Tiger, Tiger!

Next stop, Ranthambore National Park to go on a half day safari. Another early morning start which is unheard of for us usually!  We managed to get a place in a jeep with 5 of us rather than a 16 person canter so we were pleased.  The park was surrounded by hills and the terrain as scrub land with trees and grasses.
We bumped along our way along rocky tracks and the guide pointed wildlife out as we went. John and I found it hilarious. I felt like it was a ride in a Universal studios film set with a guide who sounded fairly bored by most of it, repeating name of animals over and over again. We didn't actually expect to see a tiger. Then somebody said, 'Tiger!' There was a tiger about 50 metres away having it's morning drink from the river. The guide saw it but the driver carried on until the guide shouted, Tiger, Tiger' and gave him a couple of whacks.They seemed as surprised as we were to be honest. Suddenly, the ride improved, 'Hold on tight!' he shouted as the driver threw the jeep into reverse and turned it. With wheels spinning and dust flying we set off after the tiger who had started slowly walking away. John said he felt like he was on the set of 'The professionals!' We followed her as she loped unhurriedly through the trees, almost camouflaged back to her cubs. We watched until she went out of sight.  No photos I'm afraid as it was all happening at high speed!
We saw monkeys, deer, antelope, peacocks and a variety of birds including a vulture. Everytime the guide saw another vehicle or park ranger we had to stop and confirm that we'd seen a tiger and tell the whole story again. John and I found it absolutely hilarious, as did the German couple with us and we were all crying with laughter. It seems we were very lucky ...for a change!

Spotted deer