Ranthambore National Park is located in the Sawai Madhopur district of Rajasthan, India. The park is known for its rich wildlife, particularly its tigers, and it is one of the best places in the world to see these magnificent animals in their natural habitat. The park covers an area of 1,334 sq km and is home to a wide variety of animals including the Bengal tiger, leopard, nilgai, wild boar, sambar, hyena, sloth bear, and chital.
The park is situated on the edge of the Aravalli Hills, and it is known for its rugged terrain and beautiful landscapes. The park is divided into ten zones, each of which has its own unique characteristics. The most famous zone is zone number five, which is known for its large population of tigers. The park also has several other historical monuments such as temples and tombs which add to the historical significance of the park.
A Peek In the History:
Ranthambore has a rich history dating back to the 10th century. The park is named after the ancient fort located in the middle of the park, which was built by the Rajput kings of Rajasthan in the 10th century. The fort has been a strategic location for centuries and has been the site of many battles throughout history.
In the early 20th century, the area surrounding the fort was designated as a game sanctuary and was later declared a national park in 1980. The park was created to protect the Bengal tiger and other endangered species that lived in the area.
During the British Raj, the park was a popular hunting ground for the British, who would come to the park to hunt the tigers and other wild animals. However, after India's independence in 1947, hunting was banned, and the park was instead focused on conservation.
In 1972, Project Tiger was launched in India, with Ranthambore National Park being one of the nine tiger reserves chosen to be part of the program. This initiative helped to increase the number of tigers in the park and helped to protect the species from extinction.
How to reach:
Ranthambore National Park is located in the Sawai Madhopur district of Rajasthan, India. There are several ways to reach the park, including:
Once visitors reach Sawai Madhopur, they can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the park entrance gate. From there, they can take a jeep or canter safari to explore the park. It's worth mentioning that during the peak season the park can be very busy and the accommodation can be fully booked, so it's advisable to plan and book in advance.
Climate and best time to visit:
The park is open all year round, but the best time to visit is between October and June when the weather is pleasant and comfortable for wildlife safari and other activities. The monsoon season, which runs from July to September, is not the best time to visit as the park can be quite wet and the visibility of the animals is reduced. The park is closed on every Wednesday.
Ideal Days to stay:
A small package with a bountiful merriment to offer. From activities to safaris, to luxurious stays, this gem of Rajasthan has something for everyone and everything for someone. So depending on the occasion and the budget, and most importantly the number of days to spare, this haven is a paradise to behold for an advisable 3-4 day trip.
Top Attractions to Explore:
Ranthambore National Park is home to a wide variety of wildlife and natural attractions, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Some of the top attractions in the park include:
These are among the many attractions that Ranthambore has to offer. Visitors can also enjoy activities such as wildlife photography, camping, and rock climbing.
Accommodation Recommendations:
Ranthambore National Park offers a variety of accommodation options for visitors, from luxurious resorts to budget-friendly options. Some recommended accommodation options include:
The Oberoi Vanyavilas, The Machaan, The Ranthambore Bagh, Hotel Tiger Den, Khem Villas
