Ranthambhore National Park

» Fact File
» Location from nearby major cities : Jaipur (145 kms)

» Known for : Tigers, Leopards, Boar

» Climate & the best time to visit : Tropical climatic conditions prevail here. The summer season is very hot with mercury rising to a high of 47 degrees. On the contrary, winter months are extremely cold and temperature may drop to a low of 2 degrees in the peak winter months. Rainfall is also scarce in the area. There is a lot of dependence on the monsoons for water. The park remains open from October to June.


» The Park
One of India's most popular national parks, Ranthambhore is located in Sawai Madhopur district of Rajasthan. The park is situated at the place where the Aravali Hill ranges and the Vindhyan plateau meet. Once the favourite hunting ground of the Maharajas of Jaipur, Ranthambhore today boasts of a large Tiger population and is also one of the finest examples of tiger conservation efforts. Infact, Ranthambhore has earned the reputation of being one of the best places in the world to see the Tiger. The park is bound by rivers Chambal in the South and Banas in the North which are also the main sources of water for its wildlife. Apart from the two rivers, many perennial streams also criss-cross the entire park. The park covers a total area of 392 Sq. Kms.

» Attractions in the Park
» Avifauna : The abundance of water bodies in Ranthambore national park makes it an ideal destination for a number of bird species, both local and migrant. About 272 species of birds are found in the sanctuary. A large number of migratory bird species also come to the park during the winter months. Some important bird species are Indian horned owl, Bonelli’s eagle, Crested serpent, Spoonbills, Partridge, Quail, Parakeets, Kingfishers, Owls, Storks, Geese and Ducks. But the best attraction among avian fauna is the Peacock, India's national bird.

» Flora : The vegetation found here is mainly of the dry deciduous type with Dhok being the most prominent tree. Some other trees found in good numbers are Banyan, Pipal, Mango, Ber, Chila, Jamun, Kadam, Khajur, Khair, Karel, Khejda, Kakera, Mohua and Neem. The terrain fluctuates between impregnable forests and open bush land. Massive rock formations, steep scarps, perennial lakes and streams mainly constitute the terrain here.

» Fauna : Apart from the Tigers, other animal species inhabiting the park are Leopards, Striped Hyenas, Sambar deer, Chital, Nilgai, Common langurs, Macaques, Jackals, Jungle cats, Caracals, Sloth bears, Black bucks, Hare, Indian Wild Boar, Chinkara, Common Palm Civets, Coomon Yellow Bats, Desert Cats, Palm Squirels, Indian Flying Foxes, Indian Gerbilles, Indian Mole Rats, Porcupines, Ratels, Small Indian Mongoose, Small Indian Civets and the Common mongoose. Of the 12 varieties of reptiles, Marsh crocodiles, Cobra, Python and Monitor Lizards are the most common.

» Other Places to Visit
» Ranthambore Fort : The national park actually derives its name from the majestic Ranthambhore Fort, perched on a rocky outcrop in the heart of the Park. One of the oldest existing forts of Rajasthan, the fort dates back to 10th century. The fort is also regarded as a fine example of medieval military structures.

» Sawai Madhopur Village : The village of Sawai Madhopur known for its historical monuments is a nice place to visit. The few monuments found here date back to early and late medieval periods and have been well preserved. Karauli and Bundi are other tourist places near the park famous for its temples


» How To Reach
» By Air : The nearest airport from the park is the Jaipur airport. Commercial flights connect Jaipur with most of the air destinations of the country.

» By Rail : The park is located only 15 kms away from the nearest town of Sawai Madhopur, which is also the nearest railhead from the park. Trains from Mumbai like Golden Temple Express and Avadh Express or the Delhi-Indore Intercity Express could be boarded for Sawai Madhopur.

» By Road : Ranthambhore National Park is on the main Delhi-Mumbai route. Taxis and buses are also available from Rajastjhan's capital city of Jaipur to the park.