Ranthambore

Once a private game reserve of the royal House of Jaipur, Ranthambore National Park and Tiger Reserve is one of the world’s best known wilderness areas. Located 14 kilometres from Sawai Madhopur and at the junction of some of the geologically oldest mountain ranges - the Aravallis and Vindyas - Ranthambore offers some of the finest opportunities for sighting the magnificent tiger in the wild. A mix of rolling hills and crags, and meadows, lakes and rivulets, this dry-deciduous forest system is home to an incredible variety of flora and fauna. Apart from the tiger, you can also spot sloth bear, leopard, caracal, jackal, fox, hyena and mongoose at Ranthambore.

WEATHER

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Ranthambore National Park remains open from the months of October to June, with the winter months (October - December) being the best time to visit this place. October to April are the best months to visit Ranthambore to spot tigers. Summers are quite hot; however, chances of spotting tigers increase in the summers. The park remains closed during monsoons. 

CUISINE

Ranthambore can be your ideal destination for adventure and wildlife but the same cannot be said about food or cuisine. Ranthambore does not carry any significant food culture or unique delicacy but the resorts, here will give you numerous options. It's preferable to stick to those while you might want to try local Dhabas which offer bits of local Rajasthani and Punjabi cuisine. You can enjoy the sumptuous Rajasthani cuisine including Dal Bati Churma and Gate Ki Sabzi as well as various multi cuisine delicacies

SHOPPING

Being a wildlife sanctuary, Ranthambore does not offer much shopping options to go for. But Ranthambore School of Arts offers the tourists a wholesome opportunity to shop for some of the traditional Rajasthani memorabilia including batik and tie & dye fabrics, silver jewellery and Ranthambore style paintings. The paintings, t-shirts and mementos portraying pictures of tigers are the hot picks among the tourists. Moreover, Sawai Madhopur, the nearest town to Ranthambore is also a popular destination to go on a shopping spree.

THINGS TO DO

1. JEEP SAFARI IN THE JUNGLES

Ranthambore is an extremely dense jungle with beautiful landscape and its natural beauty. Jeep safaris here are one of the top attractions in Ranthambore. Jeep safaris are organised by the Ranthambore park authority officials itself. Jeep safaris take place twice in the day – the morning slot which begins at 6:30 AM and the afternoon slot which begins at 2 PM.

Ensure that you book your Jeep safaris well in advance – as the number of Safaris are limited and number of tourists seeking it are very high. Sometimes the safaris get booked as early as 2 months in advance. You can visit the official website to book your safaris. You will need to showcase your ID cards to avail the safari.

2. BIRD WATCHING AT RANTHAMBORE PARK

This is a paradise for bird watchers. You will find many experienced birdwatchers clicking pictures of the exotic bird species. The park is home to 270 exotic bird species. Ranthambore provides one of the best experiences of bird watching in India. Some of the adorable migratory birds are – flamingo, crested grebe, Asial Palm Swift, Ibis, Falcon, Wagtail and many more. If you are a bird lover then visit this park soon – you will be mesmerised with the incredibly beautiful birds this place is the home of.

3. BREATHE EASY IN KACHIDA VALLEY

Located at the corners of the park – Kachida Valley is a mesmerising natural spot famous for its entrancing beauty. This is also a region where leopards, bears and panthers frequently come and can be spotted easily. One of the popular places and a mysterious valley – ensure that you do not miss out on this unexplored part of the national park.

4. STROLL AT PADAM TALAB

Padam Talab is the biggest water in the park. Surrounded by dense forests, hillocks and beautiful flora this lake is full of astonishing entrancing beauty. Padam Talab is also home to many exotic migratory birds. If you are a bird lover – this is the place in the whole park that you shouldn’t miss. So many exotic rapturous birds at one place will make it a stunning experience. Some of the birds visiting this Talab are rare and highly exquisite. You may also be able to capture the royal cat near the talab – as it’s a favourite place for them to quench their thirst.

