THAMBORE NATIONAL PARK

Highlights: Bakaula, Kachida Valley, Malik Talav, Padam Talav Raj Bagh Ruins, Ranthambore Fort, Lakarda and Anantpura.

How To Reach:

By Air: The nearest airport from Ranthambore wildlife sanctuary is Jaipur (at a distance of 145 kilometers).

By rail: From Sawai Madhopur Railway Station, Ranthambore is only 11 kilometers away.

Road: Ranthambore is well connected to all the major cities within the state of Rajasthan by a network of buses form nearby town of Sawai Madhopur.

Ranthambore is a lush green spot situated in Rajasthan (an arid desert region). It is famous for its Tiger reserves. Ranthambore became a part of Tiger Project launched in 1973 to protect these majestic predators. Ranthambore was once a hunting ground of the Maharajas of Jaipur. Ranthambore Tiger reserve is situated at the convergence of the Aravallis and the Vindhyas and provides matchless photogenic views.

Besides six artificially created lakes, there are many snake-like streams that pass through Ranthambore National Park. For it pristine beauty and friendly tigers, it has become the most filmed reserves in the world. You can easily spot the tigers on their hunt, playing with their cubs, teaching the art of hunting to their cubs and indulging in many other activities.

The diverse Flora and Fauna of Ranthambore consist of 300 trees, 50 aquatic plants, 12 reptiles (including the Marsh Crocodile and amphibians), 272 birds and 30 mammals. The flora of this region is abundant with Banyan Trees, Pipal trees, Dhok (Anogeissus pendula) and clusters of mango trees. At the foot of the Famous Fort at Ranthambore and a forest rest house Jogi Mahal, is an entry point to the Ranthambore National Park. The Park boasts of the second largest and thickest Banyan tree in India.

At Ranthambore you would chance upon Tigers, Leopard, endangered Caracal, Hyena Fox, Jackal, Sloth bear, Sambar, Spotted deer (Chital), Indian Gazelle (Chinkara), Blue Bull (Nilgai), Wild boars, Palm civet, Porcupine and Ratel, Mongoose, Hare, Langur, Gazelle, Indian Monitor and a variety of Snakes quenching their thirst on the banks of three big lakes Malik Talav, Padam Talav and Raj Bagh. The lakes are full of a variety of fishes, crocodiles and soft shell turtles.

The avifauna of the region comprises of approximately 264 species of resident and migratory birds. During winter season Barheaded Goose, Greylag Goose, Pintail, etc visit the Reserve and during monsoons you can see Pitta and Paradise Flycatcher chirping in their melodious tone. The resident birds at the park are Great Indian Horned owl, Brown Fish Owl, Crested Serpent Eagle, Bonelli's Eagle, King Vulture, Shikara, Kingfishers, Panted Stork and Parakeets.

The places to be visited in Ranthambore are Bakaula (a lush green spot with water holes), Kachida Valley (an area providing refuge to a large number of panthers) and Ranthambore Fort (situated on hill top- providing photographic views of its architectural splendor and the Park.

The best time to visit the National Park is between October to March and April to June when the weather is dry and pleasant. The management at Ranthambore recommends visitors to carry light cotton clothes in summer and woolens in winters.