Ranthambore National Park - Fact File
Location : Ranthambore, Near Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan.
Area : 1,334 sq. kms
Major Attractions : Tigers, Leopards, Nilgai, Chinkara, Wild Boars.
Climate : Desert type of climate, Summer temp : 37°C- 23°C, Winter temp : 29°C-9°C .
Ideal Time to Visit : November to April.
Park Visiting Timings : April to June:6.30 a.m - 9.30 a.m and 3.30 p.m-6.00 p.m.
October to March : 6.00 a.m - 9.00 a.m & 3.00 p.m - 6.00 p.m.



About Ranthambore National Park
Ranthambore National Park is situated in Eastern Rajasthan near the town of Sawai Madhopur. Its abandoned fortress, lakes and friendly tigers have made it one of the most famous wildlife reserves in the world. The park is located at a distance of 11 kms from Sawai Madhopur, 145 kms from Jaipur, 294 kms from Agra and 380 kms from Delhi. Ranthambore National Park covers a core area of 400 sq. kms and is surrounded by the Aravalli and Vindhyan ranges. Situated in the fringes of Thar Desert, the vegetation of park mainly comprises of the deciduous forest. The deciduous forests of the area were once a part of the magnificent forests of Central India. The forest include the Banyan trees, Pipal trees, Mango trees, Dhak trees etc. The varied landscape of the park consists of rocky ridges, hills, open valleys, lakes and pools.

Ranthambore was the hunting preserve of the Maharajas of Jaipur and was converted into a sanctuary in 1955. In 1973 it became a Project Tiger Reserve and in 1980 it was made a national park. With the addition of Keladevi and Mansingh sanctuaries, the total area of the national park increased to 1,334 sq. kms. The beauty of the park is further enhanced by six man made lakes and perennial stream that criss-cross the park. The rivers Chambal and Banas flow bound the park in the south and north respectively. The water bodies in the park have beautiful flowers like lotus and water lilies.

Inhabitants of the Park
Animal Species : Ranthambore is known mainly for Tigers but the park also houses a number of animal species such as - Leopards, Antelopes, Nilgai, Sambar, Chital, Sloth Bear, Wild Boars, Chinkara, Porcupines, Mongoose, Gazzelle, Indian Hare, Monitor Lizards, Fox, Hyena, Jackals, Jungle Cat and Marsh Crocodile.

Avian Species : The park is home to around 260 species of birds that include both resident and migratory birds. Some of the most popular avian species found within the park are - White-necked storks, Peafowl, Black storks, Partridge, Indian horned owl, Quail, Spur fowl, Bonelli's eagle, Paradise flycatcher, Graylag goose, Crested serpent eagles, Ruddy sheiduck and Pintails.

Nearby attractions
Ranthambore Fort : Ranthambore Fort is the most fascinating and most popular excursion point near the national park. The 1000 year old fort was built by Chauhans in the 10th century. Ranthambore fort was a vital citadel for control of Central India and particularly the Malwa plateau. The tanks, seven gates, temples, massive curtain walls and a crowning flat topped hill add more to the beauty of the fort.

Jogi Mahal : The picturesque palace is located at the foot of the Ranthambore Fort. Jogi Mahal premises has the second largest banyan tree in India. The palace provides the excellent view of the Padam Talao.

Ganesh Temple : The 8th century Ganesh Temple is one of the most famous temples in the state of Rajasthan. The temple attracts thousands of people throughout the year and specially during Ganesh Chaturthi, the Lord Ganesha's birthday.

Sawai Madhopur : Sawai Madhopur, the gateway to Ranthambore is just 11 kms away. . Founded in 1765 AD by Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh I of Jaipur, Sawai Madhopur is known for its historic monuments.

Karauli : Situated at a little distance from Ranthambore, the ancient town of Karauli houses magnificent temples and a famous historical monument.

Bundi : 66 kms away from Ranthambore, Bundi is renowned for its magnificent monuments and massive fort. Prime attractions of Bundi are - Taragarh fort, Bundi Palace, the Bhim Burj.

Things To Do
Wildlife Watching : Wildlife watching is a good adventure activity in Ranthambore national park. The park offer plenty of opportunity for wildlife-watching. Ranthambore National park is famous for tigers and they can be spotted quite often during the day, at their normal pursuits - hunting and taking care of their young ones.

Wildlife Photography : Ranthambore National Park is considered one of best places in the world for Wildlife photography. You can capture the pictures of animals wandering through the forests of the park and also the natural surroundings.

Accommodation
Excellent accommodation facilities are available in and around Ranthambore National Park. Tourists can stay at heritage hotels, forest rest houses and hotels maintained by RTDC. Jogi Mahal, Jhoomer Baori and Hotel Kamadhenu are few of the forest lodges and hotels managed by RTDC. Taj Group also has one hotel here which provides world level accommodation facility. In addition a few local and private accommodation are also available.

How to reach Ranthambore National Park
By Air : Nearest airport is Jaipur Airport (145 kms), which is connected to major cities of India. From Jaipur one has to take the road journey to reach the Ranthambore.

By Rail : Sawai Madhopur is the nearest railway station which is located at a distance of 11 kms. The railway station is on the Delhi-Mumbai route and is connected by trains with the places of Rajasthan and other parts of India.

By Road : Ranthambore is connected by good network of roads with Sawai Madhopur and the major cities within the state of Rajasthan. From the park buses ply to Sawai Madhopur, Jaipur, Kota, Ajmer etc.