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About Ranthambore
National Park
One of the most popular parks with tiger sightings at its best, a
photographers’ dream come true, dotted with lakes and ponds around
which the wildlife abounds, predators and prey enact their day to day
drama. Ranthambore, hailed as one of India's finest wildlife
locations, is located near Sawai Madhou r
township about 100 kms south east of Ajmer in Rajasthan. It was
established as a sanctuary in 1959 and included in the very first
phase of Project Tiger in 1972. In 1981 Ranthambore was awarded
National Park status. The park derives its name from the fort of
Ranthambhore which sits on a rocky outcrop in the forest. The fort
dates back to the 11th century when it was a vital citadel for the
control of central India.
Wildlife Attraction
Tiger
The tiger reigns supreme in Ranthambore. Ranthambore is among the few
places in the world where this super-predator, symbol of power,
strength and magnificence, can be observed at close quarters. There
are about 25 tigers and 40 leopards in the reserve. These are
supported by a large population of healthy herbivores. On can never
have enough of tigers. One may have seen a tiger a hundred times, yet
each sighting is greeted with the same high-pitched intensity.
Tigers can be spotted quite often in their natural habitat even during
daytime. They have been frequently seen at the edges of three lakes—Padam
Talab, Raj Bagh Talab and Milak Talab. The park also has panthers in
sizable numbers, though they have been spotted generally at the
outskirts of the park perhaps due to the inevitable conflict with the
tiger population, which command the ‘superior’ position amidst the
predatory cats. For spotting panthers, Kachida Valley is regarded as
the ideal place.
Water Bodies and Birds
Jacanas, painted stork, black stork, and white necked stork are seen
along the water bodies. Peafowl are
 found
in abundance and other birds include Bonelli's eagle, crested serpent
eagle, the great Indian horned owl, quail, partridge, spur fowl and
the paradise flycatcher.
Other Attractions
Ranthambore has large numbers of sambar, chital and nilgai. Sounders
of boar and an occasional gazelle the chinkara can be seen, as also
the Indian hare, mongoose and monitor lizards. The lakes and pools at
the park are where the deer congregate and where it is easiest to see
the animals. Among the other local fauna are the leopard, hyena.
jackal, jungle cats, slothe bear and marsh crocodile.
Live the Adventure in Ranthambhore
The adventure begins at daybreak. Open Gypsys take you into the depths
of Ranthambhore forest. An incredible variety of wildlife abounds in
these forests, the magnificent king of the forest - the Tiger, often
gives an audience to your astonished eyes. The morning mists slowly
unfolds the mysteries of nature, the naturalist guides you through
these moments with his expertise. At intervals the jungle erupts with
alarm calls of the forest denizens. The cats are on the prowl in
search of prey, wildlife sightings are at their best this is the most
exciting hour in the Indian jungle |
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Best Time to Visit
Ranthambhore Wildlife Sanctuary is open for visitors between October
and June. Summers are very hot
in this part of the country, and temperatures rise so high that you’ll
probably end up being utterly uncomfortable. However, the summer heat
attracts animals to the waterholes, so there’s greater chance of
seeing wildlife in May or June.
The best time for a trip remains between December and April, when the
weather’s great and there’s plenty of opportunity for doing some
hardcore wildlife-watching. March and April, especially, are months
when tiger-spotting is more common.
How to get there?
By Air: Jaipur (165 km) is the nearest airport.
By Rail: The Park is around 12 km 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 with
quite a few areas around |
