RANTHAMBORE NATIONAL PARK

Ranthambore National Park is situated in the Sawai Madhopur District of the colourful desert state of Rajasthan. Located at the junction of the Aravalli and Vindhya hill range, Ranthambore is one of the prime examples of Project Tiger’s conservation efforts in Rajasthan. Once, the private hunting ground of the Maharajas of Jaipur, Ranthambore is one of the largest and most renowned national parks in Northern India. And today it is the major wildlife destination that has pulled the attention of many wildlife lovers and photographers. The park derives its name from the hill-top historic fortress which lies within and stands 700 feet above the park. The forests around the Ranthambore Fort, is one of the finest places to view animals in their natural jungle habitat. Lying at the edge of a plateau, it is bounded by the Banas River to the north and by the Chambal River to the south.

The park is majorly famous for its tigers and is one of the best locations in India to see these majestic predators. More than in any other park or sanctuary in India, here tigers are easily spotted even during the day time at the edges of these lakes which attract the tiger population. Watching them lolling around lazily in the sun, or feverishly hunting down Sambar is worth enough. Ranthambhore was established as a wildlife Sanctuary in 1955 and was declared one of the Project Tiger reserves in 1973. It became a national park in 1980 and in 1991 it was enlarged to include the Sawai Man Singh and Keladevi sanctuaries. Tigers at Ranthambore National park have been known to even hunt in full view of human visitors. Hence, Ranthambore is certainly a dream destination for photographers and a visit to this park is a treat for every wildlife enthusiast.

Flora, Fauna & Avifauna

• The landscape of Ranthambore National Park is dotted with ancient Banyan Trees, clusters of mango trees, Dhok & Pipal trees and crisscrossed with evergreen belts. The forest is the typically dry deciduous type, with dhok, being the most prominent tree and the terrain fluctuates between impregnable forests and open bush-land.
• Ranthambore National Park is famous for its Tigers which makes it one of the best places in the country to observe them. The varied topography provides diversity of habitats for animals like the Boars, Chital, Gazzelle, Indian Hare, Jackal, Leopard, Mongoose, Nilgai, Sambhar, Sloth Bear, and of course the tiger.
• Because of varied terrain and abundance of water bodies, Ranthambore has an excellent population of resident as well as migrant birds. Some of the birds found here are Graylag Goose, Woodpeckers, Indian Gray Hornbills, Common Kingfishers, Bee Eaters, Cuckoos, Parakeets, Asian Palm Swift, Great Crested Grebe, Cuckoo-Shrikes, Wood Shrikes etc.