Ranthambore National Park holds the significant status in the tourism sector of India with its distinct class and charm. However, the Ranthambore National Park is not one of the biggest National parks of India, but surely it is the most famous one. Situated in the vicinity of the Aravali hills and Vindhya plateau, the Ranthambore forest spreads over an area of 1334 sq km with having the 392 sq km of the area as the national park. Highly revered for the natural habitat to the significant number of Royal Bengal tigers, the Ranthambore tiger reserve is very popular among the wildlife lovers for its diurnal tigers, which means tourist can easily spot a tiger during their day safari visit.
National Park has taken its name from the famous Ranthambore Fort which is situated within the park. The park is located in the district of Sawai Madhopur in Rajasthan and at the distance of around 11 km from the Sawai Madhopur railway station. Sawai Madhopur is approx 130 km away from the capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur. Before the independence of India, the Ranthambore forest was under the Jaipur Kingdom and was the hunting place for the Maharajah and other royal members of the Jaipur Kingdom. In 1973, the forest was incorporated into the tiger project and declared as the national park in 1980.
Today, the Ranthambhore national park is a popular tourist destination for the ranthambore national park safari. Due to many of the popular tigers living in this forest park, thousands of tiger lovers from all over the world visit here daily during the safari season. Among many famous tigers, the tigress Machli was the most celebrated tiger in the world. However, she died last year in August 2016 but left many legends of her youth days. Her prodigy of braveness and strength has inspired many wildlife documentaries, movies and TV shows. Watching these dangerous wild predators in their natural wild environment at a short distance is really an adrenaline-pumping adventure to savor for whole life.
The Ranthambhore National Park not only boasts of its populous tiger reserve, but also the heritage sites which includes the mighty Ranthambore Fort, Jogi Mahal, Ancient temple and Rajbagh ruins which are the reminders of glory and grandeur of the Rulers of Ranthambore. Many picturesque lakes like Padam Talao, Malik Talao, Raj Bagh Talao and others are enriching the landscape of this forest which consists of deciduous forest, small hills, valleys and lush greenery. The park is enclosed by the Chambal River and Banas River from the two sides enhancing the wild ambience of the Ranthambhore forest. Without any doubt, the tour to this National Park of Rajasthan will be the best holiday for you if you actually love nature and wildlife. The whole experience of watching majestic tigers roaming freely in the park, a mesmerizing gamut of ultimate species of animals and birds and captivating greenery will enthrall your mind and you will be thanking yourself for having embarked on this wildlife journey.
SOME QUICK FACTS ABOUT THE RANTHAMBORE NATIONAL PARK :
1955 -Establishment of the Sawai Madhopur Gaming Sanctuary to protect wildlife by the Government of India.1973 -The Ranthambore forest is incorporated in the Project Tiger, a tiger conservation initiative by Indian Government.1980 -Ranthambore forest declared as the National Park.1984 -The adjacent forests of Ranthambore were acknowledged as the Sawai Mansingh Sanctuary and Keladevi Sanctuary.1991 -The Ranthambore tiger reserve was extended to incorporate the Sawai Mansingh and Kaladevi Sanctuaries.
Ranthambore Forest is The Natural Habitat To-
40 species of mammals
320 species of birds
40 Species of Reptiles
50 species of Butterflies
300 species of plants
Other Tourist Attractions
Ranthambore Fort
One of the ancient forts in India, the Ranthambore Fort is declared as the UNESCO world heritage site due to its historical significance. The fort is located inside the Ranthambore National Park, at the distance of 13 km from the Sawai Madhopur railway station. This heritage fort is said to be built in 944 AD and has witnessed the long history of Rajasthan. The epitome of valor and pride of the Rajput rulers of the various Kingdoms, the Ranthambore Fort was the strategic fort and thus captured by various rulers. At the time of the Independence of India and the abolition of the imperial era, the fort was under the Maharaja of Jaipur and the Ranthambore forest was the exclusive hunting ground for the Royals of Jaipur Kingdom.
Trinetra Ganesha Temple
Highly famous among the devotees of the Lord Ganesha since ancient times, the Ganesha temple located at the entrance of the Fort is the only temple of Trinetra Ganesha in the country. The idol of Lord Ganesha with his wives Riddhi and Siddhi makes it also a special temple of Ganesha with his full family. There are many legends associated with the foundation of the temple which make this temple a unique and popular religious place for the Hindu devotees. The temple is also famous for its unique tradition of getting the postal invitation letters sent by the devotees for inviting the Lord Ganesha for any auspicious occasion in their family. The temple receives many thousands of invitation letters every day and each and every letter has been read by the priest in front of the Idol.
Bakula Region
Considered as the best region for the tiger visibility in the Ranthambore forest, the Bakula region is the ultimate scenic landscape covered with the dense greenery and water bodies. The thickly forested land of Bakula along with the numerous ponds, water holes give the unique wilderness effect to the Ranthambore forest. Due to the dense forest, water availability and remote area, there is the abundance of the wildlife in the area making it a paradise for the wildlife lovers. The tiger sighting is relatively high in this area and tourists often get the sight relaxing tiger, especially tigress relaxing or walking with her cubs are often seen in the area.
