The call of the wild: The inside story of Ranthambore’s tigers

My latest book on forest conservation and documenting the legacy of big cats 

 

A tiger sighting in the wild is always a delightful moment. But seeing nine tiger cubs across nine days in Ranthambore National Park? That is a rare privilege, one I never imagined experiencing when I set out on my latest trip. My book, Ranthambore Diary: 9 Days 9 Cubs, is a deeply personal account of this journey — one filled with adventure, nostalgia and an unshakable bond with the tigers of Ranthambore. 

 

Ranthambore has always held a certain charm and fascination, which has drawn me to it for years. Nestled in the Rajasthani wilderness, it is home to a thriving population of Royal Bengal tigers, each with a unique story to tell. I have visited the park countless times, but this trip was special. My daughter, Aavya, who now knows more about Ranthambore’s tigers than I do, convinced me to dedicate nine full days to tracking and documenting these elusive felines.

With my trusted guides and expert naturalists, we set out each morning in the hope of witnessing new life, a symbol of the success of India’s conservation efforts. As luck would have it, we weren’t disappointed. From the fierce mother Riddhi and her playful cubs, to the legendary Arrowhead — each sighting was a story waiting to be told. 

Each tiger in Ranthambore carries a history of survival, dominance and territorial battles. My book not only documents my experience of seeing these cubs but also delves into the lineage of Ranthambore’s famous tigers — Machli, Noor and their descendants who continue the legacy.

For example, Riddhi, a direct descendant of the legendary Machli, is now the dominant tigress of zones three and four. Watching her confidently guide her cubs through the same paths her great-grandmother once ruled was like stepping back in time. Then there was Arrowhead, once the queen of Ranthambore, now struggling with age and injury but fiercely protective of her three cubs. And, of course, Sultana, who has made zone one her own, raising her young in the face of growing human encroachment.

With the nine cubs and their three mothers, plus other tigers like Ganesh [T-120], Noor [T-39], Noori [T-105] and her cubs, it is no wonder Ranthambore has become such a draw. So many tigers in such an accessible zone make a sighting more or less guaranteed.

For many, a tiger safari is a checklist item — a fleeting moment of excitement. But for those who return year after year, it is an emotional connection. I have seen tigers grow from cubs to rulers of their territories, only to eventually fade away, making way for the next generation. Ranthambore Diary is not just about the thrill of a sighting; it is about the relationships these tigers share, their survival against the odds, and the deep-rooted human connection with wildlife.

Throughout the book, I have also highlighted the conservation efforts, challenges and successes that have shaped Ranthambore’s tiger population. The park, once a royal hunting ground, now stands as a testament to what dedicated conservation efforts can achieve. Yet, threats remain — poaching, habitat loss and increasing human-wildlife conflict make the survival of these tigers anything but guaranteed.

Tigers, as we all know, are India’s most high-profile endangered creatures. For decades, efforts have been made to preserve their natural habitat through Project Tiger. And, so, we take our wins where we can. Numbers are growing in India, with every single birth celebrated and observed with wonder. Of the estimated 3,600 tigers, 88 tigers are in Ranthambore, up from 69 in 2022. This is a remarkable increase. 

This book is a culmination of years of passion and months of meticulous documentation. Every chapter is infused with personal anecdotes, encounters with forest rangers and stories of people who have dedicated their lives to protecting these animals. The breathtaking images captured by naturalists and photographers add another layer to this narrative, bringing the raw beauty of Ranthambore to life.

What makes this book even more special for me is its relevance to future generations. My daughter’s enthusiasm for wildlife conservation has reinforced my belief that if we educate and inspire the youth today, they will be the ones to carry forward the legacy of protecting these incredible creatures.

India is home to over 70 per cent of the world’s wild tiger population, and places like Ranthambore serve as a beacon of hope for their continued survival. This book is not just my story — it is the story of Ranthambore itself, a place where history and nature intertwine, where every tiger has a tale to tell. For wildlife enthusiasts, conservationists and anyone who appreciates the wonders of nature, Ranthambore Diary offers a glimpse into a world that is both enchanting and fragile. As I flip through the pages of my own journey, I hope it inspires others to visit Ranthambore, not just as tourists, but as witnesses to a conservation success story still being written. If you’ve ever wanted to experience the thrill of seeing a tiger in the wild or understand the delicate balance of our ecosystem, Ranthambore Diary is an invitation to do just that.

Join me in celebrating the beauty of Ranthambore’s tigers. Their stories deserve to be told, and through this book, I hope to keep their legacy alive.

Excerpts from the book has been published in The Daily Guardian