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 Indias 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 langurs alarm call or for that matter a chitals
(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
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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
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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.