ranthambore-gate

The majestic tigers, the verdant landscapes,
The unforgettable safari ride, the grassy meadows,
The exotic flora and fauna, the natural wilderness,
If you are looking for all these, Ranthambore is the address.

When was the last time when your vacations were limited only to lying around pristine beaches or shopping excursion? For how long your heart is yearning for some enthralling odyssey amid the wilderness? Fortunately for you, there are several wildlife sanctuaries and national parks out there endowed with plenty of exotic animals and picturesque landscape. When thinking of majestic tigers, safaris, pictorial ruins and enthralling flora and fauna, Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan is certainly a great option. Armed with a camera and a hat you can make your way to the park to escape from the sweltering heat, and thereby catapult yourself into the world of nature’s unique treasure.

With the magnificent Aravalli Hills as a backdrop, Ranthambore National Park, located in Sawai Madhopur district of Rajasthan, is one of the largest parks in Northern India. It was primarily created as a game sanctuary, Sawai Madhopur Game Sanctuary in the year 1955. However, with the launch of ‘Project Tiger’ in the year 1973, it was declared as a national park in 1980. Getting a glimpse of the big striped cats is the main reason that attracts the wildlife buffs and tourists to the park. However, there are some other wonderful reasons to visit Ranthambore that will bring a WOW factor to your holidays.

Witness the Regal Walk of the Royal Cats

A wildlife adventure tour to Ranthambore not just helps you to connect with nature, but it also provides a wonderful opportunity to have a close encounter with the big cats that you only see on the television. Ranthambore is undoubtedly a paradise for tourists who wish to see the tigers roaming in their natural habitat. This park is a treat to the visitors as they get to witness the amazing Royal Bengal Tigers which can be found lazing under the sun or hiding behind the bushes; the tigers are just about everywhere. It is just a great sight to capture the images of a tiger pouncing upon its prey. If you want to experience an adrenaline rush then a visit to this national park will not leave you disappointed.

Incredible Fauna and Flora that Never Ceases to Amaze

It cannot be denied that Ranthambore is best known for tigers. However, besides the tiger, the park also serves as an abode for many beautiful animals like the Toddy cat, Fivestriped Palm Squirels, Nilgai, Leopards, Small Indian Mongoose, Black bucks, Jackals, Sambar deer, Chital, Chinkara, Indian Porcupines and Caracals. The vegetation of the park contains some important species that only last for a month or year. Some of the well-known plant species found here are Accasia nilotica, Magnifera Indica, Butea monosperma, Phoenix sylvestris, Zizyphus Mauritania, Flacourtia indica, Capparis deciduas, Tamarindicus indica, Prosopis specigera and Azadirachta indica.

Cherishing a Wildlife Safari Ride

A tour to the national park cannot be termed complete without enjoying a jeep and elephant safari ride. A very interesting thing to know here is that a safari ride serves two purposes. It not only offers ultimate delight to the tourists but also the funds generated through them is used for the maintenance of the park. A safari experience in Ranthambore certainly makes the holidays adventurous and pleasurable. A jeep safari takes the tourists to the lush green forests where it is hard to access on foot. For an avid photographer, clicking the photographs of the animals while sitting on the back of an elephant is a fascinating experience.

Heaven for the Photographers

If you have a great passion for wildlife photography, then it is one of the best things to do in Ranthambore. A visit to the park will quench your desire of capturing the lovely photographs of diverse wildlife species. It is imperative to wake up early in the morning to click the best photographs because most of the animals leave their abode in the quest of food. You can set up some hides near the river or climb up a tree and wait for the animals to come along and lock their beautiful pictures in your camera.

Historical Connection

The Ranthambore Fort is a prominent attraction of the park. This historic site deserves a special mention largely because it has been declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO. The fort is located in the middle of the forest and spread over an area of around 7 kilometers. It is a living example of Rajasthan traditions and historical developments. The name of the fort has been borrowed from the enchanting Thanbhore and Ran Hill on which it is nestled. The fort is believed to be constructed by the Chauhan ruler in 944 A.D. From the fort, the tourists can get a panoramic view of the Ranthambore National Park.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Ranthambore National Park and explore its wilderness is from 1st October to 30th June. The park closes in June because of monsoons.

How to Reach the Park

  • By Air: Jaipur is the nearest airport to reach Ranthambore National Park. One can hire cabs or take bus services from outside the airport to reach the park conveniently.
  • By Rail: The closest railhead is Sawai Madhopur which has an excellent connectivity with the prominent cities of India. Taxis, cabs, private and state-run buses are frequently available from the station to reach Ranthambore Park.
  • By Road: The park is nestled around 11 km away from Sawai Madhopur. Cabs or buses can be taken from Sawai Madhopur to reach the desired destination.