Ranthambore National Park is located in the Sawai Madhopur district of Rajasthan, India. The park is known for its rich wildlife, particularly its tigers, and it is one of the best places in the world to see these magnificent animals in their natural habitat. The park covers an area of 1,334 sq km and is home to a wide variety of animals including the Bengal tiger, leopard, nilgai, wild boar, sambar, hyena, sloth bear, and chital.
The park is situated on the edge of the Aravalli Hills, and it is known for its rugged terrain and beautiful landscapes. The park is divided into ten zones, each of which has its own unique characteristics. The most famous zone is zone number five, which is known for its large population of tigers. The park also has several other historical monuments such as temples and tombs which add to the historical significance of the park.
Ranthambore has a rich history dating back to the 10th century. The park is named after the ancient fort located in the middle of the park, which was built by the Rajput kings of Rajasthan in the 10th century. The fort has been a strategic location for centuries and has been the site of many battles throughout history.
In the early 20th century, the area surrounding the fort was designated as a game sanctuary and was later declared a national park in 1980. The park was created to protect the Bengal tiger and other endangered species that lived in the area.
During the British Raj, the park was a popular hunting ground for the British, who would come to the park to hunt the tigers and other wild animals. However, after India's independence in 1947, hunting was banned, and the park was instead focused on conservation.
In 1972, Project Tiger was launched in India, with Ranthambore National Park being one of the nine tiger reserves chosen to be part of the program. This initiative helped to increase the number of tigers in the park and helped to protect the species from extinction.
Ranthambore National Park is located in the Sawai Madhopur district of Rajasthan, India. There are several ways to reach the park, including:
1. By Air: The nearest airport to the park is Jaipur International Airport, which is about 160km away. From the airport, visitors can hire a taxi or take a bus to Sawai Madhopur, which is the nearest town to the park.
2. By Train: Sawai Madhopur Railway Station is the nearest railway station to the park, which is well connected to major cities in India. There are several trains available from Delhi, Jaipur, and Mumbai to Sawai Madhopur.
3. By Bus: There are several state-run and private buses that run from major cities in Rajasthan to Sawai Madhopur. Visitors can also take a bus from Delhi and Jaipur to Sawai Madhopur.
4. By Car: Visitors can also drive to the park from nearby cities such as Jaipur, Agra and Delhi. The park is well connected by road and is easily accessible by car.
Once visitors reach Sawai Madhopur, they can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the park entrance gate. From there, they can take a jeep or canter safari to explore the park. It's worth mentioning that during the peak season the park can be very busy and the accommodation can be fully booked, so it's advisable to plan and book in advance.
The park is open all year round, but the best time to visit is between October and June when the weather is pleasant and comfortable for wildlife safari and other activities. The monsoon season, which runs from July to September, is not the best time to visit as the park can be quite wet and the visibility of the animals is reduced. The park is closed on every Wednesday.
A small package with a bountiful merriment to offer. From activities to safaris, to luxurious stays, this gem of Rajasthan has something for everyone and everything for someone. So depending on the occasion and the budget, and most importantly the number of days to spare, this haven is a paradise to behold for an advisable 3-4 day trip.
Ranthambore National Park is home to a wide variety of wildlife and natural attractions, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Some of the top attractions in the park include:
1. Tigers: The park is known for its Bengal tiger population, and visitors have a good chance of spotting these majestic animals on a safari.
2. Ranthambore Fort: The ancient fort located in the middle of the park is one of the top attractions. The fort dates back to the 10th century and offers visitors the chance to explore its history and architecture.
3. Wildlife safaris: The park offers visitors the chance to go on safari and see a wide variety of wild animals, including tigers, leopards, sambar deer, and wild boar.
4. Bird watching: The park is home to over 300 species of birds, making it a popular spot for bird watching.
5. Nature walks: Visitors can take a guided nature walk and explore the park's beautiful landscapes and diverse ecosystems.
6. Jogi Mahal: Located in the heart of the park, Jogi Mahal is a palace that was built by the Rajput kings. It's a popular spot for visitors to relax and take in the views of the park.
7. Padam Talao: This large lake located in the park is a popular spot for visitors to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Visitors can also take a boat ride on the lake to see the park's wildlife from a different perspective.
8. Temple of Lord Ganesha: This temple is located inside the park and is dedicated to the Hindu god Ganesha. Visitors can take a break from their safari and take a look at this beautiful temple.
9. Dastkar Ranthambhore: It is a handicraft and souvenir shop where you can buy traditional handcrafted items like paintings, textiles, and pottery.
These are among the many attractions that Ranthambore has to offer. Visitors can also enjoy activities such as wildlife photography, camping, and rock climbing.
Ranthambore National Park offers a variety of accommodation options for visitors, from luxurious resorts to budget-friendly options. Some recommended accommodation options include:
The Oberoi Vanyavilas, The Machaan, The Ranthambore Bagh, Hotel Tiger Den, Khem Villas
