The dust swirled around my jeep as we bumped along the rugged path, the air thick with the scent of dry leaves and the promise of the wild. I’d come to Ranthambore for its famed tigers, of course, drawn by the allure of spotting the majestic creatures in their natural habitat. But as the imposing ramparts of Ranthambore Fort gradually loomed atop the hill, I felt a different kind of pull—a whisper from the past, an invitation to explore more than just the jungle.

The call of the wild

Like most people who find their way to Ranthambore, I arrived with visions of orange and black stripes slinking through golden grass. My abode for the stay was the spectacular Bookmark Resorts Jogi Mahal, a boutique hotel hideaway tucked close to the gates of the national park.

The moment I stepped into its stone-clad cottages surrounded by trees and birdsong, I knew this wouldn’t be just another rushed weekend escape. The staff greeted me with a warmth that didn’t feel rehearsed, and a glass of local drink instantly revived me after the hot drive from Jaipur.

That evening, I sat on the deck of my cottage, the air alive with the chirping of crickets and the distant calls of night birds. A primal and exciting thrill coursed through me as I wondered if I would be lucky enough to spot the elusive tiger.

How would I cope with the sweltering heat and the early morning wake-up calls?

My heart raced, and my pulse quickened with the mere thought of witnessing such raw power in the wild and open. Watching a documentary on the legendary Tigress Queen of Ranthambore, Machli, only intensified the........

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