Bharatpur to Ranthambore (Sawi Madhopur Junction) by Rail

Rajasthan, episode 5

The next stop on our travels was Bharatpur bird sanctuary, reported to be one of the finest in the world. However, upon arrival, we found out that there was no water – a wetlands without water!

This part of the journey started from the ‘Birder’s Inn’ at Bharatpur with our guide giving us a motor cycle escort to the rail station. Our driver, Jaipal, followed our guide weaving in and out of the streets until we arrived at the railway station. The network of roads leading to the station was small and very windy. Bharatpur station is huge with many tracks stretching out over a vast distance.

Train access, Indian syle! If you can’t get in one side, try the other!

The Golden Temple Express arrives

A few facts… Indian railways employs over one million people and moves in excess of 6.5 million people every day – some feat!

We sat on the platform waiting for the Golden Temple Express to arrive. Our guide, still with us, was insistent we got on the right carriage and in the right seats. Whilst we were waiting, we asked our guide if the train would be on time. He reflected for a moment and said:

“The train will not come before, but always after”.

One of those wonderful statements that you do not forget. The train was an hour late.

In the carriage, on our way to Ranthambore

Arrival at Sawi Madhopur Junction and assistance with luggage

Fortunately our driver, Jaipal, drove onto Ranthambore with the majority of our luggage, so we did not have the struggle of getting on the train with all our bags. We settled in our seats and for the next two hours, experienced Indian rail travel.

Walking across the tacks to find our platform

News kiosk on the platform

Indian life is one of a 24-hour activity, wherever you are. The train and the stations form an integral part of the Indian way of life. Fascinating to watch the people coming and going and at each station, the train seemed to empty out and fill up again within a few minutes bringing a new set of faces on the move.

Memsahib, ever resourceful, handed out drinks, biscuits and fruit as we made our way to Ranthambore.

Arrival at Bharatpur train station

On arrival at Ranthambore, we were met on the station platform by our representative from Royal Expeditions, who, with driver, hurried us into the jeep and we sped off to ‘Tiger Den’ - our lodgings for the next few nights. The reason for the hurry up was that our Jeep was waiting to take us into the reserve before it got too dark. Tigers, here we come.

Memsahib and yours truly

Rajasthan, episode 4: Majestic - Magnificant the Taj Mahal