Kachida Valley
Located at the periphery of the tiger reserve zone, the Kachida Valley is a must visit place for the wildlife with the abundance of the panthers, bears and other wild animals as well as a distinguished mesmerizing landscape which having steep outcrops, small valley, low hills, ravines and water bodies. The lush greenery and tranquil surroundings make this place a true wilderness away from any human activity. You can visit here only through the Jeep Safari Ranthambore and explore the wilderness and the beauty of the Kachida Valley.
Jogi Mahal
The Jogi Mahal, which is now a tourist attraction inside the Ranthambore forest, was once the resting abode for the Royals of Jaipur Kingdom while they visit Ranthambore for the hunting excursion. The small palace beautifully nestled in the wilderness of the Ranthambore at the bank of the famous Padam Lake offers an amazing site for monuments lovers. The big banyan tree situated near the palace is the second largest banyan tree in the country which is also an attraction for tourists.
How To Reach Ranthambhore
By Air
The nearest airport to the Ranthambore is the Jaipur International Airport, which is located around 160 km from the forest. There are plenty of national and international flights connecting the Jaipur to various cities of Indian and abroad. You can get the taxi, cab or Bus at Jaipur airport to visit Ranthambore.
By Rail
The Sawai Madhopur Railway station is the nearest rail station to the Ranthambore National Park, which is around 11 km from the forest. The station is the famous tourist station and connected through the direct trains from the major cities of India like Jaipur, Delhi, Mumbai, etc. For covering the distance from the station to Ranthambore, you can hire the taxi or catch the local bus.
By Road
There is a direct road passing nearby the Ranthambore forest connecting it with cities like Jaipur, Udaipur, Kota which is further connected with the major cities of India. So, If you are choosing the direct road trip from Delhi, Mumbai or Jaipur, you can easily reach the Ranthambore without any hassle. You can get on the road trip in your own vehicle or opt for the state Bus services to reach Ranthambore.
Ranthambhore Safari Booking:- Confirm your Ranthambhore safari booking today and get a chance to spot the tiger in ranthambhore tiger reserve. The park lies at a plateau, and is sealed to the north by the banas river and to the south by the Chambal river, there are several lakes in the reserve, it is named for the historic ranthambhore fort, which is also situated in the tiger reserve. The tiger reserve covers an area of 392 km. and his famous for its tiger population, and is one of india’s project tiger reserves, the major wild animals include the tiger Samber, Nilgai, Dholes, Slothbear, Wild Boad, Leopard, Hyena and Chital. It is also home to a wide assortment of trees , plants, Birds and Reptiles. Ranthambhore national park also has the one of the biggest banyan trees in india, there are two kinds of vihcles permitted into ranthambhore tiger reserve- the 4 wheel drive jeeps (which seat up to 6 visitors) and 16 or 20 seaters canters (open top roof buses) there are a limited no. of vihcles allowed into the park, a maximam of 40 vihcles 17 jeeps for tourists 3 jeeps for VIP and 20 canters at any one time. All these vihcles are taken one tender by the forest department and owned and run by local natives. Vehicles that are not attached to the forest department are not permitted in to the park. Gypsies and Canters are booked in advance and visitors are strongly advised to booking there safaris in advance, specially if you want to book gypsy than make the booking at list 90 days before.
Jeep Safari In Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve:- Jeep Safari in Ranthambhore is one of the most popular options to spot animal faction and admire the beautiful shots of the park. Jeeps are open which can accommodate up to 6 people at a time. You can enjoy the personalized and enrich experience of jeep safari in Ranthambore either in the morning or in the afternoon with the current environment.
Cantre Safari In Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve :- Canter safari is the very enjoyable style to watch the exotic wildlife. Most of the peoples specially big groups prefer to go on Canter safari. At a time Canter safari can accommodate 16-21 people. It gives personal pleasure of sightseeing and the exclusive experience of exploring the superb scenes of the reserve. The safari can be enjoyed in two different times-either early in the sunrise or in the late afternoon with the current environment.
SAFARI TIMES
There are two safaris each day in Ranthambore National Park, one in the morning and another in the afternoon. The times change slightly throughout the year, in accordance with sunrise and sunset.
Oct 01 - Oct 31
06:30 - 10:00 14:30 - 18:00
Nov 01 - Jan 31
07:00 - 10:30 14:00 - 17:30
Feb 01 - Mar 31
06:30 - 10:00 14:30 - 18:00
Apr 01 - May 15
06:00 - 09:30 15:00 - 18:30
May 16 - Jun 30
06:30 - 09:30 15:30 - 19:00
Wild Animals
Ranthambore National park contains a huge variety of animals, birds and reptiles within it. Primarlily the population consists of...
Animals: Tigers, Leopards, Striped Hyenas, Sambar deer, Chital, Nilgai, Common or Hanuman langurs, Macaques, Jackals, Jungle cats, Caracals, Sloth bears, Black bucks, Rufoustailed Hare, Indian Wild Boar, Chinkara, Common Palm Civets or Toddy cat, Coomon Yellow Bats, Desert Cats, Fivestriped Palm Squirels, Indian False Vampires, Indian Flying Foxes, Indian Foxes, Indian Gerbilles, Indian Mole Rats, Indian Porcupines, Longeared Hedgehogs, Ratels, Small Indian Mongoose, Small Indian Civets and Common mongoose.
The amphibian species only consist of the Common India Toad and the Common Frog.
The park is most famous for it's diurnal tigers.
The park also has a large number of marsh crocs Reptiles: 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.
