Ranthambhor National Park

Situated near the township of Sawai Madhopur in Rajasthan, Ranthambore National Park is a fine example of efforts to conserve wildlife in India. Once Ranthambore was the private hunting grounds of the Maharajas of Jaipur. The park came under Project Tiger in 1972.

Sprawling over an estimated area of 400 sq kms, the park is set between the Aravali and Vindya Ranges. The terrain is rugged with rocky ridges, hills and open valleys and has a network of lakes and rivers. Ranthambore Fort, built in the 10^th century, is on top of one of the hills in the park. The prominent tree in the dry deciduous forest is dhok.

It is one of the few parks where tigers are easily spotted in broad daylight hunting and taking care of their young. The tiger population is estimated to be around 30 in the park. The wildlife includes tiger, panther, leopard, sambar, nilgai, sloth bear, marsh crocodile, Indian hare, mongoose, monitor lizards, hyena, jackal, civet, fox, caracal, and ratel.

The park has more than 300 varieties of birds. Jacanas, painted stork, black stork, white necked stork, peafowls, parakets, doves, storks, egrets, flycatchers, eagle and owls are common in the park. During the winter migratory birds such as greylag goose, ruddy shelduck and pintails arrive in the park. Recently the rare black eagle and the crashed hawk eagle have also been sighted.

The nearest town is Sawai Madhopur, 11 km away. The nearest rail head is also in Sawai Madhopur. Jaipur at 145km is the nearest airport. The park is easily accesses by road. Hotels, restaurants, jungle lodges and other varieties of accommodations are available around the park and in Sawai Madhopur. The best time to visit the park is from October to June.

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