Overview

Ranthambore National Park holds the significant status in the tourism sector of India with its distinct class and charm. However, the Ranthambore National Park is not one of the biggest National parks of India, but surely it is the most famous one. Situated in the vicinity of the Aravali hills and Vindhya plateau, the Ranthambore forest spreads over an area of 1334 sq km with having the 392 sq km of the area as the national park. Highly revered for the natural habitat to the significant number of Royal Bengal tigers, the Ranthambore tiger reserve is very popular among the wildlife lovers for its diurnal tigers, which means tourist can easily spot a tiger during their day safari visit.
The vegetation of the Ranthambhore is the tropical dry deciduous and tropical thorn type due to its hilly track, water is confined from narrow valleys and some lakes. There are several lakes in the park known as Padam Talab, Raj Bagh Talab, and Malik Talab. Ranthambore National Park is probably the best place in the world to see wild Indian tigers in its only dry deciduous natural habitat. Tigers can be easily spotted even during the day time. Ranthambhore is also known for famous heritage site due to ruins and Fort. It is a home for different species of animals and birds.
Today, Ranthambhore National Park has become a popular tourist destination in the world for jungle safaris. Due to many popular tigers living in this tiger reserve, thousands of tiger lovers around the world visit Ranthambhore National Park and enjoy the jungle safari during the peak tourist season , which is considered from October to April. Among the many famous tigers of Ranthambhore, the “Machli" was the world's most famous tigress. However, due to prolonged illness, she became weak and died in August 2016, but she left many legends of her youth days. Her generosity of bravery and power has inspired many wildlife documentaries, films and TV shows. Viewing these dangerous wild animals at a short distance in their natural wild environment during jungle safari is indeed an unforgettable wildlife experience of whole life.

Brief Journey

• 1955- The reserve was earlier being established as the Sawai Madhopur Gaming Sanctuary by the Government of India.
• 1973- Later it was declared as one of the Project Tiger Reserves in India.
• 1980- Ranthambore became a national park.
• 1984- The adjacent forests were declared as Sawai Mansingh Sanctuary and Keladevi Sanctuary.
• 1991- The tiger reserve was enlarged to include Sawai Mansingh and Kaladevi Sanctuaries.

The Ranthambore National Park is best known for the tiger population and is one of the perfect destinations in India to witness the majestic predators in the jungle living naturally. It is the only reserve in the region where the tigers can be easily witnessed at any point of time. This is the reason why the region is superbly famous for the tiger tours.

History

Ranthambore National Park is a vast wildlife reserve near the town of Sawai Madhopur in Rajasthan, northern India. It is a former royal hunting ground and home to tigers, leopards and marsh crocodiles.
Its landmarks include the imposing 10th-century Ranthambore Fort, on a hilltop, and the Ganesh Mandir temple. Also in the park, Padam Talao Lake is known for its abundance of water lilies.

Wildlife

Apart from tigers, the major wild animals include leopard, nilgai, wild boar, sambar, hyena, sloth bear and chital. It is also home to wide variety of trees, plants, birds and reptiles. The reserve also has the thriving bird population of with more than 270 different species of birds.
2005 was the year when the tiger count was 26; significantly lower than the recorded tiger population of the reserve in 1982, which then were 44. The non-government resources revealed through a survey that in the year 2008, 34 adult tigers in Ranthambore were recorded. Also, more than 14 tiger cubs were also been recorded that brings huge accolades to the conservation efforts and the wildlife management authority for the well-beings of the Ranthambore Tigers.
More significantly, tigers in Ranthambore are today's heroes since they are being known by their very own name and have their own identity with their unique notable marks. With the emotional interactions of the wildlife experts, photographers and jungle officials, Ranthambore tigers are world famous with their local pet names including the most famous tigers like Machali (T-16), Dollar (T-25), Sitara (T-28), Bina One, Bina Two and many more like them. Quite appraisingly, with such increase in the counts of the tigers in Ranthambore, some of the tigers have been relocated to the nearby reserves like Sariska Tiger Reserve. A recent relocation of the tigress sisters (Bina One and Bina Two) is the latest example of it.

Safari

Jeep Safari

Jeep safari involves a six-seater Gypsy. Jeep safari is appropriate for people like wildlife enthusiasts and photographers who want to catch a glimpse of activities at the eye level. Jeep safari is smaller and more compact as compared to the canter safari.
Gypsy can traverse winding, narrow trails which increases the chances of spotting a tiger, the pride of Ranthambore. When you choose a jeep safari, you have a benefit of changing the routes and making frequent stops on the way as per your liking.

Canter Safari

Canter safari involves a 20 seater canter for the exploration of the Ranthambore National Park. One should always try and book the safari in advance to avoid the end moment hassle. The whole safari lasts for about three and a half hours. Safari Timings at the Ranthambore National Park are: (Subject to change by authorities)
From November to January, the Ranthambore National Park opens for safaris in the morning hours from 7 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and from 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. hours.
During the 15th May to 30th June, the Ranthambore National Park is open for safaris from 6 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and from 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Safari Timing : -

Morning Shift :

- 06.30 am - 10.00 am (1st Oct to 31st Oct)
- 07.00 am - 10.30 am (1st Nov to 31st Jan)
- 06.30 am - 10.00 am (1st Feb to 31st March)
- 06.00 am - 09.30 am (1st April to 15th May).

