Ranthambhore National Park is one of India’s “Project Tiger” parks preserving the endangered tiger. There are about 35 tigers in the 400 sq km park – therefore even in one of the finest parks for tigers it is not any guarantee of seeing one. The park is also the location of Rathambhore Fort, the second largest fort in India built in the 8th century AD concealed on top of a mountain with high cliffs. The fort is also a worthwhile visit as you are allowed free access into these fascinating ruins.

My trip (Feb 28-March 1, 2004) was a last minute decision and thus there was no chance of hiring a jeep, which is the most successful way to find tigers. Instead I went in by canter and out of 5 trips into the park (3 morning and 2 afternoon trips) I was lucky to see one tigress. All pictures are taken with a Canon EOS 10D, 100-400mm IS – and some with the 1.4X multiplier.