Tigress Riddhi’s Rare Turtle Hunt: A Thrilling Encounter at Ranthambore

Visitors to the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve in Sawai Madhopur experience the thrill of wildlife, attracting lakhs of tourists from India and abroad every year. On Saturday evening, tourists on a safari witnessed a rare and exciting sight – tigress Riddhi hunting a turtle live.

According to reports, tourists were on a tiger safari in Zone 3 of Ranthambore on Saturday evening when they spotted tigress Riddhi near the lake area. The tigress approached a turtle sitting by the lake and made it her prey. Sensing danger, the turtle retracted into its shell and remained still. The tigress first observed and sniffed the turtle before ultimately hunting it. She then carried her prey into the bushes to enjoy her meal.

The entire scene left the tourists thrilled, and many captured the moment on their mobile cameras. The video has since gone viral on social media.

Tigress T-124 Riddhi is the daughter of tigress T-84 Arrowhead and is around seven years old. She has given birth twice so far. Her territory primarily spans Zone 3 and Zone 4 of Ranthambore, with frequent sightings near the lake area in Zone 3. In the past, Riddhi has also hunted crocodiles and wild boars.

About Ranthambore Tiger Reserve

Ranthambore Tiger Reserve is one of India’s most famous national parks, known for its rich biodiversity and a high chance of tiger sightings. It was initially established as the Sawai Madhopur Game Sanctuary in 1955 and later declared one of the Project Tiger reserves in 1973. It became a national park in 1980 and was expanded to include surrounding forests to provide a better habitat for its diverse wildlife.

Spread over 1,334 square kilometers, the reserve is home to not just Bengal tigers but also leopards, sloth bears, sambar deer, nilgai, jackals, and various bird species. The picturesque Ranthambore Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, adds historical charm to the park, offering stunning views of the landscape.

How to Reach Ranthambore from Delhi

• By Air: The nearest airport is Jaipur International Airport (approx. 180 km away). From Jaipur, one can hire a taxi or take a train to Sawai Madhopur.
• By Train: Sawai Madhopur Railway Station is the nearest railhead, well-connected to Delhi with several trains like Ranthambore Express, Kota Jan Shatabdi, and Rajdhani Express.
• By Road: Ranthambore is about 400 km from Delhi and can be reached via NH48, taking approximately 7-8 hours by car or bus.

For an unforgettable experience, visitors are advised to book safaris in advance, as the park allows limited vehicles in designated zones to maintain ecological balance. The best time for tiger sightings is during winter (October to March) when the climate is pleasant.