Do you fancy a walk on the wild side in India? What can be a more grounding and awe-inspiring experience than to see creatures in their natural habitat, free and living as nature intended? Here at Chai Rose, we are committed to the highest standards of animal welfare and only support excursions that share these values. So, step off the tourist trail for a while and have a trip you’ll never forget, surrounded by nature.
Your trip will start in the fabulous Ranthambore National Park in the state of Rajasthan, the perfect beginning to your Rajasthan wildlife tour. This huge park was once the hunting ground of the Maharajas of this royal state. It is now an incredible tiger reserve, home to over 80 Bengal tigers. The park is divided into zones, and you may experience at least two safaris on your visit: one in the morning (take a coat, as early mornings can be chilly) and one in the evening, to maximise your chances of spotting these magnificent beasts. Keep your camera at the ready, as you never know when you might catch a glimpse of these big cats. Even if you don’t see a tiger, you might see leopards, sambar deer, sloth bears, and marsh crocodiles, amongst many other animals and hundreds of different birds.
Inside the park itself is also home to the 10th-century Ranthambore Fort. It might be a bit of a trek up a hill, but the views from the top make it worth the climb! Within the fort is also the Trinetra Ganesha Temple, significant as being the only temple to depict the whole of the family of Lord Ganesha. Ganesha, the elephant-headed god, is one of the best-loved Indian deities, worshipped as the remover of obstacles, intellect, wisdom, and new beginnings. He is also well known for his love of sweet foods!
After a relaxing night or two in one of Ranthambore’s many luxury hotels (or try the super luxurious tents of the Vanyavilas Oberoi), you will be heading on to Alwar in the northeastern area of Rajasthan. You will be visiting the Sariska Tiger Reserve, another beautifully maintained haven for wildlife. Alongside the most famous residents, the tigers, you can also see a variety of wildlife, including spotted deer and wild boar, jackals, hyenas, and peacocks. This reserve was once a royal hunting ground and has been a tiger reserve since 1978.
Whilst in Alwar, don’t miss the supposedly haunted Bhangarh Fort, on the edge of the Sariska Tiger Reserve. This fort was built in 1573 and is now abandoned. Stories abound as to its spooky past. A sorcerer called Singhia fell in love with a beautiful princess called Ratnavati. He tried to use magic to win the love of the princess, but this magic was in fact a curse that led to the destruction and downfall of the town. It is said that spirits roam around the fort at night, and because of this, visitors are not allowed to enter after 6.00 pm. Guides will tell you variations of this story, but the idea that this fort is haunted remains steadfast!
You will enjoy relaxing in accommodation bespoke to your wishes, whether that is a cosy homestay, a historical haveli, or a luxury hotel.
About 13 km from Alwar, nestled amongst the Aravalli Hills, is the man-made Siliserh Lake, renowned for being picturesque and tranquil. It was built by Maharaja Vinay Singh in 1845 so as to supply water to Alwar city. The lake has a diverse ecosystem that is home to a variety of wildlife, including crocodiles, herons, sambar deer, and jungle cats. Take some time to take photos, enjoy a boat ride, embark on nature walks, or simply sit and enjoy the tranquillity of this hidden gem of a lake.
This tour can be standalone or added to another trip, such as the Golden Triangle Tour. It’s your choice, and we are here to help you make that choice! Take the plunge into the wild and see India in all its natural glory.
