When you stop and think of all the amazing, iconic structures and sites in India, immediately visions of Taj Mahal, Lake City Palace in Udaipur, Humayun’s Tomb, Amer Fort, and many others will pop into your minds eye. Scenes of dancers colourfully clad in their beautiful Indian dress will flash before your eyes. The sepia coloured images of smoke-filled cremation ceremonies in Varanasi will intrigue your senses as you see riverboats along the Ganges carrying tourists who are snapping photos of the white flames burning from the Ghats. In all the visions we create in our mind of India, how often do you see the majestic and powerful Bengal Tiger? Yes, one of the few remaining tigers in the world, the Royal Bengal Tiger, can be found in India’s northern province of Rajasthan. Are you thinking it would be a good time for an Indian Safari to spot a tiger? Indeed, given that the tiger population is in decline around the world, seeing the magnificent Bengal Tiger in the wild is a rare and beautiful opportunity.

Two million years ago the tiger travelled from Africa to Asia where it thrived and grew in population for centuries. There were many subspecies of tigers but only a handful remain today. The South China Tiger, Malayan Tiger, Indo-Chinese Tiger, Siberian Tiger, Sumatran Tiger, and the Bengal Tiger are the last of the tigers today anywhere in the world. One of the worlds’ largest cats, they range in weight from between 450 pounds to a jaw dropping 700 pounds with a length of over 13 feet for some Bengal Tigers. It is rare to see a tiger in the water; however, the Bengal Tiger has adapted to water with its webbed toes and feet to help him glide through water more efficiently. The Bengal Tiger accounts for nearly half of the tiger population in the world and many of these majestic creatures can be found in the province of Rajasthan in a town called Sawai Madhapur. It is noted that of the 4,000 Bengal Tigers that still walk the earth today, about 2500 of these incredibly beautiful cats call India their home.

Due to deforestation and poaching, the number of Bengal Tigers in India has decreased over the years to an astoundingly low number. Often referred to as the Royal Bengal Tiger, its’ name was given from the many royals who would go on hunting expeditions in search of the big cat. Despite its ‘royal’ name and majestic beauty, efforts to dissuade farmers and poachers from killing the animals have done little to save the Bengal Tiger from being on the brink of extinction. Explore India Journeys Inc. is proud to support Ranthambhore National Park in Sawai Madhapur where many of India’s Bengal Tigers are protected. Once the hunting grounds for the nobles of India, Ranthambhore National Park is famous for its efforts to educate people about the Bengal Tiger as well as offering the tiger protection and conservation within the parks 380 square kilometers. While progress may be deemed as slow in the protection of the majestic cat, reports indicate that the number of tigers killed each year is decreasing, however, maintaining the population of the Bengal Tiger will continue to be a priority for the conservation park. The birth of several tiger cubs in Ranthambhore National Park in the last year gives rise to hope that things may be turning around for the future of the Bengal Tigers and that the parks conservation efforts are working.

Seeing a Bengal Tiger in the wild is an amazing experience that you will remember for the rest of your life. The majestic cat appears slowly and seemingly out of nowhere but as you cast your eyes upon it you are intrigued at its magnificent beauty and power. Explore India guests are treated to several safari days at Ranthambhore National Park on many of Explore India’s award-winning small group tours to India. While spotting a Bengal Tiger is at the top of everyone’s list, when embarking on an Explore India Safari Tour, there are also plenty of other incredible creatures to see at the park as well. Roaming freely throughout the tranquil and natural grounds is the leopard, deer, mongoose, hyena, crocodiles, gazelles, boar, and more. Similarly, if you’re a bird watcher then Ranthambhore National Park will not disappoint. Given the varied terrain with the abundance of bodies of water and trees, the park is home to over 270 species of birds, both resident and migrant varieties call Ranthambhore home. Indeed, this wildlife park is home and sanctuary to many animals and birds that make appearances to guests each and every day.

Ranthambhore is also home to famous landmarks such as the Trinetra Ganesh Temple, the lake called Padam Talao where you can see hundreds of beautiful water lilies, and the famous Jogi Mahal which was the grounds famous hunting lodge many, many years ago. While much has changed within the buildings and structures in India’s largest wildlife park, the animals, birds, lakes, and grounds have not changed very much. It is as though you are stepping back in time as you tour the safari property and see all the natural wonders of the grounds as well as all of its amazing wildlife too. However, now the animals are educating and inspiring all of us rather than falling prey to ignorance and greed. There is plenty to see and do at Ranthambhore National Park whether you are on safari in search of the Bengal Tiger or relaxing outside your cottage listening to the beautiful birds who will tirelessly sing for you all day.

When is the best time to spot a Bengal Tiger at Ranthambhore National Park? Explore India’s tours to the park are designed to enhance the guest’s chance of spotting a tiger and many tours are offered throughout the months of October to March. During these months the temperature in India is not quite as hot as other months and the tigers tend to roam around the grounds of the park more. When the hotter months of April until June arrive, one can still spot a tiger but, generally the months that are slightly cooler are the best. Explore India offers several tours that stop in Ranthambhore National Park for two nights such as the popular small group tour Impressions of India https://www.exploreindia.ca/tours/impressions-of-india/#itinerary as well as the luxury small group tour The Royal India Adventure https://www.exploreindia.ca/tours/the-royal-india-adventure/#itinerary.
Regardless which Explore India tour you choose, a stop at Ranthambhore National Park will offer you a glimpse into safari life in India in the most beautiful, tranquil, and ethically appropriate way possible. It is an incredible experience to see the wild animals of India and to spot the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger and this journey will create memories and photographs that you will cherish for a lifetime.

Call Explore India Journeys Inc. today to speak with an Explore India Travel Specialist about which tour would be best for you!