Area : 400 sq km approx./ 39,200 hectares.

Established : 1955 as a sanctuary, 1973 as a tiger reserve, 1981 as a national park.

Description

Ranthambore National Park is one of the prime examples of Project Tiger's conservation efforts in Rajasthan. The forests around the Ranthambore Fort were once, the private hunting grounds of the Maharajas of Jaipur. The desire to preserve the game in these forests for sport, was responsible for their conservation, and subsequent rescue by Project Tiger.

The Park sprawls over an estimated area of 400 sq kms. Steep crags embrace a network of lakes and rivers, and a top one of these hills, is the impressive Ranthambore Fort, built in the 10th century. The terrain fluctuates between impregnable forests and open bushland. The forest is the typically dry deciduous type, with dhok, being the most prominent tree. The entry point to the 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. The Padam Talab, the Raj Bagh Talab and the Malik Talab are some of the lakes in the area, that attract the tiger population. They have been spotted at the edges of these lakes, and Jogi Mahal itself. Old crumbling walls, ruined pavilions, wells, and other ancient structures stand witness to the region's glorious past. The entire forest is peppered with the battlements and spillovers of the Ranthambore Fort - tigers are said to frequent these ruins, too. As a result of stringent efforts in conservation, tigers, the prime assets of the Park, have become more and more active during the day. More than in any other park or sanctuary in India, tigers are easily spotted here in daylight. They can be seen lolling around lazily in the sun, or feverishly hunting down Sambar around the lakes.

Seasons

October-June, the best period being December-April.

Access

Fly to Jaipur (the closest airport) and drive to Ranthambore (165 kms) By train : Ranthambore National Park is approx. 12 km from the Sawaimadhopur Railway station, that lies on the Delhi to Mumbai trunk route.

Temperature

Rainfall : 68 cms

Clothing

Summer : light tropical
Winter : Light wollen

Languages : Hindi, Rajasthani and English

Park Safari Timings in Ranthambhore National Park

Accommodation & facilities

Taj Sawaimadhopur Lodge, Tiger Den Resort, Tiger Moon Resort, Sher Bagh, Vanya Vilas (luxury tented accommodation - to be introduced recently) and also quite a few basic standard hotels..

Hotel descriptions

SAWAI MADHOPUR LODGE - RANTHAMBOREKeoladeo The Taj Group's Sawai Madhopur lodge is a Government approved Heritage Property, formerly lodge of the Royal family. It is situated 182 Kms from Jaipur airport and 1.5 Kms from Railway Station. There are 25 rooms and 6 double-bedded tents. The camel rides, local music performance & bonfires are some of the attractions. Other Facilities includes Swimming Pool, travel desk, money change, valet service. Each air-conditioned bedroom has private bathroom with bath and /or shower with toilet and a telephone.

TIGER MOON RESORT - RANTHAMBORE
Tiger Moon Resort is a Jungle resort with basic facilities. The resort has cottage type of accommodation and a multi cuisine restaurant serving Indian, Continental and Chinese. Other facilities include Park Safaris, folk dances and campfires. Each bedroom has private bathroom with bath and/or shower and toilet.

SHER BAGH -RANTHAMBORE
The forest friendly wildlife resort has 10 luxurious double bedroom tents with attached bathrooms with running hot & cold water and verandah space.

TIGER DEN RESORT - RANTHAMBORE NATIONAL PARK
Tiger Den Resort has 20 air-conditioned double bed rooms built in cottages style along with a multi cuisine restaurant serving Indian, Continental and Chinese. Other facilities include, Park Safaris, folk dances and campfires. Each airconditioned bedroom has private bathroom with bath and/or shower and toilet.

Excursions Around Ranthambore

• Ranthambhore Fort is rich in archeological monuments also. It has 7 large gates situated on a high and large hill which is a protected monument by the Archaeological Survey of India. There are very famous temples of God Ganesh and (Trinetri) & Maa Kali.

• Surval Lake (Popular for Migratory Birds)

• Bhuripadi (Desert type Environment, Good for Birding)

• Devpura Black Buck Sanctuary.

• Mansarovar Lake.

• Chambal River.

Mammals

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