Location : Sawai
Madhopur, Rajasthan.
Main Wildlife Found : Tigers, Leopards
Coverage Area : 392-sq-kms
Season: October- June
Ranthambore (Sawai-Madhopur Wildlife Sanctuary) information
Ranthambore National Park, an eminent Tiger Reserve under Project Tiger,
nestles at the foothills of Aravalli Ranges. Ranthambore beautifully blend
the Rajput heroism with panoramic natural splendor and makes it a prefect
tourist destination.
The park once the erstwhile hunting reserve of the Maharajas of Jaipur is
an abode of 6 manmade lakes. Rivers Chambal on the South and Banas on the
North haunch the park. It has a prodigious rock terrain with steep slopes,
enduring streams and towering trees. It was established as a sanctuary in
1959 and later on in 1981 Ranthambore was declared as a National Park.
Vegetation in Park The forest is the typically dry deciduous type flecked
with Pine trees, Banyan and Dhok trees. It is home to around 300 species of
trees and 50 aquatic plants.
Tiger
Ranthambore is among the renowned places in the world where the tiger
regime is supreme. This majestic beast is a superior poacher, symbol of
grandeur and power. There are about 25 tigers and 40 leopards in the
reserve. This Gigantic mammal can best seen in their natural habitat resting
under the shade or wading in the water. Most prominent places where one can
have the glimpse of this royal beast is near the edges of three lakes-Padam
Talab, Raj Bagh Talab and Milak Talab.
Wild Attractions
The Park consists of 272 species of birds and reptiles including the marsh
crocodile & amphibians. Besides tigers a large population of Sambar,
Chital, Nilgai, Mongoose, Indian Hare, Monitor Lizards and a large number of
birds are spotted in the park. Sounders of boar and chinkara echo the whole
wild panorama. The lakes and pools in the park is the foremost rendezvous
joint of the jungle dwellers.
Water Bodies and Birds: The park also abode copious
variety of birds and water bodies, include great Indian horned owl, eagle,
tapered serpent, quail, and paradise flycatcher. Black stork, necked stork
can also be seen near the water holes.
Safari
The best way to hunt the wild treasures of Ranthambhore is through Jeep
safari, it is the best means to explore the Royal Tiger.
The animals can also be viewed through open roofed canters (small trucks)
that cater 20 people at a time. Rides into the forest are very safe with
open jeeps, as wild animals are quite habitual to human presence.
Other Attractions
Ranthambore Fort & Jogi Mahal : The park derived its
name from the Ranthambhore Fort, perched on a rocky outcrop in the heart of
the park. The fort, dating back to the 10th century, is perhaps the oldest
prevailing fort in Rajasthan.
Fort and the Forest Rest House, Jogi Mahal, is famous for the second
largest Banyan tree in India.
Best Time to Visit
The best times to view wildlife are the early mornings and evenings, as
fixed by the forest department, and in Ranthambhore there is a fairly good
chance of spotting a tiger.
Ranthambhore Wildlife Sanctuary is opened for visitors between October and
June. However, during summers the wild life can be easily seen near the
waterholes in the month of May or June.
March and April, especially, are months when tiger-spotting is more common.
Park Timings
October To March: 06:00 hrs - 09:00hrs & 15:00hrs -
18:00hrs"
April To June: 06:30 hrs - 09:30 hrs & 15:30 hrs-
18:00 hrs
Getting There
Air : Nearest airport is Jaipur (175 kms).
Rail: Nearest railhead is Sawai-Madhopur (12 kms) which
is on the Bombay - Delhi section of Western Railway.
Road: A regular bus service connects Ranthambore to
Sawai-Madhopur 12 km, Agra 226 km, Bharatpur 166 km, Delhi 434 km and Jaipur
180 km.
Private Horse driven tongas are available at the Railway Station. R.T.D.C.
or private jeeps can be hired from Tourist Information Bureau,
Sawai-Madhopur.
Useful Information
Entry charges for hired vehicle, guide and photo equipment are separate.
These can be reserved at the Project Tiger office in Sawai Madhopur.
