Rajasthan Travel Guide

Ranthambore National Park
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 park stands at 1,334 sq km. But the entire park - the core area is just 392 sq kms - is not open to the public. The tigers are the prized attractions of the park. Other inmates of the park are the Antelopes, Nilgai, Sambhar and Chital, which are easy to spot. Those who are lucky enough get to see the Sloth Bear, Wild Boar, Chinkara, Porcupines and Jackals, Leopard, Jungle Cat and Marsh Crocodile.
Ranthambore also has a sizeable bird population, both resident and migratory. There are about 264 species of birds found within the park. Indian Hare, Mongoose and Monitor Lizards can also spotted. The Ranthambore Park is set between the Aravalli and Vindhya ranges. Its deciduous forests were once a part of the magnificent jungles of Central India. Ranthambore is a heritage site because of the picturesque ruins that dot the park. There are lake palaces, 'chhatris', old fortifications and a majestic 1,000-year-old fort, overlooking the park. The lovely Jogi Mahal is located at the foot of the fort and gives magnificent view of the Padam Talao, painted white with water lilies.
This is the state's most well-known tiger reserve under Project Tiger. Home of an expansive variety of other animals in is 392 sq km area, one can spot sambhar, cheetal, wild boar, leopard, sloth bear, jackal, hyena among others. 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. There are about 25 tigers and 40 leopards in the reserve. These are supported by a large population of healthy herbivores. Artificial lakes, dense forests and the shield of the Aravalis have helped to make this park very impressive and interesting.

Best Season to Visit: October - April.

How to Approach
Sky Way: Jaipur at 145-kms is the nearest airport from Ranthambore wildlife sanctuary.

Trackway: Ranthambore National Park is around 11-kms away from Sawai Madhopur railway station, that lies on the Delhi to Bombay trunk route.

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

Sights to Visit
The Ranthambore Fort
The ruins of the 10th century fort is a major attraction of this place. It plays a perfect background to the wildlifes of the forest. 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, probably the oldest existing fort in Rajasthan, was a vital citadel for control of Central India and particularly the Malwa plateau.

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