Page 59 of Indian Subcontinent by Audley Travel

ranthambhore the former hunting reserve of the maharaja of jaipur ranthambhore derives its name from a 10th century fort that sits high on a craggy outcrop in the early 1970s ranthambhore was included in the first phase of project tiger and subsequent visitors have been thrilled by the tiger sightings set routes usually in shared vehicles are used for early morning and late afternoon game drives with deer monkeys and colourful birdlife all frequent sightings although reports show a declining tiger population ranthambhore remains one of the best places to view tigers in the wild sher bagh ranthambhore this genuine and well-established safari camp is perfect for those who want to spend their stay at ranthambhore in comfort but in true jungle style the dozen tents are pitched in private woodland on the park s outskirts each with a modern attached bathroom and small veranda there is a wide selection of wildlife books to browse and tasty food is served around the evening campfire while sharing tiger tales with fellow guests and the excellent local naturalists oberoi vanyavilas ranthambhore the accommodation may be tented but the luxury of vanyavilas is as far-removed from camping as could be the permanent rooms are draped with canvas giving the appearance of a tent but the interiors contain every comfort including air conditioning four-poster beds and roll-top baths a dip in the heated swimming pool or a treatment at the spa will ensure that you remain refreshed and a private table in the landscaped gardens is a romantic alternative to dinner in the frescoed restaurant bharatpur the keoladeo ghana sanctuary is arguably india s most spectacular bird sanctuary close to agra this small park was created by the maharaja of bharatpur to hold duck shoots but later became a sanctuary and now attracts an abundance of birdlife today wading birds such as the sarus crane and with luck the rare siberian crane may be seen in our opinion bharatpur is an excellent respite from the bustle of the cities and birdwatching from a cycle rickshaw is an experience to cherish chambal sanctuary only 70 kilometres from agra the chambal valley supports 260 bird species crocodiles and the gangetic dolphin naturalists lead shared safaris by boat jeep or on camels while excursions to fort ater and the bateshwar temples are a cultural alternative the accommodation consists of 8 simply furnished en suite cottages with hot and cold running water electricity can be intermittent but the setting makes this an ideal day trip from agra or a tranquil interlude between tiger parks the sanctuary is open from october to mid-april oberoi vanyavilas ranthambhore wildlife india telephone 01993 838 330 chital deer 59

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