As an intrepid traveler, wild life enthusiast and art curator, Priyanka Banerjee suggests escaping into forests to dust off corporate stress
Hailing from Bokaro Steel City, a beautiful city in Jharkhand, the art curator and artist, Priyanka Banerjee finds inspiration from nature. She recommends corporate managers to indulge in the beauty and thicket of the forests to completely de-stress from the cut-throat corporate environment. Ranthambore is her first choice
As an intrepid traveler and a wildlife enthusiast, I have always loved escaping into forests to recharge myself and dust-off stress from my soul. My favorite holiday destination is Ranthambore, as it provides for an escape from the noisy urban cities, and gives a ringside view of the precious flora and fauna of the mesmerizing forest. I highly recommend it to those in the corporate world who work hard and for long hours.
I made plans to explore the dry deciduous forests in October, as the weather is pleasant. From this month onwards up to May is the best time to visit the National Park.
Surrounded by Vindhyas and Aravallis, this place is a jigsaw piece in a mosaic of ecosystems that have given rise to the world’s most varied species of flora and fauna. As an art curator, I always have an inclination for knowing about the historical significance of the place and how well it has been maintained. In this light, the Ranthambore fort finds a place in India's resplendent history. It was built by the Chauhan rulers in the 10th century. The fort is related to the historical legend of the royal women performing ‘jauhar’ when the Muslim invader Alauddin Khilji laid a siege on the fort in1303. It is characterized by temples, tanks, massive gates and huge walls. Situated atop is the famous 650-year-old Ganesha temple of Trinetra Ganesha, so called because the idol has three eyes.
The Ranthambore National Park is situated at a distance of 11 kilometers from Sawai Madhopur. The two cities nearby are Kota and Jaipur. The park has won the world heritage status in 1980. The total tiger count is seventy. Their population has seen a boost between 2016 and 2018. The park has been divided into ten zones. On the first day, we visited Zone One. These conglomerates of habitat offer visitors some of the subcontinent’s finest wildlife expectations. This includes watching crocodiles recharge themselves on the golden sand, birding in the company of over five hundred species of avians such as great hornbills, Magpies, woodpeckers, wild cats, and more. Apart from crocodiles, there are chance encounters with tigers and leopards. Other animals which you may see are sloth bears, hog deer, spotted deer, black bucks and sambars which are the principal source of food for the tigers. The sambars have poor eye sights which make them easy preys for the tigers.
We were enjoying the roller coaster ride when two sambars emerged out of the bush and started wagging their tails as if to welcome us. Their beautiful antlers seemed so artistic against the pale-yellow backdrop that it formed an instant painting in my mind. Apart from the sound of the vehicle, the silence of the forest was occasionally broken with the shrill cry of cicada, creaking of crickets, hammering of the woodpeckers, belling of deers, calls of peacocks flaunting their beautiful plumes or grunts of wild boar as they dug their favorite roots. Suddenly, the screeching of langurs sent an alarm and we could see a leopard spring from the darkness and disappear into the cuttings as fast as lightning. I thanked Lord Ganesha for making me see the fastest and the cleverest animal on earth. Our trip came to an end on the first day without spotting the tiger. On the second day, we spotted Machli, the popular tigress, who is no more.
Keeping the flora and fauna in mind, the forest authorities have not allowed commercial restaurants to throng the place as it's hazardous for the wildlife dwelling in the forest. About ten kilometers away from the forest, is a chain of hotels which cater to the demands of the crowd.
Ranthambore provides for an escape from the hustle bustle of your corporate office, giving you space to witness the breathtaking wildlife and nature
Ranthambore is one of the favorite places for wildlife enthusiasts. People from across the length and breadth of the globe visit this place. Several foreign wildlife photographers make documentaries for reputed channels like Discovery, National Geographic; they need to stay for many days. You can choose from several luxury hotels like The Tigress Resort, Ranthambore Heritage Haveli, Abhyaran Ranthambore 1589 and the Taj Vivanta. Besides, there are several exciting jungle camp accommodations for the adventurous ones.
Firstly, visitors are advised not to go to Ranthambore to especially see tigers because doing so would take away most of its charm and probably leave you with a touch of frustration. Tigers being masters in the art of camouflage and stealth, duck behind thick, deep forest vegetation while you pass by staring at the trees. Secondly, there are other interesting options like visiting the Ranthambore Fort and the famous 650-year-old Ganesha temple. It is advisable to visit the fort and temple in the early hours of the morning to avoid the scorching rays of the Sun. Thirdly, elementary precautions such as wearing full sleeved shirts and full-length clothing at dawn and dusk should be taken. Liberal use of mosquito repellants and organic insect repellants should be used. One should avoid aromatic perfumes in the jungles.
It was the second day of my visit to Ranthambore forest. We were allocated Zone Six. With a secret desire to watch the Bengal tiger in its natural habitat, I had set off to see the beauty. On our way to the forest, somebody said that the tiger could be seen having an afternoon siesta in the dilapidated ruins of the fort. On reaching the place, I could not see the wild beast. I was disappointed. The guide took us to the other parts of the jungle where I could see many birds especially, Magpie, hornbill, peacock families, crocodiles, sambars, monitor lizards. I was happy and took many photographs of the animals in their natural habitats. It was only when we were returning that someone said that the tiger cubs were sitting in the bushes. My attention was drawn by the yellow and black stripes against the pale grey backdrop. It were indeed the cubs of the tigress. My secret desire had been fulfilled. Nothing on that day could give me happiness as much as the sight of the cubs.
I am a very well-planned traveler. I never get guided by an impulse as it turns out to be a spoil sport. I prefer doing a lot of research about the place, knowing the weather conditions, availability of good hotels and natural beauty since I love taking photographs and eventually make them as reference for my paintings. Availability of good hotels makes one’s itinerary very comfortable and enjoyable.
Sightseeing and taking good photographs of that place is on top of my mind. Souvenir shops are like icing on the cake. After an exhaustive day, it’s always a bliss to return to a comfortable stay.
By Sharmila Chand
