The Ranthambore National Park was the hunting ground of Maharaja of Jaipur.
In 1955, it was declared a game sanctuary; in 1980, it became a national
park. But with the commissioning of Project Tiger in 1972, it was included
in the project. With the addition of neighbouring Keladevi and Mansingh
sanctuaries, the total area of the national park stands at 1,334 sq km. But
the entire park - the core area is just 392 sq kms - is not open to the
public. The Ranthambore Park is set between the Aravalli and Vindhya ranges.
Its deciduous forests were once a part of the magnificent jungles of Central
India. The terrain is rugged and there are rocky ridges, hills and open
valleys with lakes and pools.
Ranthambore
is a heritage site because of the picturesque ruins that dot the wildlife
park. There are lake palaces, 'chhatris', old fortifications and a majestic
1,000-year-old fort, overlooking the park. The lovely Jogi Mahal is located
at the foot of the fort and gives magnificent view of the Padam Talao,
painted white with water lilies. The Ranthambhore park is famous for tigers
and due to conservation efforts, the tiger population has stabilized if not
increased here. The tigers can be spotted quite often even during the day,
at their normal pursuits-- hunting and taking care of their young ones.
Ranthambhore is one of the best places to see these majestic predators.
Nearby Attractions of Ranthambore
The most fascinating and most popular excursion taken from the national
park is to the Ranthambore Fort. This fort was built by the Chauhans in the
10th century. The fort is located at a very strategic position between north
and central India and hence it was always coveted by many rulers. This fort
is famous for the 'Johar' (suicide by immolation to escape humilitaion) by
Rajput women in 1301AD during the siege by Ala-ud-din Khilji. The temples
and tanks add to the beauty of the fort. The seven gates and massive curtain
walls, crowning a fall-topped hill presents a majestic view.
Park Population of Ranthambore National Park
The tigers are the prized attractions of the park. Other inmates of the
park are the Antelopes, Nilgai, Sambhar and Chital, which are easy to spot.
Those who are lucky enough get to see the Sloth Bear, Wild Boar, Chinkara,
Porcupines and Jackals, Leopard, Jungle Cat and Marsh Crocodile. The lakes
and water holes in the Ranthambore national park are the best places to
sight the animals. These water bodies are full of lotus and water lilies.
Ranthambore also has a sizeable bird population, both resident and
migratory. There are about 264 species of birds found within the park.
Indian Hare, Mongoose and Monitor Lizards can also spotted.
Ranthambore National Park Trips
The park is toured by a jeep or a lorry. The reservation of these can be
done at the Project Tiger Office at Sawai Madhopur. The tour is accompanied
by a guide. In the park, one must stick to the allocated route. Entry is
relatively expensive, with fees for entrance, vehicle hired, guide and
camera being charged separately. of the persons who were buried in the
infamous landslide. The few bodies which could be dug out were buried in the
church premises.
Rajasthan Train Travel
§ Palace on Wheels
Ever wondered what luxury in the royal times was all about! Welcome to
Palace On Wheels, a luxury train that carries with it an ambience of the
Rajputana era and an exciting fairytale journey, which takes the visitor to
the imperial cities of Rajasthan every single day. The coaches also carry
out an image of the Rajput states with beautiful interiors. Last but not the
least the "Royal Treat" for the passengers on board include
saloons, bar lounges & libraries in every coach as well as restaurant
and organized shopping facilites.
Places to stay in Ranthambore
The
are excellent accommodation facilities in and around Ranthambore National
Park.There are heritage hotels, hotels & rest houses of the RTDC and the
Taj group also has one hotel here. The Maharaja Lodge by the Taj Group
provides world class accommodation. The forest rest house, Jogi Mahal inside
the park and Hotel Kamadhenu are few of the hotels maintained by the RTDC.
Jhoomer Baori forests lodge is also managed by the RTDC. These hotels and
rest houses are designed to suit every budget. There are few local and
private accommodation available too.
Climate in Ranthambore
Located in Rajasthan, the Ranthambore Reserve is influenced by the desert
type of climate. The vegetation, which is mostly dry anddeciduous, provides
good cover for the animals. The climate is generally dry but annual rainfall
is enough to sustain the park population. In fact, Ranthambore is one of the
green patches in the otherwise barren landscape of the state.
§ Best Time to Visit Ranthambore
The park is open for visitors from October to June. But the best season to
visit Ranthambore is from November to April. This is the time when animals
can be easily spotted.
How to get there
The nearest city to the park is Sawai Madhopur. This place also provides
the nearest railhead for the national park. It is 11 km from Ranthambore.
Make sure about the trains if you are planning to reach the place by rail.
The nearest airport is that of Jaipur, which is about 145 km away. There are
regular flights of various airlines to this place. From Jaipur one has to
take the road to access the national park.
