Hush now. We can spot the pugmarks. He is nearby. Can you smell him?” We breathe in deeply, the forest air cleansing our city-chocked lungs. And then we see him. Proud, lethal and very, very close.” Many Ranthambore travel diaries will begin with similar lines. After all, it is tiger territory and a sighting of the big cat is the icing on the cake for animal lovers, though there are hundreds of other flora and fauna to watch out for in the massive reserve forest.

The majestic tiger takes a walk at the Ranthambore National Park. Pic Courtesy Oberoi Vanyavilas

We start our tiger safari in specially-designed camouflage print jeeps at 7 am — the eight-seater vehicles are good for the rough and rocky forest terrain, though the ride remains bumpy. Since the early morning air is crisp and cold, we are given blankets and face masks. The latter helps battle the wind chill and also prevents all the dust that the vehicle throws up from clogging nostrils.