Ranthambore- Tiger Reserve (Travelogue)

A short get away from Jaipur is Ranthambore. (Naam to suna hoga?) 

And we planned a trip to this little city that gave way to a different outlook of life. We were staying at this beautiful resort that was built like a palace. But with navigation we could find the place in time. Its right on the main road and you would be pleasantly surprised with the grandeur they have painted the place. And we spent quite some time exploring the place and it just made the experience even more beautiful. A tip: If you want to enjoy your holiday stay in a really good place. Spending a little extra doesn't hurt at all if you leave a happy person. We had dinner at the terrace overlooking the gardens and with great music in the background had the most scrumptious languid meal after a long time. The staff were really nice and since the dinner's in the restaurant, they didn't mind giving us a little extra attention. 

Amazing view from the terrace

Magic Show

Waiting for the Tiger

With family

Good time with friends

There was a free dance show- Rajasthani folk songs and a magic show thrown in with the package which was very interesting because my son loved it so much. The next morning we got ready to see the Ranthambore Fort which is very near to the Ramthanbore Tiger Reserve- supposed to be the hunting ground of the Royalty there. The fort has a well known Ganesh temple and the climb is not tiring at all. In fact its a great walking place, show and steady. Since we booked a gypsy for our ride inside the Tiger reserve, we had to leave early. 

I enjoyed quite a bit of drama when I entered the Tiger reserve.  There were supposed be four zones where there were atlas four tigers in each. We were pretty excited to make trip there hoping to capture it in my cameras. The drive in the open gypsy was a fun ride with a lot of dusty ground covering our way. But the weather was superb in December and chilly too but with enough excitement oozing through our veins, we just went ahead for this adventurous ride. We spotted a lot of deers and wild boars but the tiger was yet to come in our way. Two hours of searching we were a little disappointed and really couldn't see the possibility of finding any. The driver though was confident that we would. There were a lot of tourists though and some really with big scary camera equipments. We even stood by the lake near by for an hour, you really aren't allowed to get down from the gypsy. But we did have a great time together with friends and thats all that mattered then.  

There isn't anything you could shop in Ranthambore and if you really want some Rajasthani handicrafts, i would suggest you check out the local shops. However, why not just drive a little more and shop in Jaipur? Its just a two hour drive and actually enjoyable if you are with good company. 

This blog post is inspired by the blogging marathon hosted on IndiBlogger for the launch of the #Fantastico Zica from Tata Motors. You can apply for a test drive of the hatchback Zica today.

How I found my way through Venice?

One of the most amazing part of getting lost in a city is finding your way again and just not think of the consequence. We had such experience in Venice. True, its of the places that would loose you, the alleys are like a maze that will stun you and make you want to just carry a guide with you. But if you have your phone charged and your map set right you could find your way right in- thats how navigation will help you despite of being lost in a new city. And when you have a fauji husband who can read maps like a pro, you will thank your stars for the right decision you made to marry him. And the best thing you could do is saving the maps from all over the cities you have visited. Who knows you would have to go back again in future? Or the next day.

The private boat of a resident

It was getting late in the evening and I was worried about loosing the last bus home and then hunger pangs stuck. The super market in Venice was serving fried chicken and we bought wine to go with it. As we sat by the water and watching the Ferry bus coming to pick up people, I for once felt at peace sitting and not walking for once. We took some pics, sat and talked about our day. And being on vacation has its advantages. You really don't have to reach home on time. To have commitments of any other kinds. It was just the two of us and Venice. Is that why its called one of the most romantic destinations in the world? I found it amazing to be there though.

The beautiful City reflecting in the waters

We did pull out our feet up finally when the battery was going down and our power banks were giving up. And the streets of Italy are not the safest at nights so you just have to believe that you will be safe. And as the darker alleys got darker, we found a cafe with bling christmasy lights on and lots of customers enjoying live music. Thats the thing about Venice, you just find them on perpetual holiday. Every time you walked through the cobblerstone lanes, you knew that you will find it equally different and amazing. The map provided at the guide office was everyone's friend there since no one could hire or ride vehicle inside.

Anyway we we did find our way out. The bus was just ready to go and while I watched the city lights fading where I left the beautiful waters behind me, I just remembered to gather them like precious jewels where I can keep it in my heart forever.

This blog post is inspired by the blogging marathon hosted on IndiBlogger for the launch of the #Fantastico Zica from Tata Motors. You can apply for a test drive of the hatchback Zica today.