Rajasthan’s Ranthambore Festival is the only fest that celebrates the uniqueness of wildlife. If you had plans to go on a thrilling tiger safari, it’s high time you should pack your bags and head to Ranthambore National Park. Trust us, you won’t regret this decision. Perfect winter ambiance, lip-smacking Rajasthani thali, colourful folk performances and the royal Bengal tigers frolicking in the open. Nothing beats the feeling of a luxury stay in the laps of Mother Nature.
Luckily, this time the Ranthambore Festival coincides with the first long weekend of this year. Sounds exciting, isn’t it? There’s more to come. Here are 10 facts about Ranthambore Festival that you ought to know.
Ranthambore Festival Facts: Why you Should Just Drop your Plans and Head to the Wilderness
1.Ranthambore national park, being one of the biggest wildlife destinations, is thoroughly dedicated to bird watching and tiger sight-seeing. This national park is spread over an area of 1,334 square kilometres housing approximately 62 tigers (Census: 2014) in the jungles. Don’t be surprised if you find a might, stripped beast royally walking around your tent.
2. It’s a three-day festival organized by a local NGO Puqaar, dedicated to raising awareness regarding animal rights.
Ranthambore Festival 2017 Dates: January 27 to 29.
Ranthambore Festival Venue: Nahargarh Hotel.
Ranthambore Festival Tickets: Rs 2,000 (Day Pass), Rs 3000 (Season Pass) and Rs 12,000 (Complete 3 day package arranged by BookMyShow.com).
- What to expect from Ranthambore Festival?
If you think that the festival is just for tiger lovers, you’re wrong. During the 3-day festival this year, you can witness live performances by incredibly talented folk singers like Zila Khan and Maati Baani and international pianist Karl Lutchmayer. What’s more? The world-renowned dancer Mallika Sarabhai will give a sensational live dance performance.
You’ll also get a chance to enjoy scrumptious Rajasthani food at the food festival. Don’t forget to shop at pop-up art and crafts shop.
4. Since the festival is all about wildlife, the organisers will arrange wildlife film screening of short documentaries like a Nat Geo Explorer by Sandesh Kadur, Sarvana Kumar and Mike Pandey. A special panel constituting of wildlife conservationists like Dharmendra Khandal, Valmik Thapar and Kartick Satyanarayan will hold panel discussions related to wildlife conservation.
5. Reaching the venue is not a Herculean task for wildlife lovers, especially road travellers. Nahargarh hotel is just 166 kms from Jaipur. It is well connected to other major cities in Rajasthan via airport. The nearest railway station to the venue is Sawai Madhopur that is 7.4 kms away from the city.
6. If you want some entertainment, you can also head to the ancient Banyan tree present in the centre of the forest, Rajeev Gandhi Natural History Museum, Ranthambore fort, Amreshwar Mahadev Temple and nearby lakes.
7. You don’t have to live inside the forests because there are plenty of resorts and hotels near the venue that offer you a luxury stay. Ranthambore National Resort, Sher Vilas, Ananta Palace and Ranthambore Heritage Haveli are just a few to start with. If you insist, they might set up tents to accommodate you.
In short, it’s a life-time opportunity for wildlife and cultural aficionados. Just don’t miss it.
