Ranthambore National Park

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.

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. The elusive Indian wolf too, has been spotted here occasionally. The dainty chital, sambhar deer, the blue bull antelope or nilgai, rhesus macaque, langur and an incredible variety of birds amidst a setting of dhok, fig and banyan trees makes a visit to this park a delight – for tourists and naturalists alike. Basking crocodiles, king vulture on a snag, the scream of the serpent eagle, the alarm call of spotted deer are some sights and sounds that make this a safari experience like none other.

The landscape is dominated by the 10th century fortress of Ranthambore while the valleys have numerous cenotaphs, ruins and abandoned settlements overcome by nature - testament to battles and romances of an era long gone. Open from October to June, Ranthambore is accessible by rail from Delhi, Mumbai and Jaipur and by road from Jaipur and Delhi. Sawai Madhopur has a range of accommodation to suit every budget and travelers can stay back for a few days to soak in the sunshine and calm of the forests. Given the popularity of the Park among tourists from across the world, it is advisable to make reservations in advance.

FLORA

The flora in this park is mostly of the dry deciduous type. Over 300 species of flora has been documented. The most famous trees are dhok, dhak, Imli, Banyan, Kadam, Khajur, Jamun, Karel, Khejda, Kakera, Mohua, Neem etc.

FAUNA

The Park is mostly famous for diurnal tigers. The other animals are Tigers, Leopards, Striped Hyenas, Sambhar Deer, Chital, Nilgai, Hanuman Langurs, Jackals, Jungle cats, Caracals, Sloth Bears, Black Bucks, Indian Wild Boar, Chinkara, Common Palm Civets or Toddy Cat, Common Yellow Bats, Desert Cats, Five Striped Palm Squirrels, Indian False Vampires, Indian Flying Foxes, Indian Fox, Indian Mole Rats, Indian Porcupines, Long Eared Hedge Hogs, Ratels, Small Indian Mangoose, Small Indian Civets and Common Mongoose. The park also contains a large number of Marsh Crocs Reptiles such as Cobras, Rat Snakes, Snub Nosed Marsh Crocodiles, Tortoise, Indian Chameleon etc.

BIRD

In total, around 272 species of birds have been documented. The most important birds of this place include Graylag Goose, Woodpeckers, Indian Grey Hornbills, Common Kingfishers , Bee Eaters, Cuckoos, Parakeets, Asian Palm Swift Owls, Nightjars, Pigeon, Dove, Crakes, Sandpipers, Gulls, Terns, Sparrows, Pipits, Falcons, Flamingos, Bitterns, Bayas, Flycatchers, Treepies etc.

TIGER POPULATION

Total 63 tigers can be seen at this place.

How to Reach Here

It is located 14 kilometres from Sawai Madhopur and 155 Km. from Jaipur. One can take a local bus, taxi or a cab to reach Ranthambore.

Distance from Delhi is 381 km.

Nearest Railway Station: Sawai Madhopur Station

Nearest Airport: Jaipur