Ranthambhore National Park

 

The prime examples of Project Tiger’s conservation efforts in the state of Rajasthan, Ranthabore National Park was previously hunting reserve of the royal families of Jaipur. Ranthambore is also considered as a heritage site because of the ruins of a 1,000 year old that are found over here.

The biggest attraction is its diurnal tigers. These tigers are so accustomed to human presence that they are know to even hunt in broad daylight in full view of gaping tourists. The park, however is also one of the most scenic in the world. It has a scattering of ruins of ancient lodges, forts and palaces that add to its charm.

Near the dusty town of Sawai Madhopur in Rajasthan is Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, a forest often regarded as the world's finest for viewing tigers and certainly the most documented. Conservation efforts have been so successful here that the predator's habits changed from reclusive to openly relaxed, often in the vicinity of human beings. The great cat car sometimes be seen cooling off by day in a lake in the heat of summer or ambling along a jungle track. Not infrequently, it hunts in broad daylight and has been sighted charging a Sambar right into the lake waters.

It is sometimes possible to see the lordly tiger sauntering up the stairs of the majestic ruin of the 10th-century Ranthambore Fort that looms over the forest from a rocky outcrop. It was tossed back and forth through centuries of war and confrontation, and was even the scene of a Jauhar (immolation by women to avoid dishonour). The forests around were once the private hunting grounds of the Jaipur maharajas.

The 392 sq kin Ranthambore National Park, the Kaila Devi Wildlife Sanctuary and other small pockets of forest constitute the 1,334.64 sq km Ranthambore Tiger Reserve. It lies towards the eastern limits of the Aravali Range, close to where the Vindhya Range begins. Dry rocky crags are networked by lakes and narrow rivulets, a majority of which are waterless for much of the year. Dry deciduous forest of dhok, ber and ronj dominates the park although semi- evergreen vegetation can be seen in some valleys and along the streams.

Bakaula, Lakarda, Nal Ghati, Semli, Anantpura and Kachida, popular areas for viewing wildlife in Ranthambore, are individually famous for their once-resident tigers, a few even immortalized in images and words. The lakes, Padam Talao, Paj Bagh and Milak Talao, are a magnet for wildlife and visitors. At the edge of Padarn Talao stands the endearing red sandstone Jogi Mahal, and near it is an enormous banyan tree, which is proclaimed to be India's second- largest. Mugger (Marsh Crocodile) bask in the sun while herds of Nilgai (Blue Bull), Chinkara (Indian Gazelle), Sambar, Spotted Deer and troops of langur monkeys can be easily sighted. Leopard and Sloth Bear can also be seen, and jackals lurk by the lakes. Birds are represented by crowds of treepies, babblers, woodpeckers, parakeets, lapwings, partridges and the Indian Peafowl.

While the early years of Project Tiger clearly resulted in improved habitats and wildlife numbers, careful monitoring is a requisite for sustained conservation. This was more than amply demonstrated in Ranthambore by the tragic incidents of poaching in the early 1990s. Grazing of livestock, lack of adequate water and forest fires are some of the problems that the tiger reserve still faces.

Species of The Park

A part from tigers, the park has its share of panthers, too. They are to be found on the outskirts of the park, due to the inevitable conflicts with the tiger population. Kachida Valley is believed to be the place to sight these rather elusive cats. The other permanent residents of the park include marsh crocodiles, hyenas, jungle cats and sloth bears. Sambars are found in abundance all over the area, the prime target of all the predators. Chital, Nilgai, and Chinkara, are the other inhabitants of the region. The avian population comprises of about 264 species, found within the park.

Other Attractions In Ranthambore

Ranthambore Fort & Jogi Mahal : With a coverage area of 392-sq-kms, this park got its name from the Ranthambhore Fort, which sits on a rocky outcrop in the heart of the Park. The fort, which dates back to the 10th century and is probably the oldest existing fort in Rajasthan, was a vital citadel for control of Central India and particularly the Malwa plateau.

The entry point to the Ranthambore National Park, goes straight to the foot of the fort and the forest rest house, Jogi Mahal. The latter boasts of the second-largest Banyan tree in India.

Best Time to Visit Ranthambore

The best visiting season of Ranthambore national park is during the months of October - March and April to June.

How to Get There

Air : Jaipur (145-km) is the nearest airport.

Rail : The Park is around 11-km away from Sawai Madhopur railway station, that lies on the Delhi to Bombay trunk route.

Road : A good network of buses connects Sawai Madhopur, the nearest town, with quite a few areas around.