We went to Sawaii Madhopur- named after one of those Singhs (1700’s) to Ranthambhore National Park. We had to be at the park at 6 am, which seemed like a tiny sacrifice to make if we were going to see one of the 44 tigers purported to live there. What can I say? We saw lots of monkeys, birds, peacocks, deer, etc., but only one jeep (that would be mine) saw a glimpse of a tiger (it was truly a flash). (The ranger said, “you know tigers are very solitary animals.”) I guess that helps? So that was a little disappointing to lots of people but I have to say, I just love being out there, looking out in the vast quiet land, peering at animals, looking for tracks and driving hurriedly to discover the hiding place of one’s prey, talking in hushed tones, as if the animals can’t hear the big loud jeep you are arriving in. It reminded me of the fun Tres and I had on safari in South Africa. We totally understood how people can get hooked on safari- it is a mesmerizing kind of peaceful experience. Tres was so impressed, that he entertained the idea of being a ranger. Highlights: a doe feeding her fawn and a mommy monkey feeding her baby. I have never seen anything up close like that before. (I also saw a monkey “doing it” to another monkey on the wall of the Amber fort, but I didn’t think I should mention that- scandalous!)
Mention it yes, photograph it no. Wise choice.
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