Ranthambore National Park

Ranthambore National Park is a wildlife reserve located in the Sawai Madhopur district of Rajasthan, India. It is one of the largest and most famous national parks in India and is known for its population of Bengal tigers. The park covers an area of approximately 392 square kilometers and is situated in the Aravalli and Vindhya hill ranges.

The park was established as the Sawai Madhopur Game Sanctuary in 1955, and in 1973, it was declared a national park under the Project Tiger initiative. The park is named after the Ranthambore Fort, which is located within the park.

Apart from tigers, Ranthambore National Park is home to a variety of other wildlife, including leopards, sloth bears, sambar deer, chital, wild boar, and a wide range of bird species. The park is also home to several lakes and streams, which provide a habitat for various aquatic animals and birds.

Visitors can go on wildlife safaris in open vehicles to explore the park and spot its diverse wildlife. The best time to visit Ranthambore National Park is from October to April, when the weather is pleasant and the animals are more active. However, the park remains closed from July to September during the monsoon season.

What is it famous for?

The Ranthambore National Park is famous for the Royal Bengal Tiger. It was included under the Project Tiger scheme in the year 1972.

How to reach

Ranthambore National Park is located in the Sawai Madhopur district of Rajasthan, India, and can be reached by various modes of transportation:

1. By Air: The nearest airport is Jaipur International Airport, which is about 160 kilometers from Ranthambore. From there, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the national park.
2. By Train: Sawai Madhopur railway station is the nearest railway station, located about 10 kilometers from Ranthambore National Park. Trains from major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Jaipur have regular stops at this station.
3. By Road: Ranthambore is well connected by roads to major cities like Jaipur, Delhi, and Agra. You can hire a taxi or take a bus from these cities to reach the national park.

Once you reach Sawai Madhopur, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to reach the park. The park is located about 11 kilometers from the town of Sawai Madhopur, and the entrance gate is located near the Ranthambore Fort. Visitors can enter the park through any of the five entry gates.

What is the best time?

The park remains open for visitors from October to June. However, the best time to pay a visit to the park is between the months of November and April. It is the time when animals can be easily spotted.

What constitutes the flora, fauna, and avifauna?

The flora of the Ranthambore National park consists of dry deciduous forests. Kulu (Sterculiaurens), Ronj (Acacia leucorrhoea), Ber (Zizyphusmaudrentiana), Kimi (Manilkarahexandra), Tendu (Diospyrousmelanoxylon), Polas (Buteamonosperma), Peepal, Mango, and Banyan can be observed all over the place. Various species of trees like salar (Boswelliaserrata), gurjan (Lanneacoromandelica), and gum (Sterculiaurens) can be found around the four lakes in Ranthambore.

The animal inmates of the Park include leopards, Caracal, jungle cats, hyenas, jackals, sloth bears, wild boar, marsh crocodiles, porcupines, common Langur, spotted deer, Indian gazelle, Sambar (Asiatic stag), Nilgai (Bluebell). The park is popular all over for its tigers.

The park is home to around 270 species of birds, including a large number of migratory birds. Some of the bird species are eagles, Indian horned owls, spoonbills, partridge, quail, parakeets, kingfishers, storks, geese, and ducks.

What are the Nearby Attractions?

Sawai Madhopur

Sawai Madhopur (12 km), is one of the attractions near the Ranthambore National Park. One can find a number of shops selling interesting items of arts and crafts. Souvenirs and wonderful gift items are also on sale to take back home.

Ranthambore School of Arts

Located near the town of Sawai Madhopur, the Ranthambore School of Arts promotes the paintings of local artists, with the primary theme being the terrific tigers of Ranthambore. There are other numerous paintings depicting scenes from inside the Ranthambore National Park. Tonk, Karauli&Mahavirji

Tonk, Karauli & Mahavirji

The towns of Tonk, Karauli, and Mahavirhji are located close to Sawai Madhopur. These towns are popular for their monuments and markets, attracting a good number of tourists and travelers.

Ranthambore Fort:

This ancient fort is located within the national park and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fort was built in the 10th century and is home to several temples, palaces, and other historical structures.

Trinetra Ganesh Temple:

This temple is located inside the Ranthambore Fort and is dedicated to Lord Ganesha. It is believed to be one of the oldest temples in Rajasthan and attracts a large number of devotees.

Kachida Valley:

This is a beautiful valley located within the national park and is known for its scenic beauty and diverse wildlife. Visitors can go on a trek or a wildlife safari to explore the valley.

