Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan, is one of the best National Parks in India for sighting the big cat, the Royal Bengal Tiger. Located at Sawai Madhopur, 180 km away from Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan, Ranthambore National Park covers a vast 1,334 sq. km. (515 sq. miles) of area. The name Ranthambore derives from the Ranthambore Fort which is situated within the National Park.
History
Once a favorite hunting ground for the Royal Maharajas of Jaipur, the Ranthambore National Park was established as the Sawai Madhopur Game Sanctuary in the year 1955 covering an area of 282 sq. km (109 sq. miles). In the year 1973, it was declared as a Project Tiger Reserve and on 1st November, 1980 the same has been declared as a National Park. In 1992 the Tiger Reserve was extended and included the adjoining Keladevei Sanctuary and Sawai Mansingh Sanctuary.
Flora and fauna
Ranthambore is rich in its biodiversity. There are 539 species of flowering plants available at Ranthambore National Park out of which dhok, mango, tamarind and banyan are some common species found in abundance in the park. Apart from its rich flora, the National Park is home to almost 320 species of both migratory and resident birds, as many as 40 species of mammals and 35 species of reptiles. The common mammal species are Royal Bengal Tiger, Striped Hyaena, Sambar Deer, Chital, Jungle Cat, Sloth Bear, Black Buck, Nilgai, Wild Bore etc. The reptile species include Snub Nosed Marsh Crocodile, Desert Monitor Lizard, tortoises, Russel’s Viper, Banded Krait, Common Kraits, Cobras etc.
Activities to do at Ranthambore National Park
Safari:
There are 10 safari zones in Ranthambore National Park. You can enjoy two types of safaris in any zones at Ranthambore; Jeep Safaris and Canter safaris. In a jeep, 6 occupants can be travelled, while the canters can accommodate 20 people at a time. Jeep safaris are a little more expensive than the canter safaris. You can book a jeep safari in sharing basis. Canters are ideal for larger group of tourists. However, you can also book sharing basis in a canter safari. Canters are open buses with a driver and a professional guide. Safaris are available from October to June depending upon the weather condition. You must book a safari at least 90 days in advance. However, last minute bookings are also available in both jeep and canter safaris. Safaris are operated in morning and afternoon for 3 hours in each session. Bookings are available on the official website of the Rajasthan Tourism. Book your safari HERE.
Bird watching:
Thanks to the diverse terrain of the Ranthambore National Park and for hosting a wide range of bird species both resident and migratory. Some most common birds at Ranthambore are Eagles, Cormorants, Waterfowl, Peafowl, Sandpipers, Painted Sandgrouse, Sarus Crane, Bronzed-winged Jacana, Terns, Woodpeckers, Kingfishers, Nightjars, Bee-eaters, Cuckoos, Parakeets, Wagtails, Owls etc.
Wildlife Photography:
Ranthambore National Park is one of the best wildlife photography destinations in India. The diverse landscape and sufficient light make photography easier in comparison to the other National Parks in India. Moreover, tiger sighting is relatively easier in this Tiger Reserve. Therefore, the wildlife photographers from around the world love to visit this National Park to capture some wild actions in their cameras.
Best time to visit
October to June is the best time to visit Ranthambore National Park subject to weather condition.
How to reach
The nearest railway station is Sawai Madhopur which is 14 kms away from the Park. Sawai Madhopur Railway Station is well connected with Jaipur, New Delhi and other major Railway Stations of India. If you are visiting by air, Sanganer Airport, Jaipur is the nearest airport which is almost 180 kms away from the Park. Cabs are easily available both from the Sawai Madhpur Railway Station and Sanganer Airport, Jaipur to Ranthambore. The park is also well connected with the all the major cities by road. State bus services are available to Ranthambore from Jaipur, New Delhi, Ajmer and Jodhpur. Public Buses are also available from all the nearby major cities and towns.
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