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Ranthambore National Park
Ranthambore National Park
Ranthambore National Park
Ranthambore
is internationally acknowledged as one of the last remnants of the once
great virgin jungles in central India. Situated in India’s northwestern
state of Rajasthan, it is surrounded by the Vindhya and Aravali hill ranges
and lies near the outer fringes of the Thar Desert. The entire area of 390
sq km is located 500 m above sea level and is a sprawling tract of desert
and semi-desert vegetation. Originally a hunting ground of the Maharaja
of Jaipur, Ranthambore was declared a game sanctuary in 1955. In 1980s,
it became a national park and was listed among the reserves protected under
Project Tiger (1973). Presently the Kaila Devi Sanctuary, also famous for
its tigers, and the Man Singh Sanctuary form a part of Ranthambore Reserve.
Ranthambore is probably the best place in the world to photograph the
mighty and powerful tiger. Jeep Safaris are exciting options and the chances
of spotting a big cat is better than anywhere else in India. Excursions
around the park give valuable insights into the culture and tradition
of the local people especially the Meena tribes. One can also look for
medieval splendour in the form of forts, havelis (mansion), and palaces
that are scattered throughout the region. Spending the nights in the many
hideouts in the park is another adventurous option.
In 1955, Ranthambore became a sanctuary and was one of the very first
protected areas. Later in 1984, the park was notified as a National Park
with an area of around 400 square kilometres and today according to rough
estimates, the park has a tiger population of a little over a hundred.
Ranthambore,
which receives thousands of visitors each year, is most famous for its tigers.
Tigers here 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 can be seen at Ranthambore 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. Monitor lizards and
marsh crocodiles are also found here.
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 shelduck and pintails can also be spotted.
The Ranthambore Park’s topography varies from secure forests to
open scrublands. Vegetation is of the dry deciduous type, with dhok being
the most prominent tree. The water bodies in Ranthambore are known to
have lovely lotus flowers and water lilies. Among the park’s other
attractions is the forest rest house, Jogi Mahal, the premises of which
houses the second largest banyan tree in India.
Ranthambore
is one of the most suitable places for wildlife photography in the world.
The park can be toured in a jeep or lorry-van. A guide and a park ranger
generally accompany tourists. There is a network of four travel tracks inside
the park for safaris. Ruins within and around Ranthambore bear testimony
to its royal past. There are lake palaces, old fortifications and the majestic
Ranthambore fort at a height overlooking the park. The forest rest house
is situated at the foot of the fort within Jogi Mahal.
By virtue of its proximity to the Thar Desert, the region suffers extremities
of climate. Summers (April-June) are particularly harsh with temperatures
going well over 40°C. The area receives rainfall in July and August.
The onset of winter (October-March) brings down the temperature and which
is an encouragement to tourists to visit Ranthambore. The park is open
between the months of October and May. The best months to visit the park
are from October to February.
Ranthambore National Park Reservation
Form
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