Introduction
Our trip to Ranthambore National Park was a perfect mix of wildlife, history, and family time. What made it even more special was our stay at The Maharaja’s Lodge—a heritage property that once served as a hunting lodge for the royal family.
A Heritage Stay with Royal Charm
From the moment we arrived, the property transported us to a different era.
- Spacious rooms with vintage-style bathrooms
- Furniture reflecting the royal past
- A calm, old-world charm throughout
At many spots across the property- like the reception, lobby, and near the restaurant- you’ll also notice old photographs of the royal family, including historical hunting moments. These add to the heritage character of the lodge and reflect its past as a former hunting retreat.
At the center of the property is a lush green lawn, which becomes especially beautiful in the evenings with sprinklers running and hammocks tied across—perfect for relaxing.
There’s also a small kids’ park, making it easy for children to stay engaged.
Life at the Property
The property strikes a nice balance between relaxation and activities.
- A swimming pool where kids spent a lot of time
- A vegetable garden within the property
- Open spaces to walk and unwind
Evenings were especially lively with high tea served along with snacks, followed by engaging activities for kids like:
- Clay toy making
- Laakh bangle making
- Magic shows
Food & Dining Experience
Food was a mix of comfort and local flavors.
- Breakfast: Standard buffet with a few local touches
- Lunch: Mostly ordered in-room for convenience
- Dinner: Buffet at the restaurant
Dinner time had a special charm, with local artists performing Rajasthani folk music, adding a cultural touch to the experience.
We also got to try local dishes like:
- Gatta sabzi
- Bajra roti
Safari Experience
We did two safaris—one in the evening and one early morning.
The gypsies pick you up directly from the property, and it takes about 20 minutes to reach the forest.
One thing to keep in mind is that safaris can get quite dusty, especially during dry months, so it’s a good idea to carry a scarf or mask—particularly for kids.
The landscape itself is stunning:
- Dense forests
- Rocky terrain
- Views of the historic Ranthambore Fort walls from within the jungle
Evening Safari
We spotted:
- Peacocks
- Monkeys
- Spotted deer
- Wild boars
- A family of bears
Morning Safari
This was the highlight of our trip.
We were lucky to spot a tigress named Riddhi near a water source—a moment that made the entire experience unforgettable.
Along with that, we saw:
- Crocodiles near the lake
- Spotted deer
- An owl
- Numerous birds
For the kids, it was their first time witnessing so much wildlife in one safari, making it incredibly exciting.
Traveling with Kids
This trip worked well for families:
- Easy safari pickups from the property
- Activities to keep kids engaged
- Safe and open environment
However, summers in Ranthambore can be extremely hot.
Make sure:
- Kids wear caps
- Stay hydrated during safaris
Final Thoughts
Our 2-day stay at The Maharaja’s Lodge was a beautiful blend of heritage, wildlife, and family time.
From relaxing in hammocks to witnessing a tiger in the wild, it was an experience that both we and the kids will remember for a long time.
If you’re looking for a wildlife getaway that combines comfort, culture, and adventure, Ranthambore is a great choice—especially with family.