RANTHAMBORE NATIONAL PARK

Ranthambore National Park

Ranthambore National Park is located at the confluence of the Aravali and Vindhya hill ranges near Sawai Madhopur in Rajasthan. The park sprawling over an area of 400 sq. km. was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1957 and further accorded the status of a national park in 1981. The close proximity of the striped predators prowling about and the giant pachyderms mightily stomping their way through towering bushes will leave you slack jawed and your appetite whetting for more. If that does not tickle your senses then wait until you get to the majestic ramparts of the Ranthambore Fort which renders a double dose of wildlife and history.

The landscape is etched with ancient banyan, dhok and pipal trees with most of the area shrouded by towering wild grass. The terrain is uneven and made up of mammoth rock formations and forested area. The perennial lakes and water streams criss crossing the park provide the much needed irrigation to the abundant flora. The forest is dry deciduous with dhok being found in abundance.

Wild Attractions in Ranthambore

Ranthambore is known for its fearless wild cats and has become a favourite haunt for wildlife photographers and nature gazers. The relatively small area harbors a wide variety of flora and fauna with over 300 tree, 50 aquatic plant, 272 bird, 12 reptile and 30 mammal species beautifying the environs.

The tiger steals the show at Ranthambore. It is one of the few places in the world that boasts of a close encounter with the striped predator. For record, there are over 25 tigers and 40 leopards along with a flourishing population of herbivores. There is a certain sense of excitement which grips you on spotting a tiger. Each sighting is greeted with the same awe and high pitched intensity.

Prominent among the animals are sambar, chital, nilgai, wild boar, gazelle, chinkara, Indian hare, mongoose, deer, monitor lizards, leopard, hyena. jackal, jungle cats, sloth bear and marsh crocodile, while the avians register their presence in the form of Jacanas, painted stork, black stork, white necked stork, peafowl, Bonelli's eagle, crested serpent eagle, the great Indian horned owl, quail, partridge, spur fowl and the paradise flycatcher.

Other Attractions

Ranthambore Fort
The majestic Ranthambore fort is perched atop a hill inside the park. A short trek leads to the invincible structure which remained a major point of manipulating the region for centuries. It can be tiring to climb the hill but the gorgeous view it affords is definitely worth the effort. According to local lores, the mortar used in the construction of the structure was mixed with the blood of brave warriors, which lends it the legendary strength.

Padam Talao
Padam Talao is the largest lake in the park which houses a large variety of fish and other aquatic wildlife. The beautiful Jogi Mahal is situated overlooking the lake. The place is ideal for observing wildlife where most of the animals come in search of water, especially during the dry months.

Safaris

Daybreak is the most ideal time when jeep safaris organised by the park authorities take you into the depths of the wilderness. The park is home to an incredible variety of animals including the king of beasts, the tiger. Sightings are rare but exciting with each being greeted with a fresh sense of astonishment. With the first rays of the sun, animals start to wander around in search of food. The soothing chirps sometimes turn into violent crys bespeaking that a wild cat is somewhere on the prowl and a little patience could be rewarding.