In search of the tiger

It was with great anticipation that my friend, Ajitabh, and I planned a trip to Ranthambore. Our hope against hope was to sight the Royal Bengal Tiger who had been choosing to elude us for the last two occasions that we had been to a National Park – Bandhavgarh in Madhya Pradesh and Jim Corbett in Uttarakhand. Also, it was around mid-March, and it is apparently one of the best times to spot the tiger, so we were really hopeful for. But before landing at a new destination to meet the big cat, we needed a place to stay. After an hour-long ‘hunt’ to find one which suited our requirements, we zeroed in on ZANA Forest Resort, Ranthambore. 

Passionate as we both are about travelling by road for it gives one an opportunity to explore newer places and even try out different cuisines en route, we decided to traverse the near 400 km distance by opting for NH19, taking us through Bhiwadi and Dausa. One can alternatively take the NH48, through Gurugram, Alwar and Jaipur. Having started early morning, at around five, we reached our destination after close to eight hours. However, finding our newest find of stay, ZANA Forest Resort, Ranthambore after reaching the historic city was a bit of a task. Though a destination map was shared, it took us a while reach the resort after entering Ranthambore. Perhaps, some the owners or the management should install some signage for easy navigation as the property is located slightly away from the main road and spotting it can be a bit of a challenge.

However, once you reach ZANA Forest Reserve, you seem to have entered a completely different world altogether. Spread across six acres of lush land, Zana Forest Resort, Ranthambore is a tasteful amalgamation of traditional architecture and modern aesthetic, a contemporary option to immerse travellers in the local beauty and distinct character of the destination. The forest retreat is situated just 1 km from Sawai Madhopur Railway Station and is far from the hustle-bustle of the city. The resort features 20 tastefully designed cottages and rooms that merge effortlessly into the lush surroundings, an all-day multi-cuisine diner, Mayfair, outdoor dining spaces for magical dining experiences and the best recreational facilities in the city, perfect for a much-desired break. 

After a round of welcome drinks, we were taken to our cottage. There is one unique thing that I noticed at ZANA – you need not wait for check-in or check-out as it happens as a seamless process in the comfortable confines of your room. First, with our cottage – Luxury Tiger’s Cottage with a Private Garden. The thoughtfully designed cottage offers a generous 560 sq ft area and is accompanied by a private garden where one can relax or indulge in long conversations over drinks or coffee. Each cottage is meticulously equipped with modern amenities to enhance the stay. And enjoy the entertainment offered by a 50-inch smart television, complete tasks at the convenient work desk or quench the thirst with the well-stocked minibar. Guests can also savour delightful moments with tea and coffee-making facilities. As winter had not yet retracted from this city in the northern belt of India, we were not offered a cottage with an outdoor jacuzzi. Can’t say how many guests do opt for this but we wouldn’t have, surely? 

As we were really hungry after a long drive, we proceeded for lunch, only to find that each of the dishes were crafted with expertise and passion, offering a fusion of tastes that left us craving for more. Enhancing the experience was the elegant ambience of Mayfair, adorned with refreshing interiors that embodied the beauty of Nature. In the evenings, however, there’s an option to go in for outdoor dining. 

For guests seeking a playful escape and wanting to unleash the inner child, there is the option for an exhilarating adventure at the gaming zone, The Arcade or indulge in multiple onsite activities like tennis, badminton, cycling, karaoke, movie under the stars and more. Though some of the facilities he mentioned are yet to be introduced, given the resort saw the light of the day a few months back.

The man in-charge of operations at the property, Om, informed us that they are getting a lot of queries for holding off-site meetings and intimate gatherings. “It is here that one can experience the enchantment of life’s milestones and special occasions amidst a magical backdrop, complemented by our impeccable and unparalleled service. We completely understand that celebrations deserve nothing less than perfection so we offer the same,” he shared. The property also boasts of a pillar-less ballroom spanning 1,100 sq ft which serves an ideal setting for productive meetings, brainstorming sessions, and intimate celebrations. “Our 40,000 sq ft lush green lawn, sets the stage for extraordinary events and cherished memories. Whether you’re planning a wedding reception, a grand gala or any other special occasion, our expansive lawn offers exceptional venues that will be etched in your memory for a lifetime. With the captivating surroundings and our commitment to service excellence, your event is destined to shine,” he added.

But our aim was to ‘catch’ a glimpse of the tiger in the wild and ZANA was courteous enough to arrange a jungle safari for us. However, as luck would have it that even after close to three hours of traversing through the National Park, we were unable to see the elusive wild cat eye to eye. Perhaps next time! Disappointed we were but there was a positive from this trip – first, finding ZANA Forest Resort and two, their perfect hospitality. Hope they host us the next time too when we choose to go out ‘hunting’ for the tiger. After all, Ranthambore is where the chances of tiger sighting are more than other locations in the country though it chose to ditch us this time around.