Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan

Location : In the north Indian state of Rajasthan
Tourist Attractions : Tigers and other mammals and birds.
Other Attractions : The Ranthambhore Fort, the Talabs, the Jogi Mahal, The Ganesh Temple.
Best Sites : The ponds (talabs) and the Ranthambhore Fort.
Nearby Tourist Destinations : Sawai Madhopur, Jaipur, Alwar, Ajmer, Shekhawati, Delhi, Agra.
Best Season to Visit : October to March.

About Ranthambhore National Park

Ranthambhore National Park is one of Asia's most important wildlife conservation reserves. The favourite haunt of wildlife buffs and professional wildlife photographers from around the world, Ranthambhore National Park is probably the best place in the world to see wild tigers. Ranthambhore encompasses three lakes - Raj Bagh, Malik Talab and Padam Talab, where aquatic birds can be seen in large numbers. Sprawling over an area of 1,334 sq km on the eastern edge of the Thar Desert, the Ranthambhore National Park is one of the last sanctuaries of the big cat, the Royal Bengal Tiger.

Major Tourist Attractions in Ranthambhore
The Vegetation
The scrubby landscape of Ranthambhore National Park features dry deciduous forests with trees of Dhak, Acacia, Ber and Salar.

The Animals
Ranthambhore is the home of Royal Bengal Tigers. One can easily sight the elusive tigers in their natural moods. Other residents of the park are the Antelopes, Nilgai, Sambhar and Chital, which are easy to find. Those who are lucky enough get to see the Sloth Bear, Wild Boar, Chinkara, Porcupines and Jackals, Leopard, Jungle Cat and Marsh Crocodile. The lakes and water holes within the Ranthambore National Park are the best locations to sight the animals. Indian Hare, Mongoose and Monitor Lizards can also be spotted here.

The Birds
Ranthambore also boasts of a respectable size of bird population, both resident and migratory. There are about 300 species of birds seen within the park.

Ranthambhore Fort
The most spectacular site within the park is the Ranthambore Fort. This 10th century fort was built by the Chauhans is famous for the 'Johar' (suicide by immolation to escape humiliation) by Rajput women in 1301 AD during the siege by Ala-ud-din Khilji. The temples and tanks add to the beauty of the fort. The seven gates and massive curtain walls, crowning a fall-topped hill presents a majestic view.

Park Trips
The park is toured by a jeep or a lorry, the reservation of which can be done at the Project Tiger Office at Sawai Madhopur. The tours is accompanied by a guide.

Getting There

Air : The nearest airport is that of Jaipur, which is about 145 km away. There are regular flights of various airlines to this place.
Rail : Sawai Madhopur, the nearest town from the park provides the nearest railhead for the national park. It is 11 km from Ranthambore.
Road : From Jaipur one has to take the road to access the national park.

Accommodation

There are numerous accommodation facilities near the Ranthambhore National Park. The hotels here range from heritage to luxury and deluxe and budget category. All the hotels are well appointed with world class facilities and services. The sanctuary can be conveniently visited from all the accommodations available.