Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan is one of the best wildlife tourism spots in India for seeing tigers. Recently, Ranthambore was the setting for a special retreat for the Chief Justice of India (CJI) and a couple of judges of the Supreme Court that lasted for three days, starting on September 12, and gave the judges some rest from their busy schedules.
There were plenty of experiences enjoyed by them, which included visiting a famous temple, viewing a tiger while going to the famous Ranthambore Fort, and staying at a luxury resort. The judges had a safari along with watching cultural programs; however, the trip provided a different, enjoyable, pleasurable, and peaceful break from court work.
The Visit To Shri Trinetra Ganesh Temple
On the very first day of their stay at Ranthambore National Park, the Chief Justice of India, along with his wife and son, went to the Shri Trinetra Ganesh Temple. This temple is an ancient and well-respected place of worship located inside the Ranthambore Fort area. It is surrounded by green forests and visited by thousands of people every year.
The CJI and his family were joined by other Supreme Court judges for the temple visit. All of them participated in the prayers and rituals. The temple is believed to be very special because it is dedicated to Lord Ganesha, who is worshipped by many people before starting any new work. Visitors often come here to pray for peace and good fortune.
The head priest of the temple, Himanshu Gautam, personally welcomed the judges and their families. He guided them during the prayer rituals and offered blessings. This warm welcome made the start of the retreat peaceful and meaningful for the judges. For people who usually spend most of their time on legal matters, this visit gave them a chance to take a pause and connect with spiritual traditions.
The Rare Tiger Sighting
One of the most exciting moments of the visit happened while the judges were traveling along the Ranthambore Fort road. During this journey, they got the chance to see a tiger walking along the path. This was a rare moment, because even though Ranthambore National Park is famous for tigers, spotting them in the open is not always guaranteed. Many tourists visit the park several times, but may not be lucky enough to see a tiger.
The judges were very fortunate to witness this event. The tiger was seen moving calmly through its natural surroundings. For the judges and their families, this became one of the most memorable parts of their visit. A tiger sighting like this shows the importance of protecting wildlife areas like Ranthambore, where animals can live freely without disturbance.
This incident was widely discussed because it happened outside of a planned Ranthambore safari. It showed that nature can surprise visitors at any time. The judges left with a strong memory of India’s national animal in its true home.
The Judges’ Stay At A Resort
The retreat for the judges was organized at a well-known five-star resort located near Ranthambore National Park. The resort provided all modern facilities along with a peaceful natural environment. From September 12 onward, the judges stayed here and enjoyed the mix of comfort and closeness to wildlife.
This was the sixth such retreat organized for Supreme Court judges. The purpose of these retreats is to give them some rest and allow them to spend time together outside the court. During this retreat, the judges had many opportunities to talk informally with each other, which is not always possible during their regular office schedules.
The resort was surrounded by greenery and open spaces, making it a good place for relaxation. The judges were able to walk around, enjoy the natural views, and spend quiet time with their families. This setting helped them take a short break from the heavy responsibilities of their work and return with fresh energy.
Ranthambore Safari And Tiger Spotting
The most eagerly awaited part of the retreat was the Ranthambore safari. Safaris are guided tours inside Ranthambore National Park, where visitors are taken in special vehicles to see wildlife. The park is divided into different zones, and each zone has its own wildlife and landscapes.
On Saturday, the judges went for a safari in Zone 6, which is one of the important zones of the park. This area is well-known among tourists because of its rich wildlife. During this safari, the judges were lucky to spot a famous tiger known as T-108, also called Jai.
Jai is a large and powerful tiger that many visitors to the park hope to see. His appearance during the safari was a major highlight for the judges. Watching a tiger in its natural surroundings is always a thrilling experience, and the judges felt grateful to see Jai during their visit.
Apart from the tiger, the safari also gave them a chance to see many other animals, birds, and plants that make Ranthambore National Park so special. The park has leopards, deer, wild boars, crocodiles, and many species of birds. The safari reminded the judges about the importance of conserving forests and protecting wildlife for future generations.
Cultural Evening And Relaxation
Another interesting part of the retreat was a cultural evening organized at the resort. The judges were invited to watch local Rajasthani music and dance performances. Rajasthan is famous for its traditional art forms, and the program gave the judges an opportunity to enjoy the local culture.
The performers displayed colorful costumes, traditional songs, and folk dances that showed the richness of the region’s heritage. The judges, who usually spend most of their time in legal discussions, got to enjoy an evening filled with music and dance.
This cultural event gave them a chance to relax further and connect with the traditions of the place they were visiting. It was also a way to show respect to the local community by appreciating their art and culture.
Departure And Farewell
After spending three days at Ranthambore National Park, the retreat ended. On the last day, the judges were formally seen off by senior district officials. Divisional Commissioner Dr. Tina Soni and District Collector Kanaram were present during the farewell, showing the visit’s importance.
The judges returned with memories of temple visits, tiger sightings, comfortable resort stays, the Ranthambore safari, and cultural programs. This retreat was not just for rest. It also helped the judges connect with nature and local traditions. Visits like this also show why protecting places like Ranthambore is important for wildlife and for people.
