Ranthambore National Park

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Ranthambore national park was the former hunting ground of the Maharajas of Jaipur. It is situated in eastern Rajasthan at the confluence of the Aravali hill ranges and the Vindhyan Plateau. Two rivers flow through the Ranthambor National park, which includes the Chambal River in the South and the Banas River in the North. Six man made lakes and many other perennial streams pass through the entire National Park.

In 1955, the Ranthambore National Park was declared as a game sanctuary. However, in 1980, it attained the status of a national park. With the initiation of Project Tiger in the year 1972, it was declare as a Tiger reserve in India. The total area of the Ranthambore National park accounts around for 1,334 sq.km. It also includes the adjoining sanctuaries such as the Kaila Devi sanctuary and the Man Singh sanctuary. The typical feature of the Ranthambor national park is that out of the entire park some of the areas are open for the tourists to wander in and explore the flora and fauna of the park.

The Ranthambore National Park is nestled between the Aravali and Vindhya Mountain ranges. The rugged terrain and the dense deciduous forest are among the major features of the Ranthambore National Park. It has the largest and most diverse collection of wildlife species in India.

Ranthambore is categorized as a heritage site because of the ruins of the fort, which dot the park. The lake palaces, 'chhatris', old fortifications, and a majestic fort, over look the national park. The Padam Talao and The Jogi Mahal are the unique features of Ranthambor National park.

This National park is famous for the majestic Royal Bengal Tigers, which can be seen around the lakes and watering holes, prowling through the forest or resting on the ruins of the fort. The Ranthambore National park is one of the best places to see tigers in their wild habitat in India. Many of the dignitaries visit Ranthambore National park to see the majestic Tigers.

Ranthambore National Park Wildlife:

The tigers enjoy their power in the Ranthambor National Park. This National Park is ideal for taking snapshots. The rich and the diverse variety of flora and fauna includes near about 300 trees , 50 aquatic plants , over 300 species of birds, 12 reptiles and 30 mammals. Not only tigers, the tourist can also observe Sloth Bear, Wild Boar, Chinkara, Porcupines and Jackasl, Jungle cat, Leopard, Marsh Crocodile, Chital, Sambhar, Nilgai, Gazzelle, Boars, Mongoose, Hare, Monitor lizards and large numbers of birds.

Most of these wild birds and animals can be spotted near the lakes and water holes during the evening. Ranthambore National Park is home to both the resident and migratory bird population. There are about 264 bird species found within the national park.

Ranthambore National Park Tigersb:

There are near about 36 tigers and 40 leopards in the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve. Observing the activities of this mighty and powerful creature is a lifetime experience to watch. Tigers in the National park can be spotted easily in their natural habitat during daytime particular at the confluence of three lakes i.e. Raj Bagh Talab, Milak Talab and Padam Talab.

This national park also has a large number of panthers seen in the plenty after the tigers at the Kachida Valley and commonly seen at the outskirts of the Ranthambore National Park.

Special Attractions-Ranthambore National Park:

Ranthambore National Park Flora: The Ranthambore national park is dotted with ancient Banyan trees, Dhok, Pipal trees, Mango trees. The Ranthambore wildlife sanctuary has two extremes i.e. forest and open bushland. The deciduous and dry forests are dominated with the Dhok Trees.

Ranthambore Fort and Jogi Mahal: This Ranthambor National park was named after the Ranthambor Fort, which occupies the principal position in the center of the national park with an area of 392 sq.km. This Ranthambor fort is built in the 10th century by the Chauhans, probably the oldest existing fort in Rajasthan and particularly in the Malwa plateau. Jogi Mahal House is the forest rest house. Jogi Mahal house is the second largest Banyan tree in India.

Ranthambore Park Excursions: From the Ranthambore National park, tourist can also plan for nearby excursions. Sawai Madhopur Village near the national park is well known for its historical monuments. Karauli and Bundi are the other tourist place famous for its temples and architectural marvels. The best visiting season of Ranthambore National park is during the months of October to June.