5. HIKE UP TO RANTHAMBORE FORT

Ranthambore fort is a smashing old ancient structure standing tall in the middle of the dense jungle. Ranthambore fort was built in the 10th century – it is one of the most popular adventure attractions here. This exalted piece of architecture will astonish you with its beauty. An awe inspiring place to explore and experience the ancient history of this place. This is one spot you should not miss if you are in Ranthambore.

PLACES TO VISIT

1. RANTHAMBHORE FORT

Ranthambhore Fort is a magnificent fort erected by a ruler belonging to the Chauhan Royal family located in Ranthambhore in Rajasthan. The regal fort is said to have existed since the 12th century and is a perfect tourist attraction for those wanting to explore Royal Rajasthan. The splendid fort of Ranthambhore stands strong amidst dense forests that form the Ranthambhore National Park. The view of the fort from the national park and the view of the dense forest from the top of the fort are both worth seeing. As one explores the magnificent structure, they are bound to experience the magnificent vibe that the fort radiates in the warm sunlight of Rajasthan.

Ranthambore Fort has been declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and is an important Hill Fort of Rajasthan. The dense forest that forms the Ranthambhore National Park was once the hunting ground of the royalty that lived here. The fort is surrounded by a massive wall and has strong stone pathways and staircases that lead to the top portion of the structure. As you trek upwards; do notice the traditional Rajasthani architecture with massive gates, pillars, domes, palace and temples. The reserve is home to some birds and animals.

2. TRINETRA GANESH TEMPLE

The Trinetra Ganesh Temple is situated inside the Ranthambore Fort, and is famous as one of the oldest temples in Rajasthan. It is the only temple in the entire world which houses the entire family of Lord Ganesha while his statue consists of three eyes. The local post office receives and delivers thousands of invitation cards to the Lord Ganesha temple as people symbolically send the first invitation card for major functions like weddings, house warming, etc. to Lord Ganesh. Also, people come here and make stone miniature houses near the temple, signifying a wish for a real house.

3. SURWAL LAKE

A beautiful natural water body, Surwal Lake is a treat to the tired eyes. It is located inside the Ranthambore National Park and the mesmeric surroundings make the attraction worth a visit. The region is also famous for bird watching and one can observe a number of migratory birds during the winter season.

4. JOGI MAHAL

Located within a 500 metres distance from the famous Ranthambore Fort in Rajasthan, Jogi Mahal is the iconic hunting lodge built by the royalties of Jaipur for their entertainment and recreation. It stands by the beautiful lake, called Padam Talao, inside the Ranthambore National Park, which gets its name from the blooming lotuses in the water. The lake happens to be a favourite watering hole of the animals of Ranthambore like tigers, leopards, deer, monkeys and more.

5. RAJ BAGH RUINS

Raj Bagh Ruins is an enchanting monument inside the Ranthambore National Park. It is situated on the banks of Raj Bagh Lake and is a preferred shelter for the wildlife, especially the tigers. The rustic structure amidst the beautiful dense forests and serene lakes is worth exploring. It is also an apt location for photography.

6. KACHEEDA VALLEY

Kachida Valley is also inside the reserve. Panther population of the reserve resides here. You will have to reach this valley via the jeep safari. Panthers don't usually leave this area in order to avoid conflict with the tigers. Bears are also found here.

7. MALIK TALAO

The smallest of the three lakes in the National Park, Malik Talao is a serene natural water body where most of the wildlife activities can be seen. The majestic Indian Marsh Crocodile can be spotted here often along with other bird and animal species.

8. PADAM LAKE

Padam Lake is the largest lake in the Ranthambore National Park. The water body is visited by most of the animals in the mornings. This is one of the few places where Chinkaras can be spotted. Most animals hunt around this lake which makes it the best location for wildlife photography. The Padam Lake is filled with Lotus bloom during monsoons; hence it was named Padam Talao.