| Altitude |
500 meters above sea level |
| Area |
1,334 sq. km (gross area) |
| Language |
Hindi, Rajasthani, English |
| Best time to visit |
October- February |
| STD Code |
07462 |
Description:
Ranthambore National Park
is one of the prime examples of Project Tiger’s conservation efforts in
Rajasthan. The forests around the Ranthambore Fort were once, the private
hunting grounds of the Maharajas of Jaipur. The desire to preserve the game
in these forests for sport, was responsible for their conservation, and
subsequent rescue by Project Tiger.
The
Park sprawls over an estimated area of 400 sq kms. Steep crags embrace a
network of lakes and rivers, and a top one of these hills, is the impressive
Ranthambore Fort, built in the 10th century. The terrain fluctuates between
impregnable forests and open bushland. The forest is the typically dry
deciduous type, with dhok, being the most prominent tree. The entry point to
the Park, goes straight to the foot of the fort and the forest rest house,
Jogi Mahal. The latter boasts of the second-largest banyan tree in India.
The Padam Talab, the Raj Bagh Talab and the Malik Talab are some of the
lakes in the area, that attract the tiger population. They have been spotted
at the edges of these lakes, and Jogi Mahal itself. Old crumbling walls,
ruined pavilions, wells, and other ancient structures stand witness to the
region's glorious past. The entire forest is peppered with the battlements
and spillovers of the Ranthambore Fort - tigers are said to frequent these
ruins, too. As a result of stringent efforts in conservation, tigers, the
prime assets of the Park, have become more and more active during the day.
More than in any other park or sanctuary in India, tigers are easily spotted
here in daylight. They can be seen lolling around lazily in the sun, or
feverishly hunting down Sambar around the lakes.
Park
Safari Timings in Ranthambhore National Park:
| Months |
Morning |
Afternoon |
| October-March |
0600-0900 |
1500-1800 hrs |
| April-June |
0630-0930 hrs |
1530-1800 hrs |
Seasons : October-June, the best
period being December-April.
Temperature :
| Months |
Morning |
Afternoon |
| October-March |
10-15 º celcius |
20-25 º celcius |
| April |
20-25 º celcius |
30-35º celcius |
| May-June |
30-35 º celcius |
40-45 º celcius |
Access : Fly to Jaipur (the closest
airport) and drive to Ranthambore (165 kms) By train : Ranthambore National
Park is approx. 12 km from the Sawaimadhopur Railway station, that lies on
the Delhi to Mumbai trunk route.
Cities
in Rajasthan
