As the New Year approaches, we’re determined to celebrate unlike any other year. Our choice is firm: Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan. Despite having visited during the peak of summer before, this time, we crave to witness the park’s winter season allure. With our bags packed and excitement brimming, we stand on the brink of a journey that promises to immerse us in the unparalleled beauty of Mother Nature at her very best.

Our Journey

We embarked on our journey from Delhi at 12 o’clock and reached our destination Sawai Madhopur , in eight hours via NH 8, passing through Behror, Kothputli, Dausa, and LalSot . From here next day we had our safari to Ranthambore National park .

We finally arrived at Ranthambore at seven in the evening. Along the way, we made quick stops for meals on the roadside, maintaining our momentum for the journey. The well-maintained roads and our comfortable vehicle added to the pleasure of our driving experience.

Ranthambore National Park stands as one of the country’s most renowned wildlife sanctuaries. Initially established as a wildlife sanctuary in 1955, it earned the prestigious status of a national park in 1980. Encompassing an expansive area of about 370 square kms, the park finds itself cocooned by the Aravalli and Vindhya hill ranges.

Stay & Safari Booking

We enjoyed a delightful three-night stay at Angaan( a beautiful place near jungle), from the 29th of December to the 1st of January. During our time there, we had the privilege of booking four safaris spanning four days.

The safari timings at Ranthambore National Park were structured as follows: mornings from 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM . And evenings from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM. When it came to choosing our safari experience, we had the option of selecting between gypsies and larger canters. However, it was imperative to secure these bookings in advance. Due to high demand at Ranthambore National Park during winters.

Ranthambore National Park Zones

The park itself is divided into ten distinct zones, each with its own designated entry gate. Interestingly, every safari was assigned a specific zone based on availability. As a result, whether one obtains the same zone or a different one is essentially determined by luck.

Day 1 Morning Safari

On the 30th of December, our day was marked by two safaris – one in the morning and another in the evening. Each thrilling jeep safari in this Ranthambore national park is a promise of excitement and discovery. With every moment holding the potential for unforgettable experiences.

As we traversed the expansive landscapes of the park, we were treated to sightings of various magnificent creatures, including the Indian gazelles (chinkara), sambar deer, and spotted deer (chital). The chinkaras, in particular, exhibited their natural shyness and appeared a bit apprehensive.

One of the standout moments came when we observed spotted deer engaged in the charming activity of plucking berries and tending to their young ones. This heartwarming scene, which captured the essence of their behavior, felt like a frozen moment of pure enjoyment.

Such glimpses into the intricate lives of these animals are rare and treasured. Additionally, we were fortunate enough to witness a Barasingha indulging in a refreshing mud bath – a sight not often encountered. These unique encounters made our morning safari a truly delightful experience that concluded on a wonderfully happy note.

Day 1 Evening Safari

During the evening safari on the 30th, as the gentle winter sunshine cast its warm glow, our expectations were high, hoping for more vibrant wildlife activity. However, it appeared as though the jungle was in a slumbering state. Nevertheless, this presented a different opportunity—to immerse ourselves in the lush greenery, diverse flora, and fauna that the Ranthambore National Park had to offer.

Ranthambore National park beauty truly shone through during this time. As it is adorned with several picturesque lakes that enhance its natural allure. Among the prominent lakes within the Ranthambore National park are Padam Talao, Raj Bagh Talao, Malik Talao, and Kachida Valley.

These tranquil bodies of water not only serve as crucial water sources for the park’s animals but also gift visitors with breathtaking backdrops to cherish. Even when the wildlife seemed to be taking a pause, the Ranthambore National Park’s natural splendour continued to captivate and amaze us.

Day 2 Evening Safari

Our excitement remained undiminished as we embarked on our third safari at Ranthambore National Park on the evening of December 31st, this time from a different zone gate. The winter landscape had enveloped everything in lush greenery, with the lakes shimmering in their brilliant blue hues.

Amidst this picturesque scene, our keen eyes spotted an Owl and a monitor lizard. These elusive creatures blended expertly with the bushes and branches, making their observation a rewarding challenge. Furthermore, we caught sight of a crocodile basking in the warm sunshine, adding to the diversity of our sightings.

Ranthambore National Park vegetation primarily comprises dry deciduous forests, with Dhok trees reigning supreme. The landscape also features an array of other plant species, including banyan trees, peepal trees, Indian gooseberry bushes, jamun trees, ber trees, and a variety of grasses.

Day 3 Morning Safari

Our fourth and final safari at Ranthambore National Park on the morning of January 1st held a certain meditative quality. Ranthambore National Park jungle was awakening from its nocturnal activities. Blanketed by the tranquility of the winter morning.

Dewdrops adorned leaves and grass, glistening in the soft sunlight. The surroundings were enveloped in a profound silence, even allowing us to hear the delicate patter of mist drops falling to the ground. Though some languor movements were discernible. But the elusive tiger remained hidden, as evidenced by the absence of animal calls that often signal its presence. Nonetheless, the morning sun granted us glimpses of birds perched high in the trees and bushes, while our quest for a tiger sighting persisted until the end of our final safari on this memorable trip.

Ranthambore National Park remains a magnet for wildlife aficionados and individuals with a profound appreciation for nature, all seeking to intimately engage with the awe-inspiring tigers and the captivating array of other creatures inhabiting this realm of the wild. Although we missed the elusive tigers during this winter visit. But Ranthambore National park allure and charm left an indelible mark on our journey.

In every walk with nature,one receives far more than he seeks

John Muir

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