What is so special about this Park is the way history and forest have come together to create an amazing landscape not seen in very many places. The rich forest around the fort is littered with ruins that date back to the 10th century. Parts of the fort that lie inside the Park have been reclaimed by nature. Can you imagine the sight of a wild tiger seeking shelter under architectural brilliance on a hot summer day, or a leopard standing majestically on the walls of the old fort?

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Ranthambore National Park located in Rajasthan is easily accessible via road, rail and air. If you take the road to this place, you may use private taxis, AC luxury coaches or local buses run by the Rajasthan Transport Corporation.

The 392 sq km of Ranthambhore National Park is perhaps India’s finest example of Project Tiger, a conservation effort started by the government in an attempt to save the dwindling number of tigers in India. Situated near the small town of Sawai Madhopur, the Park has seen its ups and downs, and there were times not so long ago when poachers were having a field day in the Park. But recently thanks to the devoted work of some good field staff the forest has been restored to its old glory and is now seen as a much needed stronghold for the tiger which is battling for survival.

For tourists coming by train, the nearest rail head is at Sawai Madhopur, 11 Kms from this Park. For air-travelers, the closest airport is at Jaipur, 140 Kms from Ranthambore National Park. It is best to visit Ranthambore between February and April when the climate is mild. As the weather of this place is pretty extreme at other times of the year, if you visit it during the aforesaid period, you would enjoy seeing the animals sans any discomfort.

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.

Flora in Ranthambore National Park
The landscape is dotted with ancient Banyan Trees, Dhok & Pipal trees, clusters of mango trees and crisscrossed with evergreen belts. The terrain is made up of massive rock formations, steep scarps, perennial lakes and streams and forest suddenly opening up into large areas of Savannah. The terrain of Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary fluctuates between impregnable forests and open bush land. The forest is the typically dry deciduous type, with Dhok, being the most prominent tree.

Among the more fascinating features of Ranthambhore are the banyan trees, some of which are known to be at least a 800 years old and are mentioned in ancient texts. Ranthambhore can also boasts of the superb specimen of the banyan tree that casts its magnificent canopy behind Jogi Mahal, the old hunting lodge by the lake built in the latter part on the last century by the Maharaja of Jaipur.

There are many interesting places to see in National Park Ranthambore. From densely forested regions and large lakes to historical monuments, you can explore the many attractions of Ranthambore National Park. Feel closer to nature and marvel at the natural beauty and age-old monuments, in the places to see, on tours to National Park Ranthambore in Rajasthan.

Fauna in Ranthambore National Park
Ranthambhore National Park spans an area of about 400 sq km with a tiger population of about 32. The tiger is relatively easier to spot in Ranthambhore than in many other National Parks, thanks to the tourist friendly nature of the tigers and the openness of its surroundings. The Park also supports a large number of other wild species including leopards, the highly endangered caracal, jungle cat, hyena, jackal, sloth bear, wild boar, marsh crocodile, porcupine, common langur, spotted deer, Indian gazelle, sambar (Asiatic stag) and nilgai (bluebull). Some of these species (especially the nocturnal ones like the leopard and the caracal) are difficult to spot and sightings are rare, but then that is bound to happen when every eye in the Park is looking for what Ranthambhore is best known for – the tiger.

The langur is the only primate found in Ranthambhore and is abundant in these forests. It is not the tiger's best friend. Actually it is a source of great annoyance to the tiger, since it has a remarkable eyesight and from its high perch it can spot the slightest movement; its shrill alarm call effectively warns all the other animals of danger. But if you are looking for tigers you should be listening carefully, a langur’s alarm call or for that matter a chital’s (spotted deer) call might be a good indication of the presence of a tiger in the area.

Safari in Ranthambore National Park
The most exciting aspect of exploring a wildlife sanctuary is the safari into the jungles as the thrill of actually encountering a wild beast in its natural habitat is a great form of adventure and excitement. The Ranthambore National Park is open from October to April and the best time to spot wildlife is the early mornings and evenings. A network of tracks crisscrosses the park. Rides into the Park in open jeeps are pretty safe as most of the wild animals are used to to human presence.

Places to See Anantpura and Lakarda Padam Talao Bakaula Raj Bagh Talao Kachida Valley Raj Bagh Ruins Malik Talao Ranthambore Fort

Wildlife Resorts Aman - i - Khas Resort Hammir Wildlife Resort Oberoi Vanyavilas Resort Ranthambore Regency Hotel Sawai Madhopur Lodge Sher Bagh Resort Tiger Den Resort Tiger Moon Resort

Excursions in Ranthambore Park
The tourists can also plan for the nearest excursions from the Ranthambore National Park. Sawai Madopur Village near the national park is known for its historical monuments. Karauli and Bundi are other tourist place famous for its temples and architectural marvels. Kota (100 km) has a number of tourist places like the City Fort and Palace, Kota Barrage, the Kishore Sagar Tank, the Jagmandir Palace, the Brij Vilas Palace Museum etc. Tonk that lies at the same distance is also another must visit.

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How to reach

• Air
  Jaipur at 145-kms is the nearest airport from Ranthambore wildlife sanctuary.
• Rail
  Ranthambore National Park is around 11-kms away from Sawai Madhopur railway station, that lies on the Delhi to Bombay trunk route.
• Road
  A good network of buses connect Sawai Madhopur, the nearest town from Ranthambore to all the major cities within the state of Rajasthan.