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Ranthambhore

Near the township of Sawai Madhopur, in the state of Rajasthan, Ranthambhore National park is an outstanding example of project Tiger's efforts at tiger conservation in the country. The Park sprawls over an estimated area of 400 sq kms. Steep crags embrace a network of lakes and rivers, and a top one of these hills, is the impressive Ranthambore Fort, built in the 10th century. The forest is the typically dry deciduous type, with dhak, being the most prominent tree. As a result of stringent conservation efforts, tigers, the prime asset of the park, have become more and more active during the day. More than in any other park or sanctuary in India, tigers are easily spotted here in daylight. They can be seen lolling around lazily in the sun or feverishly hunting down sambar around the lakes. Therefore, Ranthambore is probably the ideal park for wildlife photography and attract professional wildlife photography and attracts professional wildlife photographers from all over the world. Apart from tigers, the park also has its share of panthers. They are to be fond on the outskirts of the park due to the inevitable conflicts with the tiger population. Kachida valley is beleived to be the place to sight these rather elusive cats. The other permanent residents of the park include marsh crocodiles, hyenas, jungle cats and sloth bears. Sambar, found in abundance all over the area, are the prime target of all the predators. Chital, nilgai and chinkara, are the other inhabitants of the region. The avian population comprises of black stroks, qualis, Bonelli's eagles, spur fowls, crested serpent eagles and painted storks. During the winter months, the park attracts a lot of migratory birds, primarily a variety of ducks.

Ranthambhore used to be the hunting grounds of the Maharaja of Jaipur. Today, it is famous for its tigers and is one of the best places in the country to see these majestic predators in the wild. The tigers can be easily spotted even during the day. A good time to visit between November and May when the nature of the dry deciduous forests makes sightings common.

The Park which covers an area of nearly 400 sq. km. and is set between the Aravali and Vindhya ranges. Its deciduous forests were once a part of the magnificent jungles of Central India. The terrain is rugged and there are rocky ridges, hills and open valleys with lakes and pools.

Ranthambore's royal past manifests itself in the picturesque ruins the dot the Park. There are lake palaces, chhatris, old fortifications and a majestic thousand year old fortifications and a majestic thousand year old fort on a height overlooking the Park. The forest rest house at the foot of the Ranthambore fort is located in the lovely Jogi Mahal. It overlooks a tank the pretty Padam Talao, afloat with water lilies.

CITY SIGHTS