February 19, 2017

Wildlife and Wonders of Rajasthan

Asia Wildlife & Natural History Traveler Stories Cultural

Join Trip Leader on a Journey Through India’s Ranthambhore National Park, Nagaur Fair, and the Romantic City of Udaipur

There is something absolutely captivating about this corner of northern India. It grips the soul, it entices the senses, and it opens the heart to colors and culture in the most authentic way. I’ve led WT’s Royal Rajasthan adventure more than a dozen times, and it never ceases to amaze me how little this region has changed over the years. This journey bridges together some of my favorite aspects of being a Trip Leader: searching for unique and beautiful wildlife, meeting with locals and sharing in some of their traditions, and marveling at the stunning architecture of temples and palaces that have stood the test of time.

Ranthambhore National Park

Ranthambhore National Park was the former royal hunting ground and now is one of the largest national parks in Rajasthan. The park includes “Project Tiger,” a conservation program launched in 1973 that is aimed towards protecting these big cats. The tigress Arrow Head put on a real show for the group, lounging in the grass and wading in the water.

A tiger lies on dry grass surrounded by sparse trees in a forested area of Rajasthan, with its tail slightly raised and gaze directed towards the camera, showcasing the wonders of wildlife. — *It’s not on every trip to Ranthambhore that one gets such a clear, close-up view of a tiger!*

A tiger stands on a grassy bank near a body of water with a partially submerged tree in the background, embodying the wonders of Rajasthan's wildlife.

A woman stands in an open jeep, wearing a hat with a bird perched on it. She holds a camera while a man sits nearby, both surrounded by the wonders of Rajasthan's landscape with a body of water in the background. — *We even made a feathered friend named Rufi, the Roufus Treepie.*

Nagaur Fair

The Nagaur fair is where rural Rajasthan meets royal Rajasthan. It’s the second largest cattle fair in all of India, with both animals and their owners adorned with lavish decorations. Cattle may be for sale here , but owners decorate all of their animals, painting them in different colors and wrapping them in dazzling materials. Some have even stepped it up a notch and shaved intricate designs into their camels’ hides for the festivities.

The image shows the back view of a camel with intricate decorative patterns shaved into its fur around its tail, showcasing one of the wonders of Rajasthan. People in the background appear to be in an outdoor setting, embracing the local wildlife. — *This one must’ve taken many hours and several sessions.*

Two women dressed in colorful traditional attire carry large bowls on their heads while walking through the dry, rural landscape of Rajasthan with a sunset and camels in the background, truly capturing the wonders of this region. — *The people here dress in fine clothes for the celebrations.*

Silhouetted camels are tethered near a cart at sunset in a desert-like setting with people visible in the background under a cloudy sky, capturing the wildlife and wonders of Rajasthan.

Thar Desert

As we headed into the Thar Desert, we had wonderful encounters and interactions with the Bishnois. These people follow a religion started by Guru Jambheshwar who lived in the 15th century. They believe that harming the environment means harming oneself, and trees and wildlife must be protected. Frugal living and a strict vegetarian diet is the hallmark of their life. It goes to show that we have a lot to learn from these desert dwellers.

A woman in traditional attire, wearing a pink headscarf, ornate nosering, and colorful necklace, stands against a textured wall, embodying the wonders of Rajasthan. — *This Bishnoi woman’s nose ring signifies that she is married.*

Two men in traditional Rajasthani attire engage in a ritual ceremony; one pours liquid from a bowl into the other's hand inside a blue-painted room, with various vessels and a water dispenser nearby, capturing the wonders of Rajasthan's rich cultural heritage. — *An opium ceremony with a “peace pipe” is very much a part of Rajasthani culture.*

Villages of Rajasthan Extension

Our post-trip extension to the Villages of Rajasthan was the perfect way to round out our journey. We were able to explore the romantic city of Udaipur, staying at the beautiful Lake Palace Hotel (the former summer palace of the Maharaja of Udaipur), and visiting nearby temples including the amazingly intricate Jain temples of Ranakpur. Everywhere you turned, it was like gazing into a dream—absolutely magical.