicinity is set within its own 20 acres of landscaped gardens.The
property, ideal for a caravan-like tent experience boasts of an
observation tower from where you may watch animals at the nearby
watering hole with a glass of bubbly or two. Surroundings replete
with indigenous plants and birds bring nature right to your doorstep,
while couple activities such as spa therapies and
romantic dining at the candle-lit amphitheatre with
live, traditional music make it a memorable stay.
We also love Khem Villas, where it is not
uncommon to see jungle cats, desert foxes, and
hyenas around your campstead.The accommodation
itself is replete with locally sourced materials with
utmost focus on environmental factors. Besides the
usual jungle experiences, the property now also
ofers a Chambal River Safari—of the dacoits
fame—where you will have the privilege to see
the great Indian ghariyal besides turtles, rare birds,and other aquatic species.
The Bayliner boat will also
drift close to local rural
communities and give you
a glimpse into their lives.
Then respecting nature and
tradition of the region, food
at Khem Villas is completely
vegetarian created out of
freshly picked vegetables and herbs. Finally, while you are checking
out after a rich natural experience, do pick up a black and white
miniature brush painting from their shop—a craft unique to
Ranthambore, which happens to be one of its regional identity.
The park is well connected to all major cities in India, however
the easiest way is to take a train to Sawai Madhopur railway station.
While travelling by air, Jaipur is the closest airport. It is ideal to spend
time at the park when the mercury dips down to
2 degree Celsius during winter months.
The next leg of your trip should take you to
Bandhavgarh National Park, where they say that
“you have got to be really unlucky to not spot a
tiger”. Settled in the Umaira district of Madhya
Pradesh, legend depicts that the park derives its
name from the most prominent hillock of the area,
which was said to be granted by Hindu Lord Rama
to his brother to keep a watch on Lanka. Hence,
the name Bandhavgarh that is, brother’s fort.
The native realm to the legendary genetic anomaly
called the “white tiger”—although
one has not been seen in the last
50 years—Bandhavgarh was a
hunting preserve for the maharajas
of Rewa. And it is not only the
tiger sightings, but the natural and
archeological splendour that awaits
your honeymoon that render the
park a nature-loving couple’s
dream. Cradled in the picturesque
Satpura ranges, the area is located
within a tapestry of habitats and
is home to an assortment of dense
trees and foliage. It also beholds
the largest breeding population
of leopards and various species of
deer. Then in true purposive andClockwise from left:
Lake and forests at Bandhavgarh; standing
structures at Ranthambore; open air
bathroom at Khem Villas; couple
interacting with an Asian elephant.Beauty is beholden
by a glance upon
“the lady of the
lakes”—the Royal
Bengal Tiger.
PHOTOGRAPHS: PRILL (STRUCTURES), TRAVEL STOCK (BANDHAVGARH), AND PHAECHIN (COUPLE) @SHUTTERSTOCK.COM. IMAGE COURTESY: KHEM VILLAS, RANTHAMBORE.