Earlier the hunting preserve of the Maharajas of Jaipur, the Park at Ranthambore was once the scene of royal hunting parties. Today, it is famous for its tigers and is one of the best places in the country to see these majestic predators in the wild. Tigers can be spotted quit often even during the day, at their normal pursuits - hunting and taking care of their young. With the strict measures that have been taken for their accustomed to human activity and are not disturbed by it. A good time to visit is between November and April when the nature of the dry deciduous forests makes sightings common.

Ranthambore has large numbers of sambar, chital and nilgai. Sounders of boar and an occasional gazelle - the chinkara can be seen, as also the Indian hare, mongoose and monitor lizards.
The lakes and pools at the Park are where the deer congregate and where it is easiest to see the animals. Among the other local fauna are the leopard, hyena, jackal, jungle cats, sloth bear and marsh crocodile. Jacanas. painted sto-k. hiaci-. stork, and white necked stork are seen along the water bodies. Peafowl are found in abundance and other birds include Bonelli's eagle, crested serpent eagle, the great Indian horned owl, quail, partridge, spur fowl and the paradise flycatcher.

The Park which covers an area of 392 sq. km. 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 verfteys with lakes and pools. Ranthambore's royal past manifests itself in the picturesque ruins that dot the Park. There are lake palaces, chhatris, old fortifications and a majestic thousand year old fort. On a height overlooking the Park. The forest rest house at the foot of the Ranthambore fort is located in the lovely Jogi Mahal. It overlooks a tank - the pretty Padam Talao, afloat with water lilies.

General Information :

Best Time to Visit :October to June.

Nearest Town : Sawai Madhopur (11 km)

How to Get Here : Air: Jaipur (145 km) , Rail: Sawai Madhopur (11 km)

Venture Into The Ranthambore
After you reach Sawai Madhopur, reserve a jeep or a lorry to explore the park, because these are the two ways to venture into the park. The reservation of these can be done at the Project Tiger Office at Sawai Madhopur. You will be accompanied by a guide there, who will explain you everything regarding the park. Be careful that you stick to the allocated route. Separate fees are charged for entrance, vehicle hired, guide and camera.

If you are a true wildlife lover, then Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary in Rajasthan will surely enthuse you with an enthusiastic diversity of flora and fauna. The landscape of the Ranthambore National Park is formed of massive rock formations, steep scarps, perennial lakes and streams and forest suddenly opening up into large areas of Savannah. The terrain of Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary is a combination of impregnable forests and open bush land. In comparison to other sanctuaries, Ranthambore has rich diversity of fauna and flora - species list comprises of 300 trees, 50 aquatic plants, 272 birds, 12 reptiles including the Marsh Crocodile & amphibians and 30 mammals.

The park area is totally a different world with wide population of ancient Banyan Trees, Dhok & Pipal trees, clusters of mango trees crisscrossed with evergreen patches. Being a typical dry deciduous type forest, the park is mostly populated by Dhok, found through out the region. 

The Fauna :

Tigers are the pride of Ranthambore National Park. If you are a tiger watcher then don't miss this destination, as this is best place in the country to observe them. Apart from that a large numbers of Leopards, Striped Hyenas, Sambar deer, Chital, Nilgai, Common or Caracals, Common Palm Civets or Toddy cat, Coomon Yellow Bats, Sloth bears, Black bucks, Rufoustailed Hare, Indian Wild Boar, Chinkara, Desert Cats, Fivestriped Palm Squirels, Hanuman langurs, Macaques, Jackals, Jungle cats, vIndian False Vampires, Indian Flying Foxes, Indian Foxes, Indian Gerbilles, Longeared Hedgehogs, Ratels, Small Indian Mongoose, Indian Mole Rats, Indian Porcupines, Small Indian Civets and Common mongoose are seen in the park.

The Avifauna
Most probably you will be welcomed by a dancing peacock in this section, as peacock is the most commonly seen bird here. As you go further inside you will find various other birds in various moods. The varied terrain and abundance of water bodies, invites an excellent population of birds to the sanctuary. Ranthambore is home to both resident and migratory birds. There are about 272 different species of birds found in the Ranthambore National Park Rajasthan. Some of the many varieties of birds seen 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.

The Reptiles & the Fishes
The sanctuary is also occupied by several reptiles and fishes. In the Reptiles section you will find - Snub Nosed Marsh Crocodiles, Desert Monitor Lizards, Tortoise, Banded Kraits, Cobras, Common Kraits, Ganga Soft Shelled Turtles, Indian Pythons, North Indian Flap Shelled Turtles, Rat Snakes, Russel's Vipers, Saw-scaled Vipers and the Indian Chamaeleon.

Ranthambore due its numerous water bodies has a relatively large variety of fish to boast of. These species consist of : Bita (Labio Rohita), Catla (Catla catla), Greyei (Chhana matulion), Lanchi (Walago auto), Mahseer (Tor tor), Mirgal (Cirrchinus mrigala), Rohu (Labio rohita), Savank (Chhana punctatus), Seenghari (Mystus seenghala).

Additional Punch
Nearest Attractions from the National park are - Ranthambore Fort (the 10th century fort) & Jogi Mahal in the park complex. Bakaula, Kachida Valley, Lakarda and Anantpura are also some place you can visit. You should not miss them, or should it be said that these destinations are just irresistible. But don't stick to this place. If you are here for a long trip, then finish as soon as possible and move towards the other part of Rajasthan, as the entire Rajasthan is just mind-boggling. You can go to Jaipur (145 km), Alwar, Ajmer (the closest one).