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Tiger : In Search of a Big Cat

February 16, 2014 by Lynn 2 Comments

Tiger.

Tiger

Tiger

With CNN’s recent citing of Ranthambore National Park as India’s best park for “scenic tiger photos”, I was optimistic. We would actually get to see this majestic cat whose numbers are seriously dwindling. Or maybe we would have the privilege of encountering the famously reclusive leopard. Ranthambore is not in the traditional tourist golden triangle circuit, but it didn’t matter – I wanted to follow in the footsteps of the Maharajahs of Jaipur and see a big cat.

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What I hadn’t realized, however, is that the park is divided into 9 zones, and that visitors are randomly assigned in their jeep only to one zone per visit. Some of the zones are more scenic than others, some have lakes with crocodiles while others do not, but of greatest significance to us is that zones #2 and 4 are the most renowned for “tiger sightings”. The luck of the draw is now the 21st century way of life for tourists who come to India for big game vs for the Taj Mahal.

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We were delighted when our guide announced that we would be in zone 2 for our first game ride. Zone 2 is magnificent and rich with wildlife. We repeatedly saw peacocks, monkeys, all types of deer – including the famous bluebull–, antelope, birds, crocodiles, hyenas, mongoose, even a few snakes (who are usually hibernating this time of year), and we listened repeatedly for the warning call that a cat was on the prowl. However, 3-1/2 hours went by and although we did see tiger paw prints at the edge of the dirt road, we didn’t spot one tiger. Still, we left the park that afternoon in the spirit of “tomorrow is another day”.

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But when our guide arrived the next morning to announce we would be in zone 6, our optimism quickly faded. Much more arid than zone 2 and with far fewer animals, our ride in zone 6 was an enjoyable outing in a bumpy open-air jeep with scenic views (make sure to pack long underwear if you come during the high tourist season November through March), and sightings of friendly herds of deer, scavengers such as jackals and many species of birds. But there were no cats anywhere in sight.

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So now what? It just so happened that India’s award-winning wildlife photographer and painter was coming to speak and demonstrate his art after breakfast at the Oberoi Vanyavilas (Oberoi “Forest Villas”) where we were staying. M.D. Parashar is famous for his tiger paintings and lampblack or “soot art” work. Born and raised in Ranthambore, he has a special attachment to the big cats and his love for them is clearly evident in his work which impressively hangs in many famous locations, from the residence of the Prime Minister of India to the White House.

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Parashar’s illustrated talk about his recently developed technique of “soot art” was extremely impressive. And it just so happened that he had a completed piece of soot art with him, a drawing of Lawli whom he nursed back to health when she arrived at his home at the age of 3 months with an injury to her leg. After she regained her health, Parashar had her released back into the park where she is now 6 years old and living happily. But during her convalescence, Parashar clearly had the time to study Lawli and fall in love with her.

So our search for a “cat” in Ranthambore was fulfilled. A magnificent love portrait of Lawli will hang in our home and will remind us always of the land of the Maharajahs of Jaipur.

Stay tuned to BonVoyageurs.com for more Countries of the World as we share our joie de vivre from around the world.  Luxury escapes and city breaks to Quebec City, New York, Washington, Buenos Aires. In Europe, places like Paris France, Nice France, Provence and the Cote d’Azur (French Riviera), Tuscany and Florence in Italy, Rome, Napoli and the Amalfi Coast. In Asia, countries like China, India, Nepal and so much more!

Filed Under: Animal Adventures, Asia, Exotic East, India, Travel Tales Tagged With: around the world, city breaks, India, Jaipur, Joie de vivre, luxury escapes, Quebec City, Ranthambore, Tiger, Travel

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Romantic Dinner at Jagmandir Island »

Comments

  1. Tina says

    February 16, 2014 at 10:09 am

    What a wonderful story! The treasure,
    rather than simply glimpsed for a moment, is now truly yours.

    Reply
  2. Rita Fagan says

    February 16, 2014 at 6:02 pm

    I love a story with a happy ending, even if the ending is a surprise, like Lawli. Can’t wait to see her captured in the medium of soot art. At least you saw tiger paw prints, an accomplishment that few of us will ever share.

    Reply

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Meet the Crew.

TOP 10 travel experts and influencers on social media and rated as one of the most influential travel bloggers in the world, Denis and Lynn Gagnon have been circling the globe for more than 45 years. Former international business travelers, they know how to travel - with class, comfort, and style. Members of the National Press Club, PTBA , NATJA and SATW. Wish to connect? Email them at [email protected].

A NEW addition to the BonVoyageurs team is Atlanta-based travel writer and culinary expert Dominique Gagnon, and travel photographer Justin Ellis. By day, Dominique designs and grows new meaningful consumer brands, while Justin is a neuroscientist and psychiatrist researching early brain development. By night, they are watching Chef's Table while plotting their next culinary and sport adventure.

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