Evening Shift:

- 02.30 pm - 06.00 pm (1st Oct to 31st Oct)
- 02.00 pm to 05.30 pm (1st Nov to 31st Jan)
- 02.30 pm to 06.00 pm (1st Feb to 31st March)
- 03.00 pm to 06.30 pm (1st April to 15th May).

Best Time to Visit

November to March is the main tourism season of Ranthambore national park, as all the safari gates remain open in this time period. Ranthambore park remains closed during the monsoon season from July to mid-October, but tourists can also visit it during this time as a few gates are partially opened. For the wildlife photographers, summer is the best time to visit Ranthambore, because the chances of sighting the tiger are high during summer, as tigers leave their caves in search of water.

Flora & Fauna

While you explore on your Ranthambore Safari, you will come across some exquisite flora that would leave you awestruck. The dense green jungle of the Ranthambhore National Park amidst the desert makes it a great place to tour for nature lovers. For the record, there are around 300 species of vegetation mostly of dry deciduous type as the rainfall received at this location is very less.
The major region of the forest is covered with a plant named Dhok or biologically Anogeissus pendula. Other types of trees one can find in this forest are Banyan Tree, Neem, Peepal along with the fruit bearing trees like Mango, Imli, Jamun tree and others.
The apex predator and renowned resident of the Ranthambhore National Park is the Royal Bengal Tiger. Many other species of the cat family like leopard cat, desert cat, fishing cat and others can be seen here. On your jungle safari Ranthambore, you can also catch a glance of Sloth Bear, Jackal, Striped Hyena, common mongoose, python, Palm civet, crocodile and others.
Migratory birds are another attraction at the Ranthambhore National Park with over 300 species nestling here. Some of these species that can be seen frequently and easily on your Ranthambore safari are Bronze winged Jacana, Sandpiper, Nightjar, Kingfisher, Painted Spurfowl, Great horned owl, Painted Sandgrouse, Sarus Crane, large Cormorant and many others.

Tourist Attractions

Trinetra Ganesh Temple :

Situated inside the famous Ranthambhore Fort, Trinetra Ganesh Temple is the oldest Ganesh shrine in Rajasthan. This popular temple in Ranthambhore was built by King Hammeer who dreamt of Lord Ganesha before finding an idol of him with three eyes (Trinetra) in the fort.

Ranthambore Fort :

This is an ancient fort located just 13 kms from Sawai Madhopur Railway Station. Founded in 944 AD, and initially named as "Ranath Bhawar Garh", which means "a place of Rajput warriors", the Ranthambore Fort was the territory of the most famous Ranthambore tigress - Machali, who died a few years ago. The tiger lovers, especially the fans of Machali, who was better known as the "Queen of Ranthambore", specially visited this fort to catch her mighty and royal moves. She was best known for her acts of bravery and expanding her territory by defeating the other tigers of Ranthambore.

Kachida Valley :

The Kachida Valley is located at the outskirts of the reserve to bear different outcrops and low hills. The tourists can make a good excursion through Jeep Safari to explore the region of the Kachida Valley. This is the only location where Panther population of Ranthambore National Park is found, as they avoid venturing in the main area of jungle, so they would not indulge into any kind of conflicts with tigers. Besides, beers are also found in a good number here.

Jogi Mahal :

The Jogi Mahal is actually a fort which is recognized among the must watch places in Ranthambore national park.

Climate

Temperature can rise about 38°C during summer from April Month to June Month. Temperature can down 15°C in winter season and from October to March is an ideal time to visit park. However, if you can bear the summer heat, a visit to the park may prove rewarding. The park closes from July to September.

Access to Ranthambore

By Air :

Jaipur being the nearest airport to reach Ranthambore is simply at 180 kms of distance from the reserve area.

By Rail :

Ranthambore National Park is around 11 km away from Sawai Madhopur railway station that lies on the Delhi to Mumbai trunk route.

By Road :

Ranthambore is connected by road. It is best advisable to hire a car/taxi to reach at Sawai Madhopur. The Kota-Ranthambore mega highway is only 1.5kms away.

Hotels In Ranthambore National Park

If you are planning to visit Ranthambhore then you must book everything in advance - seats in Safari Jeep or Canters, guide/naturist and your accommodation in a hotel or resort around the Ranthambhore Park. There are plenty of options are available for the Hotels in Ranthambore. From economical hotels to palatial villas and exotic forest resorts, you have ample choice of accommodations according to your budget. However, even small budget hotels are also equipped with the basic room amenities and good service in respect to the cost. The exotic villas and resorts with their exquisite natural surroundings offer the fully furnished, state-of-the-art interiors and the world-class service. You can spend your adventurous holiday with style and grace amidst the natural surroundings of the Ranthambore Forest. We offer the best deals and discounts on the budget, standard and deluxe hotels as well as luxurious 5-star Hotels & Resorts in Ranthambore.
Here you can find some best Hotels in Ranthambore & Resorts In Ranthambore. There are three kind of resorts and hotels in ranthambore like deluxe resorts in ranthambore, luxury resorts in ranthambore and Budget Resorts In Ranthambore.