Big Cats & Birding in Jaipur!

Imagine being picked up from the airport at three in the morning by a safari jeep. You are driving an open gipsy through the well lit streets and landmarks of Jaipur. Nah! I am not sharing my dream. Only if you could imagine, will you understand what I experienced!

The safari at the Jhalana Leopard Reserve got off to an epic start. This location is actually a fragmented urban forest. However, it was once a famous and popular hunting site during the reign of the maharaja. A Shikar Audhi (Hunting Palace) stands tall as a landmark in the centre of the forest to testify of its history.

On a safari, the guides solely concentrate on the big cats. With us on board, the narrative was a bit different because we wanted to see the ecosystem, experience this small part of the Aravalli, the birds and CATS and not chase them. Our guide understood this well.

BIG CATS first!

In the fading brightness of the evening, Sharmiliji, the mother was calling out to her cubs and the cubs were responding. She is undoubtedly both shy and lovely.

Our safari wasn't considered complete until we saw THE Rana, so said guide bhaisaab and took us on a thrilling climb up the hill to see Rana regain his breath, stay lazy, before dozing off. He gave off the impression of being a carefree fella, while dozing off and relaxing in the company of a few safari jeeps.

We went with Flora on her morning walk. I must say, made me ponder why mothers have to be up before dawn even in the jungle raj! Bruh!

The remaining hour was spent well with Rana, who was in hunting mode. He is by far Jhalana's biggest show-stopper. He strikes me as bold, confident, and one who doesn't give a damn!

Sharmili, the shy and beautiful.

Her eyes spoke, "You are being watched!"

There you go!! Count her teeth, while she yawns!

A little more closer, I could see what she ate in the afternoon!

Calling out for her cubs, on the other side of the slope!

Flora is graceful, not wanting attention!

She busy drinking water, me clicking. At dawn, looking at each other!

Drinking while watching OR Watching while drinking!

Rana, the show-stopper

That look! Reminded me of the look I get for a failed attempt to wake my son up on a sunday morning!

Sleeping, in the hunters territory! Literally on the way to the hunting palace.

I will take it for a good laugh!

The show stopper!

The Aravalli forest put my ability to react quickly to a sudden, intense downpour of rain to the test! I passed with flying colours with the equipment. The iron and hair dryer handled the rest of the scoring.