“Travelling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” – Ibn Battuta
At Brucira, we believe in more than just creating amazing designs; we value creating lasting bonds. Every six months, we set out on a new adventure, giving our team a chance to connect, explore, and rejuvenate. This time, the destination was the wild landscapes of Ranthambore, and the memories we made were nothing short of magical.
Day 1:
All Aboard to Adventure
The excitement began as we gathered at Mumbai Central Station to catch our train. True to tradition, some team members barely made it in time, arriving just five minutes before departure. The train ride itself was a highlight, filled with card games, laughter, and endless chatter.
The next morning, we arrived at Sawai Madhopur station, greeted by stunning wall art that set the tone for our Rajasthan adventure. A canter awaited us, whisking us away to the scenic Aranya Villa, our home for the trip. Nestled amidst lush greenery and blooming flowers (including the now-famous figs!), the villa’s charm captivated us instantly. Roommates were decided via a fun chit system, and after settling in, we were ready for the real adventure.
Safari Adventures Begin
Post-lunch, we embarked on our first safari. The chilly Ranthambore air and dusty trails welcomed us into the wild.
Our guide shared fascinating insights about the wildlife, and we spotted various species of deer, wild boar, sloth bears, peacocks, alligators, and vibrant kingfishers. Although the elusive tiger evaded us, the experience was exhilarating. Covered in dust but full of energy, we returned to the villa for the evening.
Evening Games, Rap Battles, and Ghost Stories
As the night grew colder, we donned our Brucira hoodies and played a round of hide-and-seek in the garden under the cover of darkness. The fun escalated with a diss rap battle amongst the new joinees, with Koral taking home the crown.
Dinner was followed by a customary ghost story session around the bonfire, leaving some of us too spooked to sleep without the lights on!
Day 2:
Tigers and Temples
We started our second day early, leaving for a 6:30 AM safari with high hopes of spotting a tiger. Our guide shared two main ways to track tigers:
- Following Footprints: Tigers leave clear paw prints that guides can use to trace their path.
- Listening for Monkey Calls: Monkeys in the forest call out when they spot a tiger, acting as natural alarms.
Just 15 minutes into the forest, we heard from another guide that there might be tigers nearby. Excitement filled the air as we moved closer. Soon, we spotted a tiger cub relaxing by the lake. A little ahead, his sibling was also lying peacefully. Our guide told us their mother, Siddhi, is a well-known tigress in Ranthambore. Seeing two male tiger cubs together was rare, as male tigers usually separate as they grow older. We felt incredibly lucky and took many pictures to capture the moment.
After the thrilling tiger sighting, we continued our safari to explore Ranthambore’s history. We visited the beautiful Ranthambore Fort, which offers stunning views of the forest. We also made our way to the Ganesh Temple inside the fort. However, none of us brought water bottles for the trek, which made the climb tiring but also funny in hindsight.
By the time we returned to the villa, we were full of energy and stories to share. The experience of seeing the tiger cubs and exploring the fort made the day truly unforgettable.
Bonding and Folk Dances
After enjoying a traditional Rajasthani lunch of dal baati churma, we spent the afternoon playing Mafia. The game was full of excitement, with everyone trying to figure out who was bluffing. It was a lot of fun and had us all laughing and guessing until the very end. Once the game wrapped up, we gathered for a team photoshoot, capturing the fun and energy of the day.
In the evening, we had a special bonding session in the villa’s garden. Each of us shared how we approach our work, what we’ve learned, and talked about teammates who have inspired us. It was a meaningful moment where we got to know each other better and felt even more connected as a team.
After dinner, the night turned lively with a traditional folk dance performance by local artists. Their colorful costumes and energetic moves immediately grabbed our attention. Soon, some of us joined in! Siddhita, Koral, and Athharv even had their own solo dance sessions with the folk dancer, which had everyone cheering and clapping. Their enthusiasm lit up the night and added a lot of fun to the performance.
As the folk music ended, we played our favorite songs and the entire team hit the dance floor. We danced non-stop, laughing and enjoying the moment, until 3 AM. Everyone was tired by the end, but it was worth it.
This evening was one of the best parts of the trip. Dancing, bonding, and celebrating together made it a night we’ll always remember.
Day 3:
Farewell, Until Next Time
On the final day, we packed up, bid goodbye to the villa, and headed back to the station. The trip had been a roaring success—pun intended—with unforgettable experiences, strengthened bonds, and a renewed sense of camaraderie. Spotting tigers was the cherry on top, leaving us all eager for the next adventure.
Closing Thoughts
Ranthambore gave us not just stunning wildlife and landscapes but also the joy of shared laughter, deeper connections, and incredible memories. As we boarded the train back to Mumbai, our hearts were full, and our spirits were rejuvenated. Here’s to many more adventures together!
