About Ranthambore National Park
One
of the most popular parks with tiger sightings at its best, a photographers’
dream come true, dotted with lakes and ponds around which the wildlife
abounds. Welcome to Ranthambore where predators and prey enact their day to
day drama. Hailed as one of India's finest wildlife locales, it is located
near Sawai Madhopur township about 100 km south east of Ajmer in Rajasthan.
It was established as a sanctuary in 1959 and included in the very first
phase of Project Tiger in 1972. In 1981 Ranthambore was awarded National
Park status. The park derives its name from the fort of Ranthambore which
sits on a rocky outcrop in the forest. The fort dates back to the 11th
century when it was a vital citadel for the control of central India.
Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary is open for visitors between October and
June. Summers are not the right season for heading to Ranthambore. However,
the summer heat attracts animals to the waterholes, so there’s greater
chance of seeing wildlife in May or June.
The best time for a trip remains between December and April, when the
weather’s great and there’s plenty of opportunity for some
hardcore wildlife-watching. March and April, especially, are the months when
tiger-spotting is common.
Wildlife Attraction in Ranthambore National Park
Tiger
The tiger reigns supreme in Ranthambore. It is among the few places in the
world where this super-predator, symbol of power, strength and magnificence,
can be observed at close quarters. There are about 25 tigers and 40 leopards
in the reserve. These are supported by a large population of healthy
herbivores. On can never have enough of tigers. You may have seen a tiger a
hundred times, yet each sighting is greeted with the same high-pitched
intensity.
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
sizeable 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.
Avian Population
Jacanas, painted stork, black stork, and white necked stork are seen along
the water bodies. Peafowl are found in abundance and other birds include
Bonelli's eagle, crested serpent eagle, the great Indian horned owl, quail,
partridge, spur fowl and the paradise flycatcher.
Besides, Ranthambore has large numbers of sambar, chital and nilgai.
Sounders of boar and an occasional gazelle and the chinkara can also be
seen, as also the Indian hare, mongoose and monitor lizards. The lakes and
pools at the park are the places where deers congregate and it is easiest to
see these animals. Among other local fauna are the leopard, hyena. jackal,
jungle cats, sloth bear and marsh crocodile.
Safaris
The adventure begins at daybreak. Open gypsys take you into the depths of
Ranthambore forest. An incredible variety of wildlife abounds in these
forests, the magnificent king of the forest - the Tiger, often appears
before your astonished eyes. The morning mists slowly unfolds the mysteries
of nature, the naturalist guides you through these moments with his
expertise. At regular intervals, the jungle erupts with alarm calls of the
forest denizens. The cats are on the prowl in search of prey, wildlife
sightings are at their best, This is the most exciting hour in the Indian
jungle. Safari Timings are 6:30 to 10:00 Am & 1:30 to 5:30 PM.
Other Attractions
Ranthambore Fort
The majestic Ranthambore Fort is situated on top of a hill inside the park.
A short walk, the only means to get to the fort, takes you to the invincible
structure which has been a major landmark in the area for centuries. A
breathtaking view of the surroundings awaits you and if you are lucky, you
may see a wild cat prowling around.
Padam Talao
It is the largest lake inside the park. The impressive Jogi Mahal is
situated on the banks of the lake. It is an ideal spot for animal sighting
and if luck is on your side, a rare Chinkara sighting is not a distant
possibility.
How to get there
By Air: Jaipur (165 km) is the nearest airport which is conveniently
connected by Indian Airlines flights from Delhi (6:05, daily), Mumbai
(15:30, daily) and Kolkata (15:45, daily). Jet Airways also connect Mumbai
and Delhi to Jaipur through daily flights.
By Rail: The Park is around 12 km from Sawai Madhopur railway
station, on the Delhi-Bombay trunk route. Daily trains which connect the
place to Delhi include Intercity Exp. (22:15), Golden Temple Mail (7:15),
Paschim Exp. (16:55), Mewar Exp. (19:00), Dehradun Exp. (21:45) and FZR BCT
Janta (13:30). Trains from Mumbai include Golden Temple Mail (21:25),
Paschim Exp. (11:35), BCT JP Exp. (18:50), Dehradun Exp. (22:25) and FZR
Janata Exp. (7:25). Other trains are from Bangalore the Jaipur Exp. (11:15,
Thu, Sat) and from Chennai, Jaipur Exp. (17:30, Tue, Fri, Sun).
By Road:A good network of buses connect Sawai Madhopur with quite a
few areas around. To reach by road from Jaipur, take the NH12 to Tonk via
Sanganer and state highway to Ranthambore via Uniara and Sawai Madhopur. It
will be better to go by train, since private vehicles are not allowed inside
the park
Distances from Major Cities
Agra : 294 km
Delhi : 434 km (SW)
Mumbai : 851 km
Jaipur : 176 km (SE)
Bangalore : 1453 km
Travel Tips/Important Information
- The park entry point is on the Ranthambore road, about 10 km from
Sawai Madhopur railway station.
- Park charges Entry Fee : Rs. 25 (Indians) & Rs. 200 (foreigners),
Vehicle : Rs. 125, Safari : Rs. 1350, Guide : Rs. 150, Camera : still
free & Rs. 200 (video)
- Park timings are 6:30 to 10:00 AM & 1:30 to 5:30 PM (timings are
subject to change)
- The clothing to be carried should be selected carefully. The summers
are extremely hot and even the lightest cotton clothes will feel warm.
Winters are just the opposite when chilling winds pierce into the body
like needles and requires heavy woollen clothing.
- Communication facilities are easily available as most of the resorts
provide telephones with direct dial facility, besides there are a number
of public call booths located at short distance from the park
- The only months to visit the park are October to June. Rest of the
time the park remains closed for visitors.
- Once inside the park, follow the rules and please keep your
surroundings clean.
Jungle
Resorts in Ranthambore
| Tiger
Den |
The
Hammir Wildlife Resort |
The resort is
located in village Khilchipur, close to Ranthambore National Park.
|
The resort is
located on Ranthambore road on the way to the National Park.
|
"There
was something unpleasant about tracking the tigers with walkie tailkies
and elephants. But finally when I saw the beast, for a moment, I went
paranoid....it was awefully fearsome."
