Magical Train Rides to Ranthambhore’s Wildlife Wonders 

By Soumya Pant

Hello! My name is Soumya, and let me tell you all about how I spent my winter vacation. Right before the winter holidays, my school celebrated Christmas. When my vacation started, I spent the next three days finishing all my holiday homework. This was because on the 26th of December, at night, I would be going to Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan by train. 

The surprise for me was spending my first night in a train! My parents and I did all our packing for the trip in advance, and finally, it was our day of departure. Throughout the day, I could not contain my excitement! I had also packed my encyclopedia and Harry Potter (Chamber of Secrets) to read in my free time. Although Mumbai Central railway station had beautiful paintings, it could have better facilities for travelers. We waited for half an hour before the Hisar-Duranto Express arrived on the platform. 

We entered the train and shared the coupe with another uncle. The train was huge and super exciting! I got a window seat, and the view was fantastic. As the train started moving, it rocked gently. It felt like I was on a magical ride. One of the best parts was when the food trolley came around. I got yummy cutlets that were so tasty! Munching on them while the train was rocking made it even more fun. I felt like a little explorer on a food adventure. As we chugged along, something amazing happened – the landscape changed! We moved from Madhya Pradesh to Rajasthan. It was like entering a whole new world. 

The green fields turned into a dry zone, and the colors outside the window changed into earthy tones. I couldn’t stop looking outside, watching the scenery change like magic. I spotted camels and vast stretches of sand. It was like being in a storybook! When we reached Kota, I thought, “Wow, this is yet another town!” It had its own charm. Traveling on the Hisar-Duranto Express was the best adventure ever. From the rocking train to the delicious cutlets and the changing landscapes, I felt like a little explorer on a big, exciting journey. Who knew that a train ride could be so much fun?

In the heart of Rajasthan, we began to explore the wonders of Ranthambhore. The adventure began at the historic Ranthambore Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has stood through centuries of history. We visited the revered Trinetra Ganpati Temple within the fort complex. The entire trek was about 4 kms. I was so proud of myself for completing it! The temple, dedicated to Lord Ganesha, showcased Lord Ganesha with three eyes. That is how the temple got its name. Eager to explore Ranthambhore’s diverse wildlife, we embarked on a Chambal Crocodile Safari. The Chambal River, winding through rugged terrains, offered a sanctuary to the crocodiles. We admired the reptiles basking in the sun along the riverbanks. 

The thrills continued with the Ranthambhore Tiger Safari, a different experience in the heart of the Ranthambhore National Park. Guided by naturalists, we entered the dense jungles, hoping for a glimpse of the Bengal tiger. The safari was like a movie, with each turn showing the beauty of the wilderness. As the sun dipped below the horizon, we thought about the day’s exploration. The fort’s timelessness, the divinity of Trinetra Ganpati, the reptiles along the Chambal, and the presence of tigers in their natural habitat had created unforgettable moments. 

From here onwards, our adventure was about to end. But not yet. It was a fun ride in a comfortable taxi, passing stunning mustard fields and listening to catchy Rajasthani songs. We reached Jaipur in the evening and just about had time to explore City Palace, a blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture. Constructed in the 18th century by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the palace includes courtyards, gardens, and opulent structures. The Chandra Mahal within the palace is the residence of the royal family, while the museum displays artifacts, textiles, and weaponry. Rajasthan had not just been a regular destination for me. It had become a chapter of enchanting stories about the wilderness. I can’t wait for my next adventure!