Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary

Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary: Facts and Figures

Area	:	392 sq km (core area)
Languages	:	Hindi, English
Best Time to Visit	:	November to March

Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary: Introduction

Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in India's northwestern state of Rajasthan, near the town of Sawai Madhopur, midway between Bharatpur and Kota townships. It is surrounded by the Vindhya and Aravali hill ranges and is very near to the outer fringes of the Thar Desert. The entire area has sprawling tracts of the desert and semi-desert vegetation. Originally a hunting ground of the Maharaja of Jaipur, Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary was declared a game sanctuary in 1955. In 1980, it became a national park and listed among the reserves protected under Project Tiger (1973). Presently the Kaila Devi Sanctuary, also famous for its tigers, and Mansingh Sanctuary also form part of Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary.

Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary: Climate

By virtue of its proximity to the Thar Desert, the region has extremities of climate. Summers in Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary (April - June) are particularly harsh with temperatures above 38°C. The Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary area receives rainfall in July and August. The onset of winters (October. March) brings down the temperature and encourages tourists to visit Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary.

Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary: Biosphere

Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary, which receives thousands of visitors each year, is famous for its tigers, whose population it seeks to increase and sustain. Year after year, Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary continues to attract not just tourists but dignitaries as well. The U.S. President Bill Clinton, during his visit to India, found time to visit Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary despite his busy schedule. Nevertheless, the king of the jungle obliges both dignitaries and the common tourists with his benign presence.

Tigers can be spotted quite often in their natural habitat even during daytime in Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary. They have been frequently seen at the edges of three lakes. Padam Talab, Raj Bagh Talab and Milak Talab. The Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary also has panthers in sizable numbers, though they have been spotted generally at the outskirts of the park perhaps due to the inevitable conflict with the tiger population, which command the "superior position" amidst the predatory cats. For spotting panthers, Kachida Valley is regarded as the ideal place in Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary.

Other mammalian species that have made Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary their home are antelopes, nilgai, sambhar, chital, sloth bear, wild boar, chinkara, porcupines, jackals, leopards, jungle cats, fox, caracals, hyena, gazelle, Indian hare, mongoose and jacanas. Sambhars are in abundance at the Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary and form the prime target of all the predatory mammals.

There are about 264 species of birds found within the Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary including painted storks, white-necked storks, black storks, peafowl, crested serpent eagles, Bonelli's eagle, Indian horned owl, quail, partridge, spur fowl, paradise flycatcher and jacanas. During winters migratory birds in Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary like graylag goose, ruddy sheiduck and pintails may also be spotted. Monitor lizards and marsh crocodiles are also found here.

The topography of Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary varies from secure forests to open scrublands. Vegetation is of the dry deciduous type, with dhok being the most prominent tree. Water bodies of Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary are known to have lovely lotus flowers and water lilies. Among the other oddities of Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary is the forest rest house, Jogi Mahal, the premises of which sports the second largest banyan tree in India!

Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the most suitable places for wildlife photography in the world. The park may be toured in a jeep or lorry-van. A guide and a park ranger generally accompany tourists. There is a network of four gravel tracks inside the Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary for safaris. Ruins within and around Ranthambore bear a testimony to its royal past. There are lake palaces, old fortifications and the majestic Ranthambore fort on a height overlooking the park. The forest rest house is situated at the foot of the fort within Jogi Mahal. It overlooks the Padam Talab, which is afloat with water lilies and lotuses.

Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary: How to Reach

The nearest rail junction to Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary is Sawai Madhopur at a distance of 11 km. It is on the main Delhi. Bombay railway line and major trains stop here. The nearest airport to Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary is at Jaipur, which is about 145 km away.

Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary: Where to Stay

Comfortable accommodation is never a problem at Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary. There are hotels and rest houses like Jogi Mahal, Hotel Kamadhenu, and Jhumer Baori Forest Lodge run by the Rajasthan State Tourism Development Corporation. Their prices range is variable and fits every budget. Maharaja Lodge, managed by a famous hotel chain, provides deluxe accommodation. Other local and private accommodations are available in and around the Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary as well.

Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary: Links to outside world

Sawai Madhopur, which is 11 km from the Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary, has good communication (post, telegraph, phone and fax) and medical (chemists, hospital) facilities. Internet/e-mail facilities have also sprung up recently.

Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary: Travel Tips

Light cotton garments are recommended for the hot summer months and woolens are suitable for the winters. Entry charges for hired vehicle, guide and photo equipment are separate. These can be reserved at the Project Tiger office in Sawai Madhopur.

Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary: Nearby Places

A noteworthy site for excursion is the Ranthambore fort. Built by the Chauhan rulers in the 10th century, this fort was the envy of many rulers because of its strategic location between central and northern parts of India. When the Muslim invader Alauddin Khilji laid siege to this fort in 1303, the women of the household performed jauhar (or self-immolation). This historic fort has many temples, tanks, massive gates and curtain walls. This monument has been declared a protected site by the Archaeological survey of India.