Camel Carts & Wildlife walks

Our last two days at Sarika were, thankfully, much more relaxed than those that had gone before! The alarm clock was consigned to the bottom of a suitcase and we were able to resume lazy lie-ins, followed by breakfast on the Palace terrace. Breakfast was always followed by a bracing chilly swim in the pool before taking some gentle excursions.

Our final jeep Safari went deeper into the National Park than before: The scenery became much more rugged with tree-lined gorges, winding hair-pinned trails and gurgling streams. The wildlife was pretty much as before although, just once, we hurtled off at high speed towards a commotion in the distance convinced we were about to see the true King of Beasts. But when we got there the jungle was bare.... Needless to say we never came across Tigger and his friends, however we were more than satisfied to have seen the leopard with his prey.

Because some of us would be travelling onward to Nepal while others were returning to Blighty, and because all of us had early morning departures, Raj organised a "Farewell drinks" party on the lawn .... the day before our last evening! It was a half-hearted affair - those of us going on to Nepal had no need of farewells and those going back to Blighty were few in number ... and would still be with us for all of the next day! Still, any excuse to down a few jars is welcome....

On our last morning we travelled by camel cart to a nearby village to experience a little of Rajasthan rural life. We piled ourselves into a cosy heap on the cart and trundled along, happily waving at passing vehicles and pedestrians. The village was at the end of a long dusty track between fields of crops. A few field-workers looked up as we clopped by but there were no waves and none of the warm smiles we experienced elsewhere in Asia. This dour mood was repeated when we arrived at the village: Groups of sullen children hovered, unsmiling, as we were shown around. We watched breads being prepared and baked and then strolled around admiring the chickens and goats that were wandering through the buildings. It felt very awkward. After we had taken a group photograph the children headed off across the fields, trooping to school. There was no chattering or laughter and no evidence of the joy we have seen elsewhere on our travels. After leaving gifts we clambered back on to the camel cart for a silent, slightly deflated journey back to the Palace.

Our final experience at Sariska was simply perfect. We joined a Park Ranger and a small group of similarly minded individuals to take an evening "Nature Walk". Strolling out of the Palace grounds we quickly came to a river, walking along its banks in the fading evening light. Cattle bathed and monkeys cavorted while a succession of brightly coloured birds darted from bank to bank. We followed a path up into the trees and came across an abandoned tower near a clearing. This tower was built for the brave Tiger hunters: A goat would be tethered in the clearing and the hunters would then retire to the tower to await its demise. Once the terrified animal had lured in Tigger both would be despatched with firearms.

As we were returning to the palace we were rewarded with a glimpse of a mongoose scurrying across a rocky outcrop .... and then the absolute highlight: A huge Eagle Owl perched across the river was watching our progress. We all stood open-mouthed in admiration as he launched himself and with a few langorous wing beats soared along the river directly in front of us!

We arrival back at Sariska Palace as the last sunlight faded in the West, the sun finally setting on our stay at Sariska.

Tomorrow : Nepal

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