Safari Timing In Ranthambore National Park
by RAJASTHANBYCAR
Timings for entry into, and exit from, the park vary according to the season. In winters, due to the shorter duration of daylight hours, the morning entry time is later and evening exit time is earlier. Winter Safari Timings,
Morning Safari 07.30 to 10.30
Evening Safari 15.00 to 17.00
Summer Safari Timings,
Morning Safari 06.30 to 09.30
Evening Safari 16.00 to 18.30
Jackal
by grets
Jackals are omniverous and live in monogamous mated pairs. Mating takes place around the year and after a gestation period is 63 days one to nine pups are born, but two to four is the usual number. The pups weigh about 220 grams at birth and their eyes open after about ten days. The pups are weaned after about eight weeks. Although an accomplished hunter, the jackal is known as a coward in Indian folklore.
Wildlife Observation Guide
by atufft
I had a wildlife guide assist me in spotting the game, and he was well worth his pay because he could see animals at great distance without the aid of binoculars. The main thing though, is if you are alone to establish a rapport than reduces the chance of having the guide being too dictatorial or exercising bad judgement during the safari. For example, in my morning trip, after we had first spotted a tiger at close range, the guide radioed other jeeps as to the location of the tiger, this is regrettable but somewhat understandable as finding a tiger is not all that easy. However, the wildlife guide also apparently motioned to another tourist to join in my jeep without my permisson. Leaving the jeep is certainly was against park rules, and to leave one's jeep during the short photography session of a tiger is a nuisance to everyone. In my case, an overly enthusiastic and aggressive Aussie tourist jumped aboard my jeep, and then bumped me as I was videotaping, and I naturally angry about this intrusion and had to insist by muscle to get out! But, this incident was the wildlife guides error. Needless to say, he didn't get much of a bonus from me, a tradition in his work. But, I was lucky I think to have seen a tiger given I was only there one day. There were plenty of tourists in our hotel who had not seen a tiger across a period of as much as a weeks' stay. A good wildlife guide is essential.
Pack light
by grets
Don't overload yourself, especially if you are travelling by train. A smallish soft bag or rucksack is all you need. Take a day sack for the things you'll want to take out with you on safari. Lightweight clothing in neutral colours are best for game viewing.
Sturdy shoes.
Something to protect you from rain, as you will be travelling in open vehicles with no cover! A cape is ideal as it will cover your top half and your legs when you are sitting down, as well as any bags and camera equipment.
Early morning game drives can be cold, especially in mid winter. If you are going in Dec/Jan, take hat, gloves, scarf and several warm layers. The rest of the time a warm fleece and a wind proof jacket will suffice. The lodges will provide a blanket. Take everything you need with you, as most things will not be available locally.
Make sure you are up to date on all your innoculations. Check with your doctor in plenty of time prior to your departure.
Ranthambore is in a malaria area, so make sure you are taking the correct prophylaxis. Most need to be taken for one week before you go and four weeks after you return. You will need a long length telephoto lens - 400-500mm is ideal.
As most of the game viewing takes place during early morning and late afternoon, light conditions will be far from ideal. Take fast film and/or a tripod/monopod to avoid camera shake.
Take something to protect your camera equipment from dust and rain.
Take twice as much film as you think you will need, and plenty of batteries. Make sure you have them with you on the game drives - not leaving them in your room as some people did!
Ranthambore Fort
by RAJASTHANBYCAR
The great Ranthambhor Fort is the oldest Fort in Rajasthan, bult in 944 A.D. by Chauhan's perched atop a creek 200 mts above the forested valley, it is built on an awesome scale. Its massive ramparts, gates and bastions sent a stern message to its enemies. Rao Hamir, the most valiant ruler, is said to have refused to bow his head before Khilji, despite the severe food shortage and lack of other provisions. Though the palace lies in ruins, there are still a few ancient landmarks, the visitor can see.You can see panoramic views of the park from its high walls.