Day 14, Drive to Sawai Madopur and Rathanbone Tiger Reserve

Some things work out for the best. I am happy we were able to drive to Sawai Madopur rather than take the train.... we didn't have to get up so early in the morning either. As usual, the drive was colorful and interesting. We picked up some snacks before we left and some bread for sandwiches so we didn't have to chance the food along the way. Driving is always an exciting sport and this excursion was no different. Ned was very much looking forward to the tiger safari, as was I. We were going to sleep in a tent tonight.... OK.... not your usual camping tent, but a rather luxurious one, nicer than some of the hotels we stayed in!

 As usual, color was everywhere... even on the delivery trucks.

After an uneventful, but not calm drive we arrived at Khem Villas where we were greeted with hot towels, a cool drink and a bindi. Khem Villas are associated with the Rathanbore Tiger Reserve. They own 22 acres of land and have turned the area into a beautiful restful spot and spa if you wanted to indulge. They are a working farm and most of what they serve, they grow themselves. It is strictly vegetarian. We arrived in time for a late lunch. Dinner was not till at least 8:00 so we got a chance to stroll around the grounds and watch the birds on the little lake. There were tons of butterflies along the path and I was able to snap a few of them and a huge grasshopper who was on the path to our tent. Since it is winter there, the days are short and it was starting to get dark. The water lilies were starting to close up. We rested for a bit then joined the other guests around a large fire pit and had a drink.... well Ned did, I had sweet lime juice. We met a lovely British couple who now resided in Australia and asked them to join us for dinner. It was a lovely and restful evening. A really nice break in the trip. The food was superb. Early to bed as the jeep was coming to pick us up at 6:30 a.m.