Ranthambore National Park

Ranthambore National Park holds the significant status in the tourism sector of India with its distinct class and charm. However, the Ranthambore National Park is not one of the biggest National parks of India, but surely it is the most famous one. Situated in the vicinity of the Aravali hills and Vindhya plateau, the Ranthambore forest spreads over an area of 1334 sq km with having the 392 sq km of the area as the national park. Highly revered for the natural habitat to the significant number of Royal Bengal tigers, the Ranthambore tiger reserve is very popular among the wildlife lovers for its diurnal tigers, which means tourist can easily spot a tiger during their day safari visit.

National Park has taken its name from the famous Ranthambore Fort which is situated within the park. The park is located in the district of Sawai Madhopur in Rajasthan and at the distance of around 11 km from the Sawai Madhopur railway station. Sawai Madhopur is approx 130 km away from the capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur. Before the independence of India, the Ranthambore forest was under the Jaipur Kingdom and was the hunting place for the Maharajah and other royal members of the Jaipur Kingdom. In 1973, the forest was incorporated into the tiger project and declared as the national park in 1980.

Today, the Ranthambhore national park is a popular tourist destination for the ranthambore national park safari. Due to many of the popular tigers living in this forest park, thousands of tiger lovers from all over the world visit here daily during the safari season. Among many famous tigers, the tigress Machli was the most celebrated tiger in the world. However, she died last year in August 2016 but left many legends of her youth days. Her prodigy of braveness and strength has inspired many wildlife documentaries, movies and TV shows. Watching these dangerous wild predators in their natural wild environment at a short distance is really an adrenaline-pumping adventure to savor for whole life.

The Ranthambhore National Park not only boasts of its populous tiger reserve, but also the heritage sites which includes the mighty Ranthambore Fort, Jogi Mahal, Ancient temple and Rajbagh ruins which are the reminders of glory and grandeur of the Rulers of Ranthambore. Many picturesque lakes like Padam Talao, Malik Talao, Raj Bagh Talao and others are enriching the landscape of this forest which consists of deciduous forest, small hills, valleys and lush greenery. The park is enclosed by the Chambal River and Banas River from the two sides enhancing the wild ambience of the Ranthambhore forest. Without any doubt, the tour to this National Park of Rajasthan will be the best holiday for you if you actually love nature and wildlife. The whole experience of watching majestic tigers roaming freely in the park, a mesmerizing gamut of ultimate species of animals and birds and captivating greenery will enthrall your mind and you will be thanking yourself for having embarked on this wildlife journey.

SOME QUICK FACTS ABOUT THE RANTHAMBORE NATIONAL PARK :

Ranthambore Forest is The Natural Habitat To-

• 40 species of mammals
• 320 species of birds
• 40 Species of Reptiles
• 50 species of Butterflies
• 300 species of plants

Other Tourist Attractions

Ranthambore Fort
One of the ancient forts in India, the Ranthambore Fort is declared as the UNESCO world heritage site due to its historical significance. The fort is located inside the Ranthambore National Park, at the distance of 13 km from the Sawai Madhopur railway station. This heritage fort is said to be built in 944 AD and has witnessed the long history of Rajasthan. The epitome of valor and pride of the Rajput rulers of the various Kingdoms, the Ranthambore Fort was the strategic fort and thus captured by various rulers. At the time of the Independence of India and the abolition of the imperial era, the fort was under the Maharaja of Jaipur and the Ranthambore forest was the exclusive hunting ground for the Royals of Jaipur Kingdom.

Trinetra Ganesha Temple
Highly famous among the devotees of the Lord Ganesha since ancient times, the Ganesha temple located at the entrance of the Fort is the only temple of Trinetra Ganesha in the country. The idol of Lord Ganesha with his wives Riddhi and Siddhi makes it also a special temple of Ganesha with his full family. There are many legends associated with the foundation of the temple which make this temple a unique and popular religious place for the Hindu devotees. The temple is also famous for its unique tradition of getting the postal invitation letters sent by the devotees for inviting the Lord Ganesha for any auspicious occasion in their family. The temple receives many thousands of invitation letters every day and each and every letter has been read by the priest in front of the Idol.

Bakula Region
Considered as the best region for the tiger visibility in the Ranthambore forest, the Bakula region is the ultimate scenic landscape covered with the dense greenery and water bodies. The thickly forested land of Bakula along with the numerous ponds, water holes give the unique wilderness effect to the Ranthambore forest. Due to the dense forest, water availability and remote area, there is the abundance of the wildlife in the area making it a paradise for the wildlife lovers. The tiger sighting is relatively high in this area and tourists often get the sight relaxing tiger, especially tigress relaxing or walking with her cubs are often seen in the area.

Kachida Valley
Located at the periphery of the tiger reserve zone, the Kachida Valley is a must visit place for the wildlife with the abundance of the panthers, bears and other wild animals as well as a distinguished mesmerizing landscape which having steep outcrops, small valley, low hills, ravines and water bodies. The lush greenery and tranquil surroundings make this place a true wilderness away from any human activity. You can visit here only through the Jeep Safari Ranthambore and explore the wilderness and the beauty of the Kachida Valley.

Jogi Mahal
The Jogi Mahal, which is now a tourist attraction inside the Ranthambore forest, was once the resting abode for the Royals of Jaipur Kingdom while they visit Ranthambore for the hunting excursion. The small palace beautifully nestled in the wilderness of the Ranthambore at the bank of the famous Padam Lake offers an amazing site for monuments lovers. The big banyan tree situated near the palace is the second largest banyan tree in the country which is also an attraction for tourists.

How To Reach Ranthambhore

By Air
The nearest airport to the Ranthambore is the Jaipur International Airport, which is located around 160 km from the forest. There are plenty of national and international flights connecting the Jaipur to various cities of Indian and abroad. You can get the taxi, cab or Bus at Jaipur airport to visit Ranthambore.

By Rail
The Sawai Madhopur Railway station is the nearest rail station to the Ranthambore National Park, which is around 11 km from the forest. The station is the famous tourist station and connected through the direct trains from the major cities of India like Jaipur, Delhi, Mumbai, etc. For covering the distance from the station to Ranthambore, you can hire the taxi or catch the local bus.

By Road
There is a direct road passing nearby the Ranthambore forest connecting it with cities like Jaipur, Udaipur, Kota which is further connected with the major cities of India. So, If you are choosing the direct road trip from Delhi, Mumbai or Jaipur, you can easily reach the Ranthambore without any hassle. You can get on the road trip in your own vehicle or opt for the state Bus services to reach Ranthambore.