Ranthambore

We had another early start as we hopped in a private bus to head on the 4-5 hour journey to Ranthambore National Park, the best place to spot wild Tigers in Rajasthan. The park was a maharaja's hunting ground until 1970 (yes, sadly they used to shoot tigers for sport), and is now a sanctuary. (Hunting of any sort is now completely illegal in India).

Our bus pulled into the magnificent Hotel Raj Palace and we were all greeted with a welcome tika and garland of marigolds before sitting down around the garden and treated to a welcome glass of Pepsi. The tranquil and quiet grounds of the hotel were a welcome treat after the noise and chaos of Jaipur. 

After a delicious buffet lunch and some relaxation time (we've been getting lots!) we hopped into a 20-seater open topped canter with another group of local tourists and headed for the park. The canter was super noisy and bumpy and I think I would have preferred a gypsy (an open topped jeep), but the benefit of the canter is that you are higher up.

The roads within the park are EXTREMELY bumpy and we were all tossed around quite a bit. We saw deer, monkeys and some birds, but unfortunately no tigers came out to say hi :(  (Apparently none of the groups out that afternoon saw any, though in the morning they did).

All in all, we were happy for the bumpy ride to be done so we could enjoy a hot shower back at the sanctity of the hotel. It would have been incredible to see a tiger, in the wild, but aside from that chance the safari itself was pretty disappointing as there was nothing peaceful and relaxing about the incredibly loud canter throwing us all up and down and back and forth. 

That evening we enjoyed drinks in the garden by a fire pit (I had a glass of pretty terrible Indian red wine!) and got to partake in more local dancing. Our buffet dinner was delicious as usual!