Introduction

Nestled at the convergence of the Aravalli and Vindhya ranges, the Ranthambhore National Park is one of the few sanctuaries where the chances of tiger sighting are reasonably higher. Spread out over 400 square kilometers, the National Park was once the private hunting ground of the Maharajas of Jaipur, who handed it over to the government soon after Independence. In 1972, Project Tiger was launched to protect the tigers from extinction, and Ranthambhore became one of the first national parks to come under its aegis.

With the success of Project Tiger, the tiger population in Ranthambhore shot up. Apart from the majestic tiger, Ranthambhore National Park is an abode of over 40 species of mammals, 35 species of reptiles and more than 320 species of native and migratory birds. Leopards, jungle cats, caracals, wild boar, sloth bear, sambhar, spotted deer, nilgai, Indian fox, wolf, jackal, and striped Hyena among others.

The park is a scenic outpost covered with dry deciduous forests interspersed with lakes and ponds, crumbling ruins of the 10th century Ranthambore Fort, Jogi Mahal and Ganesha temple. Jogi Mahal, which is the forest guesthouse, houses the second largest Banyan tree in the country and the Ganesha Temple is still visited by many devotees, especially during Ganesh Chaturthi Festival when a fair is held in Lord Ganesha’s honor.

A morning safari into the park just half-an-hour after sunrise, is a great way to enjoy the scenic views and take in the gentle morning breeze. Safaris into the jungles of Ranthambhore take visitors along fixed routes. There are five zones, and each vehicle is allotted a zone through lottery at the park gate. Zone three dotted with numerous streams and creeks opens up greater opportunities of tiger sighting. This zone also houses the quaint Jogi Mahal silhouetted against the lush foliage.

You can explore the park on a jeep or canter available at the Forest Department office. Only 16 vehicles can enter the park at any given time; so make sure you have made your reservation in advance.

Special Attributes

The only dry deciduous Tiger reserve in the world. An ideal place to spot the Great Indian Tiger.

Nuisance

Touts

Dressing restrictions

No such restrictions, you can wear anything you are comfortable in. Avoid wearing bright colored clothes as they alarm most wild animals. And don’t forget to put on your trekking shoes.

Connectivity

Taxis, Jeeps, Canter

Enjoyed by

Nature lovers, Wildlife enthusiasts

Exposure

Day temperature could go as high as 47 degrees centigrade in the summer months (April to June). If you are doing an open jeep safari, the exposure to sun will be higher. In the early afternoon the sun can scorch, so you are advised to carry sunshades, cap, sunscreen lotion and a bottle of drinking water.

Avoidable Season

July, August

Facilities

Basic, plan accordingly

Things Not Allowed

Cigarettes

Tip

Take the allotted path without trying to overtake. Respect nature and be patient for tiger sighting. Do not deviate from the allotted route and try to drive cross-country. Do not honk, over speed or make deliberate noises to attract an animal’s attention. Smoking, picnicking, swimming and fishing are prohibited inside the sanctuary.

Type of site

National Park