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About Ranthambore National Park
The
Ranthambore National Park was the hunting ground of Maharaja of
Jaipur. In 1955, it was declared a game sanctuary; in 1980, it
became a national park. But with the commissioning of Project Tiger
in 1972, it was included in the project. With the addition of
neighbouring Keladevi and Mansingh sanctuaries, the total area of
the national park stands at 1,334 sq km. But the entire park - the
core area is just 392 sq kms - is not open to the public. The
Ranthambore Park is set between the Aravalli 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 is a heritage site because of the picturesque ruins that
dot the wildlife park. There are lake palaces, 'chhatris', old
fortifications and a majestic 1,000-year-old fort, overlooking the
park. The lovely Jogi Mahal is located at the foot of the fort and
gives magnificent view of the Padam Talao, painted white with water
lilies. The Ranthambhore park is famous for tigers and due to
conservation efforts, the tiger population has stabilized if not
increased here. The tigers can be spotted quite often even during
the day, at their normal pursuits-- hunting and taking care of their
young ones. Ranthambhore is one of the best places to see these
majestic predators.
Park Population of Ranthambore National Park
The tigers are the prized attractions of the park. Other inmates of
the park are the Antelopes, Nilgai, Sambhar and Chital, which are
easy to spot. Those who are lucky enough get to see the Sloth Bear,
Wild Boar, Chinkara, Porcupines and Jackals, Leopard, Jungle Cat and
Marsh Crocodile. The lakes and water holes in the Ranthambore
national park are the best places to sight the animals. These water
bodies are full of lotus and water lilies. Ranthambore also has a
sizeable bird population, both resident and migratory. There are
about 264 species of birds found within the park. Indian Hare,
Mongoose and Monitor Lizards can also spotted.
Ranthambore National Park Trips
The park is toured by a jeep or a lorry. The reservation of these
can be done at the Project Tiger Office at Sawai Madhopur. The tour
is accompanied by a guide. In the park, one must stick to the
allocated route. Entry is relatively expensive, with fees for
entrance, vehicle hired, guide and camera being charged separately.
of the persons who were buried in the infamous landslide. The few
bodies which could be dug out were buried in the church premises.
Places to stay in Ranthambore
The are excellent accommodation facilities in and around Ranthambore
National Park.There are heritage hotels, hotels & rest houses of the
RTDC and the Taj group also has one hotel here. The Maharaja Lodge
by the Taj Group provides world class accommodation. The forest rest
house, Jogi Mahal inside the park and Hotel Kamadhenu are few of the
hotels maintained by the RTDC. Jhoomer Baori forests lodge is also
managed by the RTDC. These hotels and rest houses are designed to
suit every budget. There are few local and private accommodation
available too.
Best Time to Visit
Ranthambore
The park is open for visitors from October to June. But the best
season to visit Ranthambore is from November to April. This is the
time when animals can be easily spotted.
How to get there
The nearest city to the park is Sawai Madhopur. This place also
provides the nearest railhead for the national park. It is 11 km
from Ranthambore. Make sure about the trains if you are planning to
reach the place by rail. The nearest airport is that of Jaipur,
which is about 145 km away. There are regular flights of various
airlines to this place. From Jaipur one has to take the road to
access the national park.
Nearby Attractions of Ranthambore
The most fascinating and most popular excursion taken from the
national park is to the Ranthambore Fort. This fort was built by the
Chauhans in the 10th century. The fort is located at a very
strategic position between north and central India and hence it was
always coveted by many rulers. This fort is famous for the 'Johar'
(suicide by immolation to escape humilitaion) by Rajput women in
1301AD during the siege by Ala-ud-din Khilji. The temples and tanks
add to the beauty of the fort. The seven gates and massive curtain
walls, crowning a fall-topped hill presents a majestic view.
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