Ranthambore National Park at a Glance :
• State : Rajasthan in the northwestern part of India.
• Area : 392 sq-km.
• Best Time to Visit : October - March and April - June.
• Climate : The park experiences drastic variations in climatic conditions. The temperature range is extreme with the mercury dipping to around 2 degrees centigrade in the winters and rising all the way up to 47 degrees centigrade in the summers.
• Travel Tips : Consult the doctor before you start your trip. Verify that you have all the required documents, you may need to enter India and your desired destination.

About Ranthambore National Park :
The Ranthambhore National Park is situated in the eastern part of Rajasthan, where the Aravali Hill ranges and the Vindhyan plateau embraces each other. The park is about 11 km from Sawai Madhopur, which is also the nearest town from the park. The Ranthambore Tiger Reserve was declared a wildlife sanctuary in the year 1957 and in the year 1974 it achieved the protection of "Project Tiger". It received it's status of a National Park in the year 1981.

Once the hunting ground of the Maharajas of Jaipur, the Ranthambore National Park is bounded by the rivers Chambal in the South and Banas in the North. The park possesses six man made lakes and many perennial streams winds through the entire park. The Ranthambore National Park has internal drainage and has no connection with any river system, despite two rivers bound the Park in it’s north and south side.

The Vegetation In Ranthambhore :
Ranthambhore forest is dry deciduous with dhok (Anogeissus pendula) trees as the main vegetation which is an important fodder tree for animals. Kulu (Sterculia urens), ronj (Acacia leucophloea), ber (Zizyphus maudrentiana), khimi (Manilkara hexandra), tendu (Diospyrous melanoxylon), polas (Butea monosperma), peepal, mango and banyan are prevalent in Ranthambhore. But perhaps the most spectacular is the flame of the forest which blooms in April, enveloping the forest in a spectacular fiery red aura. The four lakes in Ranthambhore are surrounded by a numerous species of trees like salar (Boswellia serrata), gurjan (Lannea coromandelica) and gum (Sterculia urens).

The Wildlife Attractions :
Ranthambhore National Park spans an area of about 400 sq km with a tiger population of about 32. The tiger is relatively easier to spot in Ranthambhore than in many other National Parks, thanks to the tourist friendly nature of the tigers and the openness of its surroundings.

The Park also supports a large number of other wild species including leopards, the highly endangered caracal, jungle cat, hyena, jackal, sloth bear, wild boar, marsh crocodile, porcupine, common langur, spotted deer, Indian gazelle, sambar (Asiatic stag) and nilgai (bluebull). Some of these species (especially the nocturnal ones like the leopard and the caracal) are difficult to spot and sightings are rare, but then that is bound to happen when every eye in the Park is looking for what Ranthambhore is best known for – the tiger.

Attraction Of Bird Population :
Ranthambhore is also rich in migratory, water, and woodland birds. There are about 270 species of birds in the Park including a large number of migratory birds. Some of the many varities of birdlife to be found here are the great Indian horned owl, various species of eagles such as Bonelli’s eagle and the crested serpent, spoonbills, partridge, quail, parakeets, kingfishers, owls and storks, geese and ducks. But perhaps the most visible bird in Ranthambhore is the peacock, India's national bird. Every evening the peacocks of Ranthambhore line up on the walls of the fort which stands on a cliff above the Park and, after much calling, descend to specific roosting trees for the night.

The Great Indian Tiger :
Seen in its natural habitat, the tiger is one of the most fascinating beasts in the world. It is also almost invisible, be it in greenery or brown bush. And the tiger has this amazing ability to sneak up on its prey without the slightest sound, even while walking on dry undergrowth. When God made the tiger He made Stealth and Invisibility the two chief characteristics of this fascinating Lord of the Jungle. But there’s a catch. While a tiger lies in the bush it is almost impossible to see it – it stays perfectly still without a sound. Except for its tail, which he can never hold still however hard it tries.

Places to Stay :
• Castle Jhoomar Baori
• Sawai Madhopur Lodge
• Dev Vilas Ranthambhore
• Tiger Den Resort Ranthambhore
• Tiger Machan Resort
• Tiger Moon Resort

How to Get There :
By Airport : At Jaipur at (145 km). Palace on Wheels also runs on this route.

By Rail : Sawai Madhopur (11 km).

By Road : A good network of buses connect Sawai Madhopur.