Had a whirlwind tour of the Park. Started out of Delhi on 24th Jan by the Intercity Express and reached Sawai Madhopur just after crack of dawn on the 25th Jan. After refreshing myself, drove straight into the Park.
Wildlife enthusiasts were in good numbers. All set to see the striped flame of this Park. Firends and guards had told about reasonably good sightings. What was sad to learn was that Machchli, nee Jugni, was no longer visible around Raj Talaab. It would be interesting to wait and watch for her return. Keeping my fingers crossed!
Two trips and frantic search for the King yielded no result. It had rained the previous night and the Maharaja was in no mood to oblige. Saw herds of the herbivores grazing nonchalantly without fear of the supreme predator. Crocodiles lazed on the Talaab banks and rose ringed parakeets flitted around making usual din. The stream of the temple goers remained unabated. Women and children in colorful costumes sang religious songs while climbing to the temple in the Ranthambhore fort.
Overall it was not a very disappointing visit. (Any visit to a tiger reserve is disappointing if you miss the big cat.) However, what hurt the most was the poor state of roads and tracks leading to and in the Park. It was the first time that I saw such poor maintenance. Winter is the peak tourist season and roads and tracks should be maintained after the monsoon for the benefit of visitors.
I hope the situation will improve soon.
!
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