Surwal Lake:

This is a beautiful lake located about 25 kilometers from Ranthambore National Park. It is a popular spot for birdwatching and is home to several bird species like the painted stork, white-bellied drongo, and Indian grey hornbill.

Padam Talao:

This is one of the largest lakes within the national park and is a popular spot for tiger sightings. Visitors can also spot several bird species around the lake.

Dastkar Ranthambore:

This is a community-based organization that promotes local handicrafts and provides employment opportunities to the local community. Visitors can buy traditional handicrafts and souvenirs from here.

All these attractions are located within a few kilometers of Ranthambore National Park and can be easily reached by taxi or local transport.

Things to do

There are several things to do when visiting Ranthambore National Park. Here are some of the popular ones:

1. Wildlife Safari: The park is known for its population of Bengal tigers and going on a wildlife safari is one of the main attractions. Visitors can go on a jeep or canter safari to explore the park and spot the diverse wildlife.
2. Trekking: There are several trekking trails in and around the national park. Visitors can go on a trek to explore the natural beauty of the region and spot the diverse flora and fauna.
3. Visit Ranthambore Fort: The ancient fort is located within the national park and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can explore the fort and learn about the region’s history and culture.
4. Birdwatching: The park is home to several bird species, and birdwatching is a popular activity. Visitors can spot several species of birds like the Indian grey hornbill, painted stork, and white-bellied drongo.
5. Visit nearby attractions: There are several nearby attractions like the Trinetra Ganesh Temple and Kachida Valley that visitors can explore.
6. Photography: The park offers several opportunities for wildlife and landscape photography. Visitors can capture the diverse flora and fauna and the beautiful landscapes of the region.
7. Local experiences: Visitors can also experience the local culture and lifestyle of the region by visiting nearby villages and markets and trying local cuisine.

These are some of the popular things to do when visiting Ranthambore National Park. The best time to visit the park is from October to April, when the weather is pleasant and the animals are more active.

Safaris Details

Ranthambore National Park offers two types of safaris for visitors to explore the park and spot the diverse wildlife. Here are the details of both types of safaris:

1. Jeep Safari: Visitors can opt for a jeep safari that can accommodate up to six passengers. The safari lasts for about three hours and takes visitors deep into the park to spot the diverse wildlife. Jeep safaris are conducted twice a day, once in the morning and once in the afternoon.
2. Canter Safari: Canter safaris are conducted on larger vehicles that can accommodate up to 20 passengers. The safari lasts for about three hours and covers a larger area of the park. Canter safaris are also conducted twice a day, once in the morning and once in the afternoon.

It is advisable to book the safaris in advance to avoid any inconvenience. Visitors can book the safaris through the official website of the Rajasthan Forest Department or through their hotel or travel agent. The park has a limited number of vehicles that are allowed to enter the park at a time, and it is advisable to book in advance, especially during the peak season. Visitors are advised to follow the rules and regulations of the park and respect the wildlife and their habitat.

Where to Stay

There are several options for accommodation near Ranthambore National Park, ranging from budget to luxury. Some of the popular ones are:

1. Luxury resorts: There are several luxury resorts near Ranthambore National Park that offer world-class amenities like swimming pools, spas, and fine dining options. Some of the popular ones are The Oberoi Vanyavilas, Aman-i-Khas, and The Sher Bagh.
2. Budget hotels and guesthouses: There are several budget-friendly options like hotels and guesthouses that offer basic amenities like clean rooms and attached bathrooms. Some of the popular ones are Hotel Ranthambhore Palace, Tiger Villa, and Hotel Ranthambore Regency.
3. Tented camps: Visitors can also opt for tented camps, which offer a unique experience of staying close to nature. Some of the popular ones are Khem Villas, Tiger Moon Resort, and The Machan Resort.
4. Forest rest houses: The Forest Department also operates several rest houses within the national park. These rest houses offer basic amenities and provide a unique opportunity to stay in the heart of the park. Booking for forest rest houses can be done through the official website of the Rajasthan Forest Department.
5. Homestays: Visitors can also opt for homestays, which provide a unique opportunity to experience the local lifestyle and culture. Some of the popular homestays are Ranthambhore Bagh, Dev Vilas, and Hotel Ananta Palace.

These are some of the popular options for accommodation near Ranthambore National Park. It is advisable to book in advance, especially during the peak season, to avoid any inconvenience.