Ranthambhore National Park

No Indian tiger reserve can guarantee a tiger sighting, but at Ranthambhore, the odds are probably better. The park is relatively small, and the resident tigers are known to be unperturbed by safari vehicles. They hunt in broad daylight and rarely shying away from cameras or tourists. Another important reason for its popularity is proximity to the Delhi–Agra–Jaipur “Golden Triangle” tourist circuit. The park can get incredibly busy throughout the cool winter months, especially around the Indian holidays and festivals. One must book months in advance to ensure a safari. This is among the most visited tiger reserves in India and contributes heavily to the local economy. This park has excellent luxury accommodation options.

History of Ranthambhore

The forests of Ranthambhore were the private and exclusive hunting reserves of the Jaipur royal family. The main desire to preserve the game in these forests was for sport for royal guests and British dignitaries like Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip in 1961. These forests were brought under a national project and declared a tiger reserve along with eight other sanctuaries and national parks in 1973. In 1980, 274.50 sq. km of the forest here was notified as Ranthambhore National Park. Today the park comprises 1334 sq km of wild jungle scrub hemmed in by rocky ridges, and at its center is the World Heritage 10th-century Ranthambhore Fort, from which the forests derive their name.

Fauna

The park is rich in wildlife with tiger at the apex of the food chain in mammals. The park is also home to a good population of leopards. With over 40 species of mammals and over 35 species of reptiles. Wild cats found in Ranthambhore are Tiger, Leopards, Caracals, Jungle cats & Rusty Spotted cats. The ungulates include Sambhar, Spotted deer, Blue bull, Indian gazelle and Wild boar. The other large mammals in Ranthambhore are the common or Hanuman Langurs, Rhesus Macaques, Sloth Bear, Indian Fox, Jackal, the extremely occasional Wolf, Small Indian Civet, Palm civet, Common Indian Ruddy mongoose and Striped Hyena.

Aviafauna

The Tropical Dry Deciduous Forest and wetlands support nearly 272 bird species. Sarus Crane , Imperial Eagle, Oriental White-backed Vulture, Long-billed Vulture, Lesser Adjutant and Stoliczka’s Bushchat are among the threatened species found here. Many near threatened species are also found in the wetlands. The site qualifies as Biome-11 and harbors species of Indo-Malayan Tropical Dry Zone. Bird Life International has listed 59 species under Biome-11, out of which 33 have been seen in Ranthambore. It holds some of the best biome-restricted bird assemblages of the Tropical dry deciduous forest in India. During winter, the wetland of Ranthambore hosts 30-40 Black Storks and is probably the best area in northwest India to see this species.

Getting There:
Ranthambhore is easily accessible by road from Jaipur 3.5 hrs, Agra 5 hrs, & Delhi 6 hrs. Also by fast trains from Delhi and Bharatpur.

Recommended Circuit:
Tiger, Taj & Palaces: Delhi - Agra - Ranthambhore - Jaipur

Tigers & Leopards: Delhi - Ranthambhore - Deogarh - Jawai Leopard Conservancy - Udaipur - Pench - Kanha - Delhi.

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