Facts & Figures :
| Area |
: |
392 sq km (core area); 1,334 sq km (gross area) |
| Languages |
: |
Hindi, English |
| Best Time to Visit |
: |
November to March |
About Ranthambore....Ranthambore
reserve is situated in India. s northwestern state of Rajasthan, near the
town of Sawai Madhopur, midway between Bharatpur and Kota townships. It is
surrounded by the Vindhya and Aravali hill ranges and is very near to the
outer fringes of the Thar Desert. The entire area has sprawling tracts of
the desert and semi-desert vegetation. Originally a hunting ground of the
Maharaja of Jaipur, Ranthambore was declared a game sanctuary in 1955. In
1980, it became a national park and listed among the reserves protected
under Project Tiger (1973). Presently the Kaila Devi Sanctuary, also famous
for its tigers, and Mansingh Sanctuary also form part of Ranthambore
Reserve.
Main Atractions Ranthambore,
which receives thousands of visitors each year, is famous for its tigers,
whose population it seeks to increase and sustain. Year after year,
Ranthambore Tiger Reserve continues to attract not just tourists but
dignitaries as well. The U.S. President Bill Clinton, during his recent
visit to India, found time to visit Ranthambore despite his busy schedule.
Nevertheless, the king of the jungle obliges both dignitaries and the common
tourists with his benign presence.
Tigers can be spotted quite often in
their natural habitat even during daytime. They have been frequently seen at
the edges of three lakes. Padam Talab, Raj Bagh Talab and Milak Talab. The
park also has panthers in sizable numbers, though they have been spotted
generally at the outskirts of the park perhaps due to the inevitable
conflict with the tiger population, which command the . superior. position
amidst the predatory cats. For spotting panthers, Kachida Valley is regarded
as the ideal place.
Other mammalian species that have made
Ranthambore their home are antelopes, nilgai, sambhar, chital, sloth bear,
wild boar, chinkara, porcupines, jackals, leopards, jungle cats, fox,
caracals, hyena, gazelle, Indian hare, mongoose and jacanas. Sambhars are in
abundance at the park and form the prime target of all the predatory
mammals.
There are about 264 species of birds found within the
park including painted storks, white-necked storks, black storks, peafowl,
crested serpent eagles, Bonelli's eagle, Indian horned owl, quail,
partridge, spur fowl, paradise flycatcher and jacanas. During winters
migratory birds like graylag goose, ruddy sheiduck and pintails may also be
spotted. Monitor lizards and marsh crocodiles are also found here.
The
park. s topography varies from secure forests to open scrublands. Vegetation
is of the dry deciduous type, with dhok being the most prominent tree.
Ranthambore. s water bodies are known to have lovely lotus flowers and water
lilies. Among the park. s other oddities is the forest rest house, Jogi
Mahal, the premises of which sports the second largest banyan tree in India!
Ranthambore is one of the most suitable places
for wildlife photography in the world. The park may be toured in a jeep or
lorry-van. A guide and a park ranger generally accompany tourists. There is
a network of four gravel tracks inside the park for safaris. Ruins within
and around Ranthambore bear a testimony to its royal past. There are lake
palaces, old fortifications and the majestic Ranthambore fort on a height
overlooking the park. The forest rest house is situated at the foot of the
fort within Jogi Mahal. It overlooks the Padam Talab, which is afloat with
water lilies and lotuses.
Other mammalian species that have made
Ranthambore their home are antelopes, nilgai, sambhar, chital, sloth bear,
wild boar, chinkara, porcupines, jackals, leopards, jungle cats, fox,
caracals, hyena, gazelle, Indian hare, mongoose and jacanas. Sambhars are in
abundance at the park and form the prime target of all the predatory
mammals.
There are about 264 species of birds found within the
park including painted storks, white-necked storks, black storks, peafowl,
crested serpent eagles, Bonelli's eagle, Indian horned owl, quail,
partridge, spur fowl, paradise flycatcher and jacanas. During winters
migratory birds like graylag goose, ruddy sheiduck and pintails may also be
spotted. Monitor lizards and marsh crocodiles are also found here.
The
park. s topography varies from secure forests to open scrublands. Vegetation
is of the dry deciduous type, with dhok being the most prominent tree.
Ranthambore. s water bodies are known to have lovely lotus flowers and water
lilies. Among the park. s other oddities is the forest rest house, Jogi
Mahal, the premises of which sports the second largest banyan tree in India!
ClimateBy
virtue of its proximity to the Thar Desert, the region has extremities of
climate. Summers (April. June) are particularly harsh with temperatures
above 38°C. The area receives rainfall in July and August. The onset of
winters (October. March) brings down the temperature and encourages tourists
to visit Ranthambore.
Outside World Sawai
Madhopur, which is 11 km from the park, has good communication (post,
telegraph, phone and fax) and medical (chemists, hospital) facilities.
Internet/e-mail facilities have also sprung up recently.
Getting
there The nearest rail junction is Sawai Madhopur at a
distance of 11 km. It is on the main Delhi. Bombay railway line and major
trains stop here. The nearest airport is at Jaipur, which is about 145 km
away. A good network of state transport buses connects Sawai Madhopur with
destinations across the state.
Where to StayComfortable
accommodation is never a problem at Ranthambore. There are hotels and rest
houses like Jogi Mahal, Hotel Kamadhenu, and Jhumer Baori Forest Lodge run
by the Rajasthan State Tourism Development Corporation. Their prices range
is variable and fits every budget. Maharaja Lodge, managed by a famous hotel
chain, provides deluxe accommodation. Other local and private accommodations
are available in and around the park as well.
Travel
Tips Light cotton garments are recommended for the hot
summer months and woolens are suitable for the winters. Entry charges for
hired vehicle, guide and photo equipment are separate. These can be reserved
at the Project Tiger office in Sawai Madhopur.
