|
Ranthambore,
situated in southern Rajasthan, almost 350 kms away from the capital was
declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1957, and was covered under Indira
Gandhi's Project Tiger in 1974. Ranthambore is known for its Royal Bengal
Tigers. There are 200 kms of tracks in Ranthambhore divided into
pre-determined routes where tourists visit by jeeps. The abundance of
ancient temples and summer palaces, alongside Indian wildlife provide
magical photographic opportunities. The ancient mountain ranges of Aravali
and Vindhya conjoin to form plateaus and steep cliffs criss-crossing the
park. The varied topography is home to animals like the jackal, mongoose,
sloth bear, leopard, and of course, the tiger.
|
Places to visit
Man made
lakes like Padam Talao, Rajbagh and Malik Talao attract wildlife and
large numbers of migratory birds.
The sheer diversity of the fauna and flora in Ranthambhore is
remarkable. With over 300 types of trees, 272 species of birds and
approximately 30 different types of mammals, Ranthambhore is full of
life. Get outside the park for a chance to see black bucks in nearby
tribal villages, river dolphins and crocodiles, leopards by night
and hordes of migratory birds
|
around
tranquil lakes.
The park is open from 1st October to 1st July. Bookings should be made
at least sixty days in advance. |
|
|
Best seasons to visit
The temperature varies extremely with the mercury
dipping to around 2°C in winters and rising all the way up to 47°C
in summers. The wonderful views make you forget the extreme
conditions. The wind-chill factor while driving around early morning
in the open 4-wheel drive vehicles, or in the specially converted
safari vehicles, does nothing to improve the freezing wintry
conditions. Even though the wind within the park during hot summer
months is relatively cool, in the areas outside, where all the
resorts are located, it is blistering hot.
The hottest period during the year is between April and June, while
the coldest months are end November to beginning February.
The ideal time for visiting the park is between November and
February when the weather is excellent and in April / May for the
best chances of seeing tigers.
|
|
|
How to reach
The Indian Tiger Reserve of Ranthambore is easily accessible through air,
road and rail from the other major Indian cities and states. Indians
Living Abroad can arrange for all types of transport for your comfortable
journey to and in Ranthambore and throughout the Indian state of
Rajasthan.
By Air - The nearest airport is the Jaipur Airport, about
145 km away. Regular flights are available from Jaipur to other
destinations in India, including Delhi, Mumbai, Aurangabad, Jodhpur, and
Udaipur.
By Rail - The nearest rail junction is the Sawai Madhopur
Railway Station at a distance of 11 km from the park. It is on the main
Delhi-Mumbai railway line and some of the major trains stop here.
By Road - An excellent road network links Ranthambore
with other major cities of Rajasthan. Indians Living Abroad can arrange
for all types of land transport for your comfortable journey in
Ranthambore and throughout Rajasthan.
|
|
What is special
Bakaula - The Bakaula area is dotted with little water
holes and thick foliage. Even in peak summers, it feels like an
air-conditioned room. The density of wildlife present in the area is
also excellent. One feels it is possible to come across a tiger
around every bend, even though it might be easier to actually do so
near the edges of the lakes. This area is also a favourite with
tigresses with cubs as it provides them with ample water and food
supply and excellent cover.
Lakarda and Anantpura - These areas located in the
North-Western and Northern regions
|
|
of the
park are ideal locations to visit if looking for Sloth Bears. These
areas have a lot of anthills, which are a favourite of the beers.
Although very rarely seen themselves, the pugmarks of the Indian
striped Hyenas are often seen here. Their numbers are not very large
in the park.
Rajbagh Talao - This is probably the most
picturesque of the three lakes. It is mostly due to the ruins along
its banks. Yet, it owes some of its beauty to the animals that seem
to always flock to its waters. It always has a large population of
animals and birds flocking to it. The sambhar deer at Ranthambore
have adapted to eating plants from the lake floor and nowhere is it
more evident than at this Talao. Many birds, like egrets, can be
seen riding on these deer while the latter feed. The areas around
Rajbagh Talao are prime tiger spotting areas due to the forest and
proximity to sources of water.
|
|
|
|
 |
|
