HEADLINES:  

INTRODUCTION

Ringed by the Vindhyas and the Aravalis,amidst vast arid tracts of the desert lies the Ranthanbor National Park sprawling over an area of 392 sq.kms.The tiger is the major attraction of the Park which led to the creation of Ranthambore National Park in 1971 which has now more than 50 tigers.Ranthambore is rich in archeological monuments too and the fort here is situated on a hill-top.Ranthambore,the abode of the brave and hardy Hammir who reigned here during Alauddin Khiliji's time.

This Park was the hunting ground of the Maharajas of Jaipur.The Ranthambore National Park is situated at a distance of about 130kms Southeast of Jaipur.Ranthambore national park was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1957 and in 1974 it gained the protection of "Project Tiger".There are many man made lakes and perennial streams which adds beauty to the park.

ORIENTATION

It is situated in Sawai Madhopur district of southeastern Rajasthan; about 180 km from Jaipur.It coordinates at 26°01N 76°30E.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

The ideal time to visit the Ranthambore National Park is between October to June.

PLACES OF INTERESTS

The Flora

Ranthambore has a variety of plant growing for the terrain is a mixture of shallow perennial lakes, steep hills, gentle slopes, plateaus, narrow valleys, etc.It is a basically a dry deciduous forest. The predominant tree of this area is the Dhok or Anogeissus pendula whose leaves are the food for the deer, nilgai and antelope here. The Banyan tree here in Ranthambore behind the hunting lodge is supposed to be the largest specimens in India.

The other commonly seen plants here are Ronj (Acacia leucophloea), khimi (Manilkara hexandra), Kadam (Authocephalus cadamba), salar (Boswellia serrata), tendu (Diospyrous melanoxylon), Khair (Accacia catechu), Kulu (Sterculia urens), gurjan (Lannea coromandelica), Gum (Sterculia urens), Khajur (Phoenix sylvestris), Kikar (Acacia nilotica), Mohua (Madhuca indica), Karel (Capparis decidua), Kakera (Flacourtia indica) and Khejda (Prosopis specigera).

Fauna

The Tiger which is considered as the lord of the kingdom dominates the Ranthambore National Park. There are many wild animals belonging to the cat family like Leopard, Caracal, Leopard cat, Fishing cat and Jungle cat. The other large predators include Sloth Bear, Striped Hyena, Jackal, Desert fox, Palm civet, common mongoose, crocodile, python etc. There are two species of antlers the spotted deer (chital), and Sambhar deer and two kinds of antelopes namely the Indian Gazelle (chinkara ) and the Bluebull ( Nilgai ).

Reptiles

The Ranthambore National Park is not less in reptile varieties like Snub Nosed Marsh Crocodiles, Desert Monitor Lizards, Tortoise, Banded Kraits, Cobras, Common Kraits, Ganga Soft Shelled Turtles, Indian Pythons, North Indian Flap Shelled Turtles, Rat Snakes, Russel's Vipers, Saw-scaled Vipers and the Indian Chamaeleon.

Avian Species

According to the study of ornithologists there are at least more than 300 species of birds in this wildlife sanctuary. Sparrows, mynahs, bulbuls and pigeons are visible in abundance. There are birds which migrate to this sanctuary from different parts of the world. The white ibis, egrets and sandpipers are also native birds in Ranthambore National Park. Some of the common birds seen here are Babblers,Sparrows,Mynahs,Bulbuls,Pigeons,Baya weaver bird, Wrens, larks, thrushes, wagtails, munias, minivets,orioles,cuckoos,blue jay, parakeets and Sarus Crane.

Tigers of Ranthambore

Ranthambore National Park is best known for its population of majestic Royal Bengal Tigers. The Royal Bengal Tigers of Ranthambore can be seen in prowling in the forest, stalking their prey, drinking on the edge of the lakes and watering holes and basking in the sun on the rocky outcrops of the ruins of the Ranthambore Fort. Tiger hunting was banned by Indian law in 1970. In 1973, Ranthambore National Park was declared a tiger sanctuary under Project Tiger.

Other attraction in Ranthambore

Padam Talao

This is one of the largest lakes in Ranthambore National Park where the animals come to quench their thirst. The banks of the Padam Talao have the hunting lodge. There are number of observation posts at this point from where you can get to see the animals in wild.

Rajbagh Talao

This is the second biggest lake next only to the Padam Talao.A number of animals comes here to also feed on the water plants seen in this lake.

Malik Talao

The Malik Talao is the littlest in surface area of the three lakes in Ranthambore National Park. It is best known for its many species of birds seen on its banks and within the lake. Kingfishers, egrets, herons, ibis, storks and cranes can be seen around the Malik Talao. Watch out for the crocodiles in the Malik Talao.

Raj Bagh Ruins

This place in between Raj Bagh Talao and the Padam Talao has the ruins of a palace where if you are lucky can get to see the tigers and other animals relaxing in the shade.

Ranthambore Fort

Ranthambore, the abode of the brave and hardy Hammir who reigned here during Alauddin Khiliji's time. This Park was the hunting ground of the Maharajas of Jaipur.This ancient fort, in its rugged and rough beauty enchants the visitors. The Ranthambore Fort is located on a high plateau of over 700 feet, in the center of Ranthambore National Park. You can see panoramic views of the park from its high walls.

Jeep Safari

Jeep safaris are undertaken during the early morning hours till evening. A forest department guide is always their with the visitors on these jeep trips taken inside the park. There is a fixed entry and exit time into the forest. The Jeep Safari in Ranthambore takes you through the open grasslands, ruins of Wilderness and other forested areas within Ranthambore National park. You can spot wild animals near these places.

Shopping

The main outlet here in Ranthambore for shopping is Sawai Madhopur where you get art and craft items. One should not miss to buy T-shirts, postcards, posters and greeting cards with images of tigers and other wild animals and birds of Ranthambore.Rajasthan famous textiles with the traditional embroideries can also be purchased from here.

HOW TO REACH

By Air

Jaipur at 145-kms is the nearest airport from Ranthambore wildlife sanctuary.

By Trains

Ranthambore National Park is around 11-kms away from Sawai Madhopur railway station, that lies on the Delhi to Bombay trunk route.

By Road

A good network of buses connect Sawai Madhopur, the nearest town from Ranthambore to all the major cities within the state of Rajasthan.