About Ranthambore National Park

The former hunting ground of the Maharajas of Jaipur, the Ranthambore National Park is situated in Eastern Rajasthan at the confluence of the Aravali hill ranges and the Vindhyan plateau. The two rivers cross the Ranthambore National Park - Chambal River in the South and Banas River in the North. The six man-made lakes and many perennial streams pass through the entire national park. In 1955, the Ranthambore National Park was declared a game sanctuary; and in 1980, it attained the status of a national park. With the initiation of the Project Tiger in 1972, it was declared as the tiger reserve in India. The total area of the park turns out to be 1,334 sq km along with its adjoining sanctuaries - Keladevi and Mansingh. The typical feature of the park is that out of the entire park a few area is open for the tourists from all walks of life. The Ranthambore Park is well nestled between the Aravali and Vindhya mountain ranges. The rugged terrain and the dense deciduous forests are the major features of this national park boasting of one of the largest and diverse wildlife species in India.

Ranthambore is also categorised as the heritage site because of the picturesque ruins of the fort that dot the park. The lake palaces, 'chhatris', old fortifications and a majestic fort dating back to 1,000 years overlook the park. The Jogi Mahal and the Padam Talao are the unique features of Ranthambore National Park. The park is famous for spotting the tigers, whether they are roaring, attacking the prey, feeding the cubs or yawning in the jungle.

Wildlife in Ranthambore National Park
The tigers enjoy their hegemony in the national park. The Ranthambore National Park is also ideal for taking the snapshots. The rich and diverse variety of flora and fauna includes 300 trees, 50 aquatic plants, 272 birds, 12 reptiles and 30 mammals. Apart from the tiger, the tourists can also observe Sloth Bear, Wild Boar, Chinkara, Porcupines and Jackals, Leopard, Jungle Cat, Marsh Crocodile, Sambhar, Chital, Nilgai, Gazzelle, Boars, Mongoose, Indian Hare, Monitor Lizards and a large number of birds. Most of these wild animals can be spotted near the lakes and water holes during the evening. Ranthambore is home to both resident and migratory bird population. There are about 264 bird species found within the park.

Tigers in Ranthambore National Park
There are about 25 tigers and 40 leopards in the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve. Observing the activities of this mighty and powerful creature is a lifetime experience. Tigers can be spotted easily in their natural habitat during daytime particularly at the confluence of three lakes-Padam Talab, Raj Bagh Talab and Milak Talab. The park also has a large number of panthers seen in plenty after the tigers at Kachida Valley and commonly seen at the outskirts of the park.

When To Visit
The summer time makes you feel uncomfortable on account of scorching heat but it is ideal for observing the wild animals and wildlife in the park as most of the animals throng at the water sources to bathe and drink water. The best time to visit the national park thus remains between December and April as they provide full of opportunity for wildlife watching. For spotting the tigers, the idea time is in March and April when tiger spotting is the most common. Kindly gather all the necessary information for visiting the national park.

How to Reach
By Air: The pink city of Rajasthan, Jaipur at 145-kms from the national park is the nearest airport. From Jaipur one can hire a taxi or bus up to a Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary.
By Rail: Ranthambore National Park is just 11-kms away from Sawai Madhopur railway station and is directly accessible as it lies on the Delhi to Bombay trunk route.
By Road: Frequent and numerous buses connect Sawai Madhopur with Ranthambore to all the major cities within the state of Rajasthan.

Timings
October To March: 6.00 am - 9.00 am & 3.00 pm - 6.00 pm
April To June: 6.30 am - to 9.30 am & 3.30 pm - 6.00 pm