Ranthambore was declared a game sanctuary in 1955. After some years in 1980,
it became a national park. Situated in Eastern Rajasthan, where the Aravali Hill
ranges and the Vindhya plateau meet, the Ranthambhore National Park was once the
hunting preserve of the erstwhile Maharajas of Jaipur. The rivers Chambal in the
South and Banas in the North bound the Ranthambore National Park.
One can
have the glimpses of bygone era at Ranthambore in as numerous picturesque ruins
dot the wildlife park. There are lake palaces, 'chhatris', old fortifications
and a majestic 1,000-year-old fort, overlooking the park. Six man made lakes are
the central focus of the park and many perennial streams criss-cross the entire
park. The Ranthambore National Park has internal drainage and has no link up with
any river system, even though two rivers bound the Park in it's north and south
side. The park stands as a model of conservation for tigers. It is an ideal place
to watch the hide and seek played by various wild animals.
One can easily
spot tigers, Antelopes, Nilgai, Sambhar, chital, Sloth Bear, Wild Boar, Chinkara,
Porcupines and Jackals, Leopard, Jungle Cat and Marsh Crocodile. For a relatively
small area, the park has a rich diversity of fauna and flora - species list includes
300 trees, 50 aquatic plants, 272 birds, and 12 reptiles including the Marsh Crocodile
& amphibians as also 30 mammals. The water bodies of the park blooming with
water lilies and lotuses are an added attraction of Ranthambore. Besides this,
it has a sizeable bird population, both resident and migratory.
What
one can see in Ranthambore
- Ranthambore Fort
- Bakaula
- Sea running streams.
- Kukraj Ghati - See the grand view of the National
Park from the peak of Kukraj.
- Lahpur Valley - Large flat grassland very
good for viewing Deer, Antipole and Tigers.
- Sultanpur ki Kui - One of
the most scenic drives in the Park.
- Kachida - Spot a concentration of
Spotted Deer.
- Rajbagh Lake - Carpeted with Lotus flowers and filled with
Lotus eaters.
- Phutakot - Colorado of this area.
- Highest Point
- Gives a virtual 'aerial' view of the Park.
- Semli & Berda - Breathtaking
landscapes that seem to stretch till infinity.
- Khemsa Kund - An ancient
water tank.
What one can do in Ranthambore
One
can tour the park by a jeep or a lorry. One can shoot the wild animals by camera
and it will be really a thrilling experience. It is advisable to stick to the
allocated route, and follow the experienced tips from the guide.
How
to reach Ranthambore
The nearest airport is that of Jaipur, which
is about 145 km away. There are regular flights of various airlines to this place.
From Jaipur one has to take the road to access the national park. The nearest
city to the park is Sawai Madhopur. This place also provides the nearest railhead
for the national park. It is 11 km from Ranthambore. Make sure about the trains
if you are planning to reach the place by rail.
