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Ranthambore National Park

Tiger in Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan

Location

The Ranthambore National Park is located in the district of Sawai Madhopur in Rajasthan, India. The town of Sawai Madhopur is located at a distance of 14 km from the park.

Best Time to Visit

The Ranthambore National Park suffers extreme climate with temperatures soaring up to 47 °C during summers and dipping to 2°C during winters. In summers, temperature inside the park is pleasant, though outside, where all the resorts are located, it can be unbearable. The best time to visit the park can be either Nov- Feb or April-May. The former is suitable for those who like to roam around in pleasant weather while the latter is specifically for those who wish to see the tiger.

About the Ranthambore National Park

Ensconced comfortably in the Aravalli and the Vindhya ranges, the Ranthambore National Park spreads over an area of 400 sq km. Earlier, the area was under the Maharaja of Jaipur and served as a hunting ground for him which ensured that the animals were not hunted down regularly by the common people.

The area was established as a Wildlife Sanctuary in the year 1955 and it gained the status of a National Park in 1981. In between in 1973, when the 'Project Tiger' was initiated to conserve the depleting number of the tigers in the country, Ranthambore National Park was designated as a tiger Reserve as well. As a Tiger Reserve, the park has been successful in controlling the loss of tiger life in its area thereby making it a major attraction for tourists coming into park.

The topography of the park mostly consists of undulating hills intermixed with water bodies and meadows. There are three major water bodies in the park - Padam Talao, Rajbagh Talao and Malik Talao. The terrain of the park also includes steep cliffs, deep gorges, valleys and flat land.

Ranthambore National Park Attraction

Flora - The vegetation of the park is mostly dry deciduous type with dhok forming the majority of the trees. Apart from this there are around 300 species of trees and plants found in the park including Aam, Imli, Babul, Banyan, Ber, Dhak (or Chila), Jamun, Kadam, Khajur, Khair, Karel, Khejda, Kakera, Mohua and Neem.

Animals - Undoubtedly, the Tiger is the major attraction of the Ranthambore National Park. However, sighting a tiger is only possible through plenitude of patience and luck. In such circumstance, other animals of the park keep the visitors engaged and entertained. Prominent among these are Leopards, Striped Hyenas, Indian Wild Boar, Chinkara, Jackals, Indian Flying Foxes, Indian Foxes, Sloth bears, Sambar deer, Chital, Nilgai, Macaques, Small Indian Civets and Common mongoose.

Reptiles - The reptile population of the park include Snub Nosed Marsh Crocodiles, Desert Monitor Lizards, Tortoise, Banded Kraits, Cobras, Common Kraits, Ganga Soft Shelled Turtles, Indian Pythons, North Indian Flap Shelled Turtles, Rat Snakes, Russel's Vipers, Saw-scaled Vipers and the Indian Chamaeleon.

Birds - Due to its water bodies, Ranthambore National Park attracts a whole variety of birds, both resident and migrant. There are around 300 species of birds in the park including Parakeet, Myna, Barheaded Goose, Owl, Woodpecker, Kingfisher, Eagle, Partridge, Pigeon, Flycatcher, Hornbill, Cuckoo, Heron, Sparrow, Vulture and Falcon.

Things to Do

Visit Ranthambore Fort - No visit to the Ranthambore National Park is complete till the time visitors have explored the Ranthambore Fort which lies within the park premises itself. The fort was built around 8th century by the Chauhans and has numerous attractions in store.

Visit the Lakes - The three lakes of the Ranthambore National Park, the Padam Talao, Rajbagh Talao and Malik Talao attract a huge number of animals and birds. The Padam Talao houses the Jogi Mahal on its bank. The Rajbagh Talao offers more chances of Tiger sighting while Malik Talao has a large number of crocodiles.

Enjoy Jeep Safari - Since vehicles are the only way to explore the park, jeep safari are hugely popular. A limited number of jeeps are allowed in the park as such tourists need to reach the park well before the starting time. A jeep can accommodate a maximum of six people including the driver and the guide (compulsory). Animals inside the park have got used to the presence of vehicles in the area as such they do not shy away from the approaching jeep.

Enjoy Canter Trips - While Jeep Safari are for those who wish to travel in small numbers, canter trips are meant for more gregarious people. Canters are open vehicles built on the chassis of a truck and can accommodate around 25 people. It is also relatively cheap. Enjoy travelling in a canter on your trip to Ranthambore National Park.