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.
By Road : A good network of buses connect Sawai Madhopur, the
nearest town from Ranthambore to all the major cities within the state of
Rajasthan.
