The Kill

Our trip to Tadoba in 2014 had not been a very eventful one. We got sightings, but in most cases the sightings were fleeting or from far off. This summer we decided to take our chances again and booked our safaris in Tadoba and Ranthambhor. The Tadoba trip turned out to be awesome with sightings of Sonam and her 3 cubs, Maya and her 3 cubs, Madhuri and Wagdoh (Scarface). When we went to Ranthambhor it was peak summer. The temperatures had reached 48 C in Ranthambhor just a week before.

We took the August Kranti Rajdhani Express from Mumbai to Sawai Madhopur (12953). We could not do the morning safari. Instead we did a tour of the Ranthambhor Fort which is a UNESCO world heritage site.

The evening safari was very good with a very great sighting of T64. When we started our safari on 29th, we wondering if we had already seen the best of what Ranthambhor had to offer. After around an hour an half of the safari saw this tiger dozing off in the shade near some tall grass.

Every once in a while it would look around and get the photographers interested



But it would again doze off. The peacocks and deer seemed to be taking him lightly.





But the most that he did was change positions and go back to sleep




After nearly an hour it seemed so sense something and got up and walked into the thick tall grass.

At this point we felt that, this was it, in terms of the tiger sighting. It had gone into thick grass and we had no view of it. Our guide decided to change the jeep position to check if tiger was crossing the road in the route ahead. But just then he saw a group of Sambar walking into the tall grass. It was a given now that a kill was going to happen with the tiger so well camouflaged and the Sambars unaware of its presence. We then heard a blood curdling cry of anguish from the Sambar which confirmed that the tiger had caught the Sambar. We could see the struggle in the bushes.

The sambar was desperately trying to free itself. In effect she started dragging the tiger out of the bushes, with the tiger spiritedly holding on to its leg.

The tiger made several bites to its leg in an effort to get it down. The sambar continued to fight for its life.






Having made its leg useless the tiger went for it spine and at the same time tried to bring it down.














Having brought down the sambar, the tiger went for its neck.






It rolled over the sambar to get at its windpipe.




And finally ended his misery.

Though it made for great photographic moments, it was sad to see the struggles of the sambar. It was a sub-adult tiger which fought fiercely to ensure that its prey did not escape.

The jungle here is awesome and loved it the most of all the sanctuaries that I have visited. Zone 2 is spectacular. We saw a lot of other animals and birds. Check below if you are interested

We stayed at Jhoomar Baori. It is a old palace converted into a hotel. Location is its usp. It is on a small hill right in the middle of the jungle. One can easily see sambars, spotted deer, wild boar, peacocks near the hotel. It has multiple terrace which give great views of the night sky. The rooms are ok.

Below is a short clip of the T64 sighting.

Udaipur City Palace

Famous internationally because of the James Bond Film Octopussy (1983), Udaipur City Palace is the largest Palace COmplex in Rajasthan.

Rajasthan, Land of Kings, is a western state of India. The state has many clans and families that ruled the area for last 2000 years. City of Udaipur was established by Maharaja Uday Singh II in 1553 AD.

After Udai Singh’s death in 1572, his son Maharana Pratap took the reins of power at Udaipur. However, he was defeated by the Mughal emperor Akbar at the Battle of Haldighati in 1576 and Udaipur fell under the Mughal rule.

The City palace is now a bunch of constructions that went for over 400 years. You will see an influence of Mughal, Indian and British styles in various buildings.

The palace is situated by Lake Pichola. Overlooking Lake Pichola, several historic monuments like the Lake Palace, Jag Mandir, Jagdish Temple, Monsoon Palace, and  Neemach Mata temple, are all in the vicinity of the palace  complex. The white structure you see here is the lake Palace, a heritage hotel managed by the Taj Group.

PArt of the Palace is converted to heritage hotel. rather it was the Maharaja of Udaipur who started the concept of a heritage hotel and successfully implemented it in India. A series of palaces in the city palace complex, behind an exquisite facade of 244 metres (801 ft) length and 30.4 metres (100 ft) height, were built on a ridge on the east of lake Pichola. 

The courtyard gives you a glimpse of what lies ahead....

Mewar Kingdom was established by Maharana Guhil in 568 AD at a place called Nagda , some 30 Km away from present day Udaipur. Later on the capital was shifted to Fort Chittor where the Sisodiya family ruled for nearly 800 years.

This is Gold emblem depicting Sun as the Sisodiya clan claimed to have originated from The Sun God (Surya wanshi).










Grand entrance at City Palace. You can get a dedicated tour guide at official booth for tourists. You can also get audio guide (15+ languages supported) at a regulated cost. Camera and handy cam are allowed at an extra charge. Its better to take help of a guide if your homework is not proper.

In 1537, Maharaja Udaysingh inherited the throne but the state was in war with Mughals and about to lose control of Chittor Fort. Udaysingh Chose a site surrounded for lakes, Aravali ranges and forests as a protection.

Ceiling at Entry Gate.

Inner side of Entry Gate

As you enter the palace building you can see the art and belief. Peacocks, swans, parrots, elephants, lotus flowers.... all pious symbols as per Hindu Traditions.

Famous medieval period devotee "Saint Meerabai" was married to King Bhojdeva from Sisodiya clan.

Garden Palace....a place to enjoy the beautiful garden, small fountains and streams..

Situated at a higher grounds the palace provides panoramic view of the city.

Lake Palace view from the City Palace

Chini Chitrashala .......a gallery of chinese and dutch tiles from 16th century mesmerises the tourists...

Glass work is one thing peculiarly observed in palaces. The purpose was to make things opulent but also to keep an eye on the servants and spies. This one is called Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Hall).

Manek Mahal...but I am not sure about the name. .....riot of colours..

Famous Blue rooms..

Famous Mor Chowk - Peacock Square. The are has beautifully decorated peacocks in glass work. Also view the gallery.

Gallery on the right hand side.

Mor Chowk or Peacock square is integral to the inner courts of the palace. The elaborate design of this chamber consists of three peacocks (representing the three seasons of summer, winter and monsoon) modeled in high relief and faced with coloured glass mosaic, built into successive niches in the wall area or jharoka, These were built during Maharana Sajjan Singh’s reign, 200 years after the palace was established. The peacocks have been crafted with 5000 pieces of glass, which shine in green, gold and blue colours. 

King's Dining Room. Use of glass to watch if any servant tries to poison the food.

Water containers for the King....

Sharbati Vilas Mahal....probably the lounge for drinks and dance.

Zenana Mahal ....Women's residence ...is now rented for parties. It has a huge courtyard with fountains making it perfect for pool side parties. Various Hollywood celebs and film stars have celebrated marriages and birthdays here.

A gallery is created to display ancient sculptures, musical instruments etc. A small but interesting museum.

From a nearby hill, you can watch the entire complex . There is a ropeway available to reach this point.

Udaipur is a marvellous city. If you plan to travel, avoid summer. Winters are perfect. A number of places to visit and enjoy....it's truly a King's abode.