Ranthambore National Park

Ranthambore National Park is the most renowned national park in India. Queen of National Parks in India, Ranthambore is the finest tiger reserve in India where tigers roam freely in the open sky. Nestled in the serene surroundings of Sawai Madhopur, Ranthambore is approximately 150 kms from Jaipur.

Once an exclusive hunting ground of the royal family of Jaipur, Ranthambhore is now a protected wildlife sanctuary. Though Ranthambore National Park is a home to over 200 species of birds and mammals, yet is majorly renowned for the majestic beast the Royal Bengal Tiger found here in its natural habitat. The national park owes its name to Ranthambore fortress which lies with the national park.

Wildlife in Rajasthan can be best explored at Ranthambore National Park. The pictorial beauty, verdant grass carpet, chirrups of the birds and sights of the wild animals at Rathambore are breathtaking.

Ranthambore National Park was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1957. It became a significant part of "Project Tiger" in 1974 before it gained the status of a National Park in 1981.

Fauna

Ranthambore National Park is a home to a huge variety of animals, birds and reptiles. The park is famous for its tigers especially diurnal tigers.

Besides tigers, fauna at Ranthambore National Park comprises of Leopards, Chital, langurs, Sambar deer, Nilgai, Striped Hyenas, Jackals, Caracals, Black bucks, Indian Wild Boar, Macaques, Jungle cats, Sloth bears, Rufoustailed Hare, Toddy cat, Desert Cats, Chinkara, Common Yellow Bats, Fivestriped Palm Squirels, Indian Flying Foxes, Indian Gerbilles, Indian Porcupines, False Vampires, Indian Foxes, Indian Mole Rats, Longeared Hedgehogs,Small Indian Civets, Ratels, Small Indian Mongoose and Common mongoose.

Amphibian species at Ranthambore National Park consists of Common India Toad and the Common Frog.

Ranthambore National Park is rich in marsh crocs reptiles as well-Snub Nosed Marsh Crocodiles, Tortoise, Ganga Soft Shelled Turtles, North Indian Flap Shelled Turtles, Cobras, Desert Monitor Lizards, Banded Kraits Indian Pythons, Rat Snakes, Saw-scaled Vipers, Indian Chamaeleon and Russel's Vipers.

Avian Fauna

Ranthambore is a paradise for bird watchers. Due to abundance of water bodies, Ranthambore National Park boasts of 272 avian species comprising of resident and migrant species of birds.

Graylag Goose, