Ranthambore National Park
Located in the Sawai Madhopur district of Southwestern Rajasthan, Ranthambore Natinal Park is a famous wildlife destination. It was once the former hunting grounds of the kings of Jaipur.
Sprawling over an area of 1,334 sq km, the park is known for its tigers. This major wildlife destination attracts many wildlife photographers to visit here from far and wide. Established as the Sawai Madhopur Game Sanctuary in the year 1955 by the Government of India, it became a part of under Project Tiger scheme in 1973. Later in the year 1980, it became a National Park.
It is also counted among renowned heritage site as many pictorial ruins dot the wildlife park. A visit to the park is certainly a treat for wildlife lovers. Spotting the tigers roaming around, lush greenery, a huge gamut of species of chirpy birds and animals is a worth to experience once in life.
Wildlife in Ranthambore National Park
The major animal that you can see here is tiger. However, various other animals can also be seen here including several rare species. Amerindian Hoar Hornbills, Jackal, Leopard, Mongoose, Sambar, Monitor Lizards, Indian Hare, Nilgai, Deer, Crocodile and Gazzelle.
It is also a home to different colourful birds. You can see here beautiful birds like Great Crested Grebe, Sandpipers, Asian Palm Swift, Finches, Bee Eaters, Flamingos and Snipes and Nightjars.
Flora
Ranthambhore National Park also offers a rich variety of flora. Trees like Dhok, Banyan, Mango and Pipal are found in abundance here. The landscape here is dominated by gentle slope, shallow lakes and plateaus.
Other Attractions
The other attractions which you can visit here include Ranthambore Fort (the historic ruins), Jogi Mahal (a forest guest house), Bakaula region ( a region of dense forest). You can also see the Lakarda and Anantpura ( the impressive sites for viewing sloth bears), Raj Bagh ruins, situated between the Padam Talao (lake) and the Raj Bagh Talao.
Getting around in the Park
The government conducts canter and jeep safaris twice in a day, at the time of dawn and early afternoon. However, private vehicles are not permitted inside the Ranthambore national park.
Best Time To Visit
From October to March
How To Reach
By Air: Jaipur is the closest airport.
By Rail: Sawai Madhopur district has a well-connected railway network with major cities like Delhi, Mumbai and Jaipur.
Accommodation
There is a range of accommodation options available near the Park. Some of the popular ones are Ranthambhore Regency, Tiger den resort, The Sherbagh resort, Tiger moon resort, Vanya Vilas Resort, Dev Vilas and Ranthambhore Forest Resort.