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Published: November 7th 2011
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K- My Mum’s trip to India came about because she (foolishly?) said to me in passing one day that she “had always wanted to see the Taj Mahal”. And so last Wednesday she did. Despite the large and amazingly loud crowds the Taj Mahal really does live up to its billing and we all found it to be very special– it is quite simply the most impressive building I have ever seen.
Our next destination was Ranthambore National Park – home of 40 plus tigers. And at 7am on Thursday we were on a canter (open sided truck) looking for tigers. Our morning was tiring and not fruitful – although a leopard was spotted at the end of the morning it was too far away to see clearly. The trip over-ran by about 11/2 hours and we were all a bit knackered (and starving) when we got back to the hotel. The pool looked very tantalizing but after a good lunch and a bit of angst Mark, Don & I decided to head back out on the 2.30pm bus. Mum elected to chill by the pool.
It was another frustrating few hours and we had actually left the main
Roadside Stop in Rajasthan
Parathas (stuffed breads) and chai with our driver Avtar park when suddenly we heard a rumor that a tiger had been seen towards the outer gate. Our driver turned in to Michael Schumacher and we were clinging to anything we could find as we hared towards the possible location. Us and 6 other canters plus several jeeps. It was carnage. I have never heard such noise when animal spotting. When the tiger appeared it was as if Elvis and the Beatles had entered the building. Screams, whistles and a sort of Mexican wave passed across the trucks. Don & I were swept away by the people on our bus – both of us nearly being pushed to the ground. It was crazy! Tiger #28 however appeared completely oblivious - just like the lions in Africa it completely ignored us (or it was blind and deaf).
Although it was great to see the tiger the scene was pretty unedifying and I am not sure I would recommend the experience in general - it didn't feel particularly eco-sensitive!. Also, our camera packed up for some reason so the photo herein is plagiarized from the hotel! It is however pretty much what we saw!
Whilst in Ranthamborne we also visited
Tiger #28 enters the building!
Actually an artists impression - our camera wouldnt work!! a Women’s craft center – a government sponsored initiative providing local tribes with a base to produce and market local crafts. Not entirely philanthropic - they dispossessed the tribes in the first place when they set up the National Park! We are not buying many souvenirs on this trip as our experience is that they never seem to look as good once you get home. We had however agreed that if we found some larger items we might invest. So………we are now the proud owners of a handmade camel wool carpet and a silk wall hanging! Well, we hope we are. Due to size constraints we have had to request shipping back to kindly friends in the US. Thanks Tina!
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Carl Harris
non-member comment
Brilliaint!
I think that's the best photo you've taken so far. Loving your travels.....can't wait to see you and you tell me all you're stories. xxxxxxxxxxxxxx