Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary

Ranthambor (Sawai-Madhopur) National Park
Ranthambor National Park is included under the Project Tiger Reserves of the world and is more popular for its tiger population. The Wild Life Park is situated in the foothills of Aravalli Ranges near the small town of Sawai-Madhopur extended over an area of more then 392 sq. km. All necessary steps required to regenerate and conserve this elusive mammal is taken up by the government of India in this national park.
The park has been established as a sanctuary in 1959 and later on in 1981 Ranthambore was declared as a National Park. In recent times, in 1960 the Britain's Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip were invited by Maharaja Man Singh to explore the wealth of great Ranthambor wilds and to watch the majestic beat 'The Great Indian Tiger" in its most natural habitat.

The Great Indian Tiger
Viewing a tiger in its natural habitat is every wildlife zealots most desiring fantasy, that can be satisfied in forest of Ranthambore. Ranthambore Wild Life Park is among the few sights in the world where the tiger regime is supreme. There are about 25 tigers and 40 leopards in the reserve. This Gigantic mammal can best be viewed in its varied moods in Ranthambor National Park, some times luxuriating under the shaded trees or some times swimming in the water on a hot day, these majestic beasts are great swimmers too. The most tiger sighted hubs are lakes of Padam Talab, Raj Bagh Talab and Milak Talab.

Wild Life Charms
The Ranthambore Wild Life Park is an abode of 272 species of birds and reptiles including the marsh crocodile and amphibians. Besides tigers a large population of Leopards, Indian gazelle, Sambar, Nilgai (bluebull), Chital, Mongoose, Indian Hare, Monitor Lizards and highly endangered jungle cat can be traced in the woods.

Great Wild Safari
Ranthambhore also facilitates Jeep safari to explore the unexplored treasures of the forest, as it is the best means to explore the Royal Tiger. Jeep safari will take you through green grasslands, enchanting blue lakes more deeper into the dense wooded forests of Ranthambhore covering one tour in almost 2 hours. The animals can also be viewed through open roofed canters that cater 20 people at a time. Rides into the forest with jeep safari is quite safe, as wild animals are quite accustomed of human presence in their territory.

Vegetation in Ranthambore National Park
The dense forests of Ranthambor are embellished with typical dry deciduous type of vegetation, dotted with Pine trees, Banyan and Dhok trees. It is also the home to about 300 species of trees and 50 aquatic plants. The more engaging features of Ranthambhore are the Banyan trees, some of which are known to be at least 800 years old.

Attraction of Ranthambore Fort
Ranthambore Fort and Jogi Mahal: The other attraction in the Wildlife National Park is the ruins of Ranthambore Fort and Jogi Mahal that date back to the 10th century. The fort is located on a rocky outcrop in the heart of the park and is the oldest prevailing fort in Rajasthan. Jogi Mahal now converted into Forest Rest House is famous for the second largest Banyan tree in India.

Best Time to Visit Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary
The best times to view wildlife are the early mornings and evenings, as fixed by the forest department when there are fairly good chances of tracing the tiger in Ranthambhore. Ranthambhore Wildlife Park is opened for visitors between October and June. However, during summers the wild life can be easily seen near the waterholes in the month of May or June.

Accommodation Available
The Maharaja Lodge of the Taj Group facilitates luxury accommodation with all modern facilities. Jogi Mahal inside the park and Hotel Kamadhenu are the resorts maintained by the RTDC. Jhoomer Baori forests lodge is also managed by the RTDC. These accommodations are equipped with all neoteric facilities and are designed to suit every budget.

Park Timings
October To March: 06:00 hrs - 09:00hrs & 15:00hrs - 18:00hrs
April To June: 06:30 hrs - 09:30 hrs & 15:30 hrs- 18:00 hrs

Mode of Transport
Air: Nearest airport is Jaipur 175 km. Tourist cab and buses are easily available from Jaipur for the park.

Rail: Nearest railhead is Sawai-Madhopur 12 km that is on the Mumbai-Delhi route of Western Railway. From there one can hire an auto or a meter taxi to reach the Ranthambore Park.

Road: A regular bus service connects Ranthambore to Sawai-Madhopur 12 km, Agra 226 km, Bharatpur 166 km, Delhi 434 km and Jaipur 180 km.

At the Railway Station one can also hire private horse driven carts. R.T.D.C or private jeeps can be arranged from Tourist Information Bureau, Sawai-Madhopur.