Location

The Ranthambore National Park is set between the Aravalli and Vindhya ranges in the royal state of Rajasthan. It is 165 km from Jaipur which is the nearest airport.

The Tiger Reserve

Named after the 1000 year old imposing fort of Ranthambore, the Ranthambor National is set atop a broad hill, 700 feet above the ground. Ranthambore is a heritage site because of the picturesque ruins that dot the wildlife park. Ruined pavilions, mosques, guard posts, cenotaphs, tombs, a summer palace and other structures-relics of a historical past are scattered all over the area lending it a unique magical touch, one can see anywhere.

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. 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.

Tourist Attraction

Major Wildlife Attractions
The tiger reigns supreme here. Ranthambore National Park is famous for its tigers and is one of the most favourite tigers sites for photographers. Tigers, the park's pride makes it one of the best places in the country to observe them. The super-predators can be seen in their natural activity at close quarters.
Other Attractions In Ranthambore
Ranthambore Fort : The ranthambore National Park got its name from the Ranthambhore Fort, which sits on a rocky outcrop in the heart of the Park. The fort, which dates back to the 10th century and is probably the oldest existing fort in Rajasthan, was a vital citadel for control of Central India and particularly the Malwa plateau.

Jogi Mahal : The entry point to the Ranthambore National Park, goes straight to the foot of the fort and the forest rest house, Jogi Mahal. The latter boasts of the second-largest Banyan tree in India.

Flora & Fauna
Ranthambore National Park offers an intense diversity of flora and fauna. The park has a rich diversity of fauna and flora - species list includes 300 trees, 50 aquatic plants, 272 birds, 12 reptiles including the Marsh Crocodile & amphibians and 30 mammals. Apart from that a large numbers of Sambar, Chital, Nilgai, Gazzelle, Boars, Mongoose, Indian Hare, Monitor Lizards and a large number of birds. There are about 25 tigers and 40 leopards in the reserve. These are supported by a large population of healthy herbivores.

The landscape features ancient Banyan Trees, Dhok & Pipal trees, clusters of mango trees and crisscrossed with evergreen belts. The forest is the typically dry deciduous type, with Dhok, being the most dominating tree.

Reaching Ranthambore
By Air: Jaipur at 145-kms is the nearest airport from Ranthambore wildlife sanctuary.
By Rail: Ranthambore National Park is around 11-kms away from Sawai Madhopur railway station, that lies on the Delhi to Bombay trunk route.
A good network of buses connect Sawai Madhopur, the nearest town from Ranthambore to all the major cities within the state of Rajasthan.