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About us · The story behind the project

About this project

This website is the result of a long-standing personal interest in tigers — an interest that, over time, began to be reflected in my daughter. Here is the story of how it all began.

The origin

Why we built this

This website is the result of a long-standing personal interest in tigers — an interest that, over time, I began to see reflected in my daughter. Over the past few months, I found myself trying to answer increasingly detailed questions about tigers: their behaviour, decision-making, family relationships, territorial dynamics, and hypothetical "what if" situations. Many of these questions do not have definitive answers — not because they are irrelevant, but because they fall into the large grey areas of animal behaviour that remain poorly understood.

In trying to explore these questions, I discovered that even widely available resources struggle once the discussion moves beyond surface-level facts. What remains is a patchwork of observations, partial documentation, and long-term patterns — none of which are easy to access in one place. This project began as an attempt to bring some structure to those conversations.

Ranthambore was chosen because it is the forest we return to most often, and because few places in the world offer such long-term documentation of individual tigers and their family lines across multiple generations. The outcome is secondary. The learning is the thing.

The team

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The Dad
Tiger enthusiast · Delhi-based · 41 years old · Regular Ranthambore visitor since 2010
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The Daughter
Chief question-asker · Tiger expert · 7 years old · Has personally seen Ridhi in Zone 3
Our sightings journal

Tiger sightings we will never forget

Ridhi — T-124
December 2025
Zone 3 · Padam Talao area · Morning safari
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Photo of Ridhi goes here
We spotted Ridhi in the early morning near Padam Talao. She was moving through the long grass towards the lake edge, completely unhurried. The light was just coming up over the fort and she looked extraordinary — this direct descendant of Machli, walking the same ground her great-great-grandmother had walked. We watched for about twenty minutes before she disappeared into the treeline. My daughter did not speak for a long time afterwards. That is how you know it was special.
Shakti — T-111
2024
Zone 4 · Kundera range · Morning safari
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Photo of Shakti goes here
Shakti was resting near a waterhole in Zone 4 when we found her. She seemed completely unbothered by our presence — confident and settled in her territory. Seeing a tigress of this lineage at rest, in her own landscape, on her own terms, is a reminder that we are the visitors here. The jungle belongs to the tigers.
My first tiger sighting — by the daughter
I saw the orange through the grass first. Dad kept saying stay quiet, stay quiet. And then she walked out and I couldn't even breathe. She was so big and so beautiful. I want to come back every single year for the rest of my life.
Practical guide

Our Ranthambore recommendations

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Where to stay
Proximity to the park gates matters

Staying close to the park gates is important for early morning safaris. Options range from basic guesthouses to luxury tented camps.

  • Budget stays in Sawai Madhopur town — 7km from park gate
  • Mid-range resorts along Ranthambore Road — well-placed and comfortable
  • Luxury tented camps and heritage properties for special trips
  • Booking directly often offers better rates and personalised permit help
  • Specific hotel reviews will be added as we continue visiting
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Finding a good guide
Your naturalist transforms the experience

A great naturalist guide transforms a safari from a drive into a deep education. The best guides know individual tigers by sight and can read the jungle's signals.

  • Ask your hotel for naturalist recommendations they trust personally
  • Look for guides who talk about individual tigers by name and story
  • Genuine passion over transactional service makes all the difference
  • Our specific guide recommendations will be added with their permission
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How many days?
More time means more magic

We recommend a minimum of 3 nights — giving you 4–5 safari slots. More days significantly improves sighting chances.

  • Two safaris per day maximum — morning and afternoon
  • Book different zones for variety and better chances
  • Between safaris: Ranthambore Fort, Sawai Madhopur town, local markets
  • At least one 5:30am departure — absolutely worth the tiredness
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Booking permits
Plan well ahead for peak season

Safari permits through the Rajasthan Forest Department portal or authorised operators. Zones assigned at booking.

  • Official booking: rajasthanwildlife.in
  • Peak season (March–May) books out weeks or months in advance
  • Gypsies (6-seater jeeps) preferred to Canters for flexibility
  • Check regularly for cancellations if your dates are flexible
  • Hotels can assist with both permit and naturalist arrangements