The
Ranthambhore National park, a home of majestic tigers, is situated in the
eastern Rajasthan at the meeting junction of the Aravalli mountain ranges
and the Vindhyan plateau. Spread over an area of 1334 square kilometers, the
park, which was once the hunting preserve of the Maharajas of Jaipur, got
declared as a National park in 1980. The park today is one of the major
sanctuaries in the Asian continent and attracts a large section of the
tourists from all around the world.
Wildlife in the Sanctuary:
The Ranthambhore National park shelters a wide variety of flora and fauna,
which comprises around 300 plant species, 50 aquatic plant species, 100
herbal species, 270 bird species and 30 mammal species. The wildlife
sanctuary is exclusively famous for its tigers, which are considered as a
pride of the Ranthambhore park. Besides, other species such as Sambar,
Chital, Nilgai, Gazzelle, Boars, Mongoose, Indian Hare, Monitor Lizards and
a large number of birds are other wildlife attractions of the sanctuary.
Flora: The scenic diverse flora is an add on to the beauty of the
Ranthambhore national park. The entire surroundings is dotted with evergreen
trees of Banyan, mango, dhok and peepal. The deciduous forest is also
surrounded by natural rivers, streams and man made lakes, which leaves an
everlasting memoir in one's heart.
Fauna: Particularly known for its rich fauna, the Ranthambhore wildlife
sanctuary is a home to different species of animals and birds. The tigers
are the most treasured possession of the place and can be viewed quite often
during the day either catching on their preys smartly or nurturing their
cubs. Panthers, spotted generally in the outskirts of the park(Kachida
Valley), are another species that the sanctuary boasts of. Besides, variety
of Leopards, Wild Boars, Crocodiles, Langurs, Sloth Bears, Jungle Cats, Blue
Bulls, Chinkaras and Hyenas and Sambhares also roam around freely in the
park.
The migratory birds such as Greylag Geese, Ruddy Shelducks and Pintails can
also be spotted in the park especially during the winters. The sanctuary
nests around 270 species of birds including painted storks, white-necked
storks, black storks, peafowl, crested serpent eagles, Bonelli's eagle,
Indian horned owl, quail, partridge, spur fowl, paradise flycatcher and
jacanas.
Other Attractions
Lakes : There are six man made lakes in the park which
form the central focus of the park by attracting not only the tourists but
its residents(fauna) as well. These lakes are further criss0crossed by the
other streams, thus adding to its attraction.
Ranthambhore Fort : The Ranthambhore fort, which is
situated at the centre or the heart of the park, dates back to the 10th
century CE, probably the oldest existing fort in Rajasthan.
Jogi Mahal : The forest rest house, Jogi Mahal, which has
the second largest Banyan tree in India, is another spot inside the park to
pay a visit.
How to Reach
Air
: You can take a flight to Jaipur, 145 kilometers from the Ranthambhore
wildlife sanctuary. The Jaipur airport entertains the domestic and
international flights from all major cities of India.
Rail : Ranthambore National Park is around 11 kilometers
away from Sawai Madhopur railway station, that lies on the Delhi to Bombay
trunk road.
Road :Swami Madhopur, the nearest town from Ranthambhore,
is well connected to all the major cities of Rajasthan and neighbouring
states by a good network of buses, coaches and other vehicles.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit the Ranthambhore wildlife sanctuary is from October
to March and April to June.
General Information
The Ranthambhore National park is a perfect place for the wildlife
photography owing to the diverse picture of the flora and fauna that one
gets to see here.
A Jeep Safari can be taken to view the panoramic picture of the park.
