Rajasthan
The Natural Marvels of Rajasthan
A sojourn covering the natural marvels of Rajasthan, skirts along the southwestern region of the state, starting from the Dhundhar region lying in the semi-arid and rain-fed easter plains, crossing into the lush Aravalli following the trail of the big cats from the famed tigers of Ranthambore to the elusive leopards of rocky crops in Bera, where a surprising relationship ensues between Rabari shepherds and leopards.
Summer Sightings
People say the summers in Ranthambore are the best time to visit as the prey and the tigers are concentrated in smaller areas around water. Though this can be true in some minds, we believe that Ranthambore is special throughout the year. The green carpet after the rains, the purple shades of Dhonk in autumn, the beautiful winter light and mist that cloaks the park in December and January, the birdlife of winter and many more.
“Always there has been an adventure just around the corner…and the world is still full of corners.”
― Roy Chapman Andrews
Safaris and Experiences in Ranthambore
Ranthanbore National Park is accessed only by open jeep safaris. The park is divided into ten zones, each with its own characteristic features and most importantly, each with enough area to support a population of tigers. We would recommend highly that every visitor to Ranthambore gets to experience as much of the zone diversity as possible as every single one of them is unique and beautiful in its own way, and tells their own story. Each safari permit is allocated one zone. Safaris in Ranthambore follow the usual modus-operandi of morning and evening drives. Those looking for the extra special experience can opt for the half-day and full-day safaris where the zone boundaries disappear.
Tigers of Ranthambore can be seen throughout the year, even during the monsoon months when other parks are shut. Some areas of Ranthambore are kept open through the year keeping in mind the low rainfall that the area receives.
The Bera-Jawai Landscape
The Aravallis are one of the oldest mountain ranges of the subcontinent. The Aravallis date back to millions of years when a pre-Indian sub-continent collided with the mainland Eurasian Plate. At their southern tip, around the district of Pali in Rajasthan, these Fold Mountains are seen as large granite hillocks fissured and caved by geological activity. The Jawai Bandh, the large water body is a central feature of this landscape surrounded by fields, scrub jungle and these hillocks that rise out of flatland.
Birding in Ranthambhore
For birders, visit to Surwhal Lake and the Chambal River and its ravines border the eastern extreme of the park is highly recommended. These are great places to watch rarities like the Gharial, the Indian Skimmer among other wetland birds and even the Indian wolf for the lucky few.
Birding in Bharatpur
Bharatpur as a park is open through the year. People prefer visiting the place in the winter months as this is the time when the local bird population is augmented by a large number of wintering birds from Central Asia and the Himalayas. Having said this, a visit during the summer or monsoon can also be worth it as this is the time when the resident birds nest in the Marsh. Watching and observing their behaviour at close proximity can be as interesting as observing various exotic migrants of winter. The summer and monsoons are also the time to observe other fauna like butterflies, dragonflies and even turtles, all of which can be seen in great diversity in the marshes of Keoladeo-Ghana National Park.
RECOMMENDED
Journeys
JUNE 6/2021 | WILDLIFE
A sojourn covering the natural marvels of Rajasthan, skirts along the southwestern region of the state, starting from the Dhundhar region lying in the semi-arid and rain-fed easter plains, crossing into the lush Aravalli following the trail of the big cats from the famed tigers of Ranthambore to the elusive leopards of rocky crops in Bera.
JUNE 6/2019 | CULTURE
A journey that takes us deep inside Western India, an area known for its spectacular landscapes. The two states Gujarat and Rajasthan are dominated by the Thar Desert along with enchanting dry deciduous forests, shrubland, vast savanna grasslands and endless saltpans.
RECOMMENDED
Stays
Sentinels of frontier lands, accommodation partners of WATCH are beyond being just hotels, lodges and retreats. They are showcases of the authentic and invaluable, ensuring their propagation and celebration. World class hospitality is a natural derivative of this pride in their heritage and legacy.
CONSCIOUS LUXURY
Ramathra Fort
The Ramathra Fort, perched high above Kalisil Lake, affords breathtaking views of the lake and the surrounding hills and idyllic landscape. The expansive rustic vista is dotted with charming hamlets. The lake itself teems with waterfowl and serves as a wintering place for ducks, storks, and cormorants. Travellers can witness a variety of bird species all year round though, including resident waterfowl, kingfishers, Saras cranes, stilts, and herons, among others.
WILDERNESS
Shahpura Bagh
Shahpura Bagh's mission is to provide guests with an authentic Rajasthani homestay. The epitome of slow living and slow travel, the glorious summers are filled with boating on the lakes, fishing and picnicking, and sundowners to savour the end of yet another good day. The nearby marshes are a birdwatcher's dream, enticing even the uninformed, as rambling walks turn into inspired safaris in the flapping of a beckoning wing.
UNDERSTATED LUXURY
RAAS Chhatra Sagar
After an extensive renovation, this upscale tented camp reopened in 2019. As opposed to the temporary camps created by Thakur Chhatra Singh in 1890 for festivities, these modern tents are more stable. There are 20 luxury tents with four family-friendly tents. This is one of the few camps in India that is open year-round since the buildings are sound-proofed and equipped with air conditioning and heating.
TESTIMONIALS
Words from our Guests
Here are few inspiring words that drive us to veer off the beaten track to look for the beyond. Exploring and sharing the hidden wonders of this awe-inspiring land for that acknowledging nod, a simple smile, a few kind words is in a nutshell our raison d’être.
FROM OUR
Memoir
From pensive sojourns to penning ideas whose time has come, our WATCH experts and partners are as passionate about sharing their ideas, observations and life experiences as they are travelling to the hidden destinations. Read their recent writings.
Pench National Park
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Panna National Park
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Kanha National Park
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