Sometimes, some journeys will always remain with you, not because of the length that you will have covered, but because of how they will have touched your soul. Ranthambore camping experience, a perfect blend of wilderness, luxury and unforgettable moments. And at the very core of it all was my visit to the Ranthambore Tiger Machan, a safari resort which made my camping adventure worth repeating.
This adventure started early in the morning when I left Jaipur to go to Ranthambore. The scenic drive itself was an idyllic landscape of mustard fields in the winter sun and villages as theatrical as movie sets. The noise of everyday life gently subsided as I entered Sawai Madhopur, and in its place, there was calmness that only nature can offer.
I was warmly greeted at Ranthambore Tiger Machan with a glass of cool buttermilk. What immediately struck me was the blend of a rustic and a comfortable feel, the resort had tents like cottages, and they looked like a true camping experience, only to find that everything that a five-star hotel could offer.
The best thing about any trip to Ranthambore is, of course, the tiger safari at Tiger Safari Resort Ranthambore. The guys in Tiger Machan assisted me in making my reservation and even arranged an early morning gypsy. It was cold outside, and with blankets over my body, the cold wind accosting my face, I felt a rush of excitement because we went to the national park.
The Rajasthani breakfast that directly followed the safari was hot, and included poha, kachori and masala chai. Our guide gave us the significance of each sound, each pugmark on the trail. Suddenly, the gypsy stopped. The guide indicated some new tiger tracks.
Within a few minutes, she appeared as the queen of the forest, a tigress who walked with unsurpassed grace. In those few minutes, the world with its own existence died away. It was she alone, in the splendor of her divinity, wandering through the wild. This was the only moment that made my whole trip relevant.
I owed my hospitality to Tiger Machan, who was dining outdoors in the open restaurant with the forest wind blowing. Padam Talao Lake - A tranquil spot where crocodiles soak up the sun and birds of all sizes fly in huge numbers.
It was not a resort where one would enjoy only luxury. It was regarding the establishment of a feeling as though the travelers were a part of the jungle. Everything was so personal with the eco-friendly design and the rustic interior and the friendly staff.
Later in the afternoon, I walked around the resort, taking photographs and lying down on a charpoy with shade under the neem trees. Time sounded out more slowly here, and that was what I wanted.
Although the tiger viewing was the best part, Ranthambore has much more to offer. With Tiger Machan, I visited the local sights on short excursions:
Ranthambore Fort: It was a high structure located within the national park, overlooking the entire forest. I had the sense that I was in history, walking through its ancient gates.
Padam Talao Lake: a serene place, where crocodiles sun and migratory birds come in flocks.
Village Walks: It was fascinating to meet the people, observe them at work on their handicrafts, and see how they live such a simple life.
These visits were facilitated by the resort, and the experience was very easy and enjoyable.
It was magic every evening at Tiger Machan. The fire would be set up and the air would be filled with the scent of fresh-cooked Rajasthani delicacies - dal bati churma, bajra roti, and spicy curries. We had dinner by moonlight, in the sound of the jungle.
One night when I was lying down on a charpoy watching the sky, I found that it was pretty rare to see such a bunch of stars. Park-Only a short walk to the safari gates..
My stay there made me see why many tourists suggest Ranthambore Tiger Machan as the place where they can enjoy their vacation, as it is a camping-like resort. This is what was special to me:
True Camping Experience:The tents and cottages provided the essence of camping without sacrificing comfort.
Environmentally-Sound Policies:The hotel is environmentally conscious.
Safe & Comfortable:We have ideal families and people, or even couples, who want to have a romantic holiday.
Warm Hospitality:The staff would treat all the guests as their family.
Book early safaris: the roaming areas 2, 3, and 4 are actually the best places to be when one may happen to see the tigers, and as such, want to book them early.
Choose a smart dress, a hat, sunblock, and field glasses, and carry the same.
Stay in touch with the resort: Resorts like Tiger Machan will help you to book transfers and guides in your trip, hence you are not under stress anymore.
Travel Season:Peak season, October to April, is the best time to go camping and on safaris. Summers are best to see the tigers, but they are hot.
Stay in touch with the resort:Resorts like Tiger Machan will help you book into the resort, transfers, and guides so that you can relax on your trip.
Protect the environment:When on safari, never speak, and never clean up the park.
The morning before I left Tiger Machan I got up early to have one last breath of the fresh forest air. I was sitting outside my tent drinking a chai and I noticed how the sunrise was coloring the sky, with shades of orange and pink.
It was not easy to leave Ranthambore. Memories I was left with were the safaris, laughing around the fire, some quiet time at the resort. The camping experience in Ranthambore reserve at Tiger Machan was not just another journey but it was a lesson to me on how beautiful life can be when you spend time with nature.
Tiger Machan is a place I can highly recommend to anyone planning to visit the wilder half of Rajasthan. It is not a resort, it is an experience.