Sharon's Journal:
Project Tiger Journey
February 5, 2025
When my friend organized a medical conference in Jaipur, she texted me:
"Want to join a Tiger Safari in India?"
I immediately said YES - without hesitation, YES!
As a nature lover and animal enthusiast, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to see the Royal Bengal Tiger in nature!
We were going to explore The Golden Triangle of India, comprising the cities of Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur.
We were about to embark on an exciting adventure.
Rathambore National Park
Rajasthan, INDIA
After a long flight from New York, we landed in New Delhi. Our first stop? A lavish Indian breakfast at The Oberoi Gurgaon. We were then greeted by our host from &Beyond—the travel coordinator for our visit. From there, we were driven to Ranthambore National Park, approximately a five-hour drive away.
Ranthambore National Park is a renowned wildlife reserve in Northern India, located in the Sawai Madhopur district of southeastern Rajasthan, about 130 km from Jaipur. Once a famous hunting ground of the Maharajas of Jaipur, today it’s a protected national park where tigers roam freely in their natural habitat.
We arrived at Suján Sher Bagh, a Relais & Châteaux luxury safari camp near Ranthambore.
Photo legend: Suján Sher Bagh, a Relais & Châteaux luxury safari camp near Ranthambore
Sujan Sher Bagh
The campsite is Ideally situated near the entrance of Ranthambhore National Park , Inspired by the safari campsites of the 1920s, chosen by princes and emperors of the time, each tent is furnished with 19th century campaign style furnishings, boasting rose and teak woods amid soft muslin fabrics. The walls are lined with monochrome and sepia photographs detailing the rich history of the areas and its royal visitors.
We were welcomed by the gracious team at Sher Bagh that attended to our every need.
After we were shown to our tents, we enjoyed cocktails followed by a traditional Indian dinner around the fire under starry skies.
The hospitality at SUJÁN Sher Bagh was beyond compare - a level of care and attention we soon realized was the standard throughout our entire stay.
The next morning, we were woken up at 5 AM with coffee and cookies served to our room before heading out on an early morning safari ride.
After a morning safari ride, the group indulged in a leisurely lavish Indian breakfast consisting of Dosa, Paratha and fruits.
We enjoyed swimming, relaxing and napping at the campsite before embarking on an afternoon safari, followed by cocktails at the elegant outdoor bar and later on, a traditional Indian dinner under the stars.
Rathambore National Park, aside from being home to tigers, is also home to many other incredible species - various birds, antelopes, leopards, peacocks (India’s national bird), monkeys, jackals, wolves, sloth bears, and the regal banyan trees (India’s national tree). 
It took four safari drives before we finally saw the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger - a mother and two grown cubs. It was pure magic! Seeing these majestic creatures up close was breathtaking and surreal.
After three nights and four drives, our small group departed Ranthambore and headed toward Jaipur, The Pink City.
Jaipur: The Pink City
Jaipur is the famous walled capital city of Rajasthan. It has been known as the Pink City since 1876, when it was painted pink as a sign of hospitality for the visiting Queen Victoria of England and the Prince of Wales.
In Jaipur, we were dropped off at The Oberoi Rajvilas - and there are not enough superlatives to describe this palace-hotel. With its sprawling gardens, traditional Indian architecture, and peacocks roaming the grounds, it was straight out of a fairytale. We were even upgraded to a stunning villa and instantly felt like Maharajas!
Photo legend: The Oberoy Rajavilla
The Oberoy Rajavilla received Best Hotel in the World Travel + Leisure, World’s Best Awards, 2024 and Ranked Number 1 in Top 20 Hotels in India Conde Nast Traveller, UK, Readers’ Choice Awards, 2024.
As sad as we were to leave this pampering paradise, we only had two days to explore Jaipur.
We took a guided tour with our friends to the opulent Amber Palace, located high on a hill. To get up, you have the choice of an elephant ride or a golf cart. The Amber Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an architectural masterpiece.
Photo legend: Amber Palace, Jaipur
We also visited the Instagram-famous Hawa Mahal, the Palace of Winds, built as a facade for royal women to observe daily life and festivals from behind its latticed windows without being seen.
Photo legend: Hawa Mahal, the Palace of Winds
Jaipur is also famous for its markets and jewelry, especially its emeralds. I happily spent hours at the markets, finding great inspiration for future collections.
Agra
Agra is home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World, The Taj Mahal, a symbol of love and a symbol of India.
Agra was once the capital of the Mughal Empire, which originated from the Mongols. It was established as the capital in the early 16th century by the Mughal emperors Babur, Humayun, Akbar, Jahangir, and Shah Jahan.
Under Mughal rule, Agra became a center for learning, arts, commerce, and religion, and saw the construction of Agra Fort, Sikandra, and its most famed monument, the Taj Mahal.
The Taj Mahal is a mausoleum, built between 1632 and 1648 by Shah Jahan in remembrance of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, who died during childbirth of her 14th child at the age of 38, according to our guide.
Photo legend: The Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal blends Indo-Islamic and Mughal architecture. It is a perfectly symmetrical structure, built from white marble and decorated with semi-precious inlaid stones in floral motifs, vines, and Arabic calligraphy in black onyx.
It was my dream and on my bucket list to visit the Taj Mahal.
To fully take it in, we visited twice, at sunset and sunrise, and it was one of the highlights of the journey. We stood in awe - a truly amazing, deeply spiritual place.
New Delhi
Back in New Delhi and it’s time to go home.
It was a captivating journey that offered a glimpse into India's rich vibrant culture, history, architectural marvels and diverse heritage.
Despite challenges and the hustle and bustle of the crowded cities we felt a sense of peace and tranquility throughout our journey in India.
We will carry with us the impressions with awe, the colors, the sounds, the nature, the tastes, and the spirit of the people.
It was an unexpected, enriching and spiritual journey.
The Lotus temple in New Delhi
