Sawai Madhopur Things to Do

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Being a long-time fan of Steve Irwin's Crocodile Hunter series, my daughter is well-versed in the ways of the monitor lizard. These impressive reptiles are literally links to prehistory, having dwelled on this planet - in varying forms - for 50 million years. Isn't it cool that you can get a great look at them today at places like Ranthambhore. During our visit, we saw several huge monitor lizards sunning themselves in the hot Rajasthani afternoon.

Knowing that they have razor sharp teeth and are more than willing to use them, we didn't even THINK about trying to touch one of these guys. We just left them be and snapped a few photos. Unlike some other situations I came across in India, these "locals" didn't ask for a rupee or two in return for posing. :)

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The come-on title to this tip will introduce you to a very beautiful bird, the rufous treepie. This colorful species is found all over India, especially in the type of wild grasslands that make up much of Ranthambhore's territory. They're actually brave birds, as you can see in the photo below. THIS particular rufous treepie felt the need to light on the fender of our jeep (gypsy), and remained "with" us for quite a while.

This bravery in the face of what could be danger earns the treepie it's nickname. You see, these birds have been known to get pretty close to the resident tigers as well, and for that reason, the locals call them "THE TIGER TOOTHBRUSH". The joke (although I suppose it's not as funny if you're a treepie) goes that the tigers use them to brush their teeth.

You'll find, as you go through Ranthambhore - and in other parks as well - that the guides almost never call them treepies. They just say "there's a toothbrush".

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If you'd like to visit the ruined fort that overlooks Ranthambhore National Park, you can access it on foot, starting at the main park entrance. There is an old paved path up to the fort. In fact, if you're planning to do morning and afternoon safaris at Ranthambhore, you could even ask to be dropped off at the main entrance upon ending your AM safari. That would give you time to explore the fort and still be ready for the afternoon ride.

There is no additional fee required to visit the fort, and it's a nice, brisk walk - just the thing to get your heart pumping after a long and bumpy jeep ride to start your morning. :)

As I've already mentioned, there are quite a few abandoned and overgrown temples and small structures throughout Ranthambhore, relics of its royal hunting grounds past. One bit of advice that I was given by all of our guides, with regard to tiger spotting....

There are several of these "Tiger Temples" across a large body of water in what they call Section 1 of the park. The guides say that tigers often like to lay in the portals of these temples, surveying their lands in a fashion befitting the Raj royalty of the past. If you happen to see a tiger or two in the windows of these temples, from across the water, it would be a fabulous photo. All you need is a telephoto and some luck.

So, be sure to fix your binoculars on the Tiger Temples and have a gooooood look. FWIW, we didn't find any tigers in the temples on our visits.

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The peacock is the national bird of India, and this gorgeous species is present in huge numbers at Ranthambhore. Around almost every bend on each of our safaris, we'd come across small groups of peacocks roaming and enjoying the park's natural beauty and freedom.

National bird or not, I suspect that more than a few of these peacocks meets its end on the dinner plate of a leopard or tiger. But again, as my animal-loving daughter would remind all fo us, it's "nature's way".

Sadly, I didn't see a single situation in which a male peacock had fully displayed his plumage. I guess Ranthambhore is an area that doesn't encourage such avian vanity, what with so many tigers and leopards roaming around with knives and forks. :)

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There were huge populations of deer in Ranthambhore, and I guess it makes sense. Without being macabre, if you're a park supporting a healthy population of tigers and leopards, there has to be something "on the buffet", so to speak. What better menu item for tigers and leopards than a massive and healthy population of deer?

The deer in the park are quite used to humans and will allow you to get very close before nature takes over and they flee. This offers many wonderful opportunities for photographs that would be impossible in other wild settings.

I'd almost like to make this tip a memorial to Steve Irwin, Australia's famolus "Crocodile Hunter". On a 2005 trip to his Australia Zoo, Mr. Irwin and his family were so very accomodating and kind to our family, and to my very special animal-loving daughter. So, suffice to say, we remember you Steve and we still think about you, mate.

Ranthambhore is home to many reptilian species, including a healthy population of crocodiles. Needless to say, they're generally hanging around the marshier areas, and they feed on the various smaller mammals, reptiles and birds in the area, along with fish and water-dwelling species. The photo below was taken on the body of water just across from the abandoned temples area that is frequented by the tigers. (see my separate "Temples of the Tiger" tip)

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Everyone associates Ranthambhore with the mighty bengal tiger, and with good reason. However, the tiger is not the only big cat in residence. There is also a healthy population of leopards. And, if you have a terrific guide (or perhaps 20/10 vision yourself), you might get lucky and see one.

Tiger sightings can be a bit dicey, but with a trip or two through the park, you have a good chance of seeing one. And, when you see the Tiger, it's not unusual to get an UP CLOSE look. The tiger we saw was only 40 meters or so in front of us. It's a different story with the leopard.

Leopards are quite shy and they tend to be well-hidden during daylight hours. I still am amazed that our guides "spotted" (intended humor) two leopards early into one of our safaris. AFTER the guides had made eye contact, it still took me about ten more minutes to finally find the leopards - and I had the added help of a 300 mm telephoto lens and binoculars. The initial spotting of the leopards by our guide was accomplished with the naked eye. He told us that he "just noticed some movement". THAT's why having a real pro for a guide makes all the difference.

The photo I attach down below is certainly not a great shot of leopards. But given the rarity of seeing them in daylight hours, and the difficulty that we had even seeing them, I am proud to post photographic evidence and pride in the accomplishment here on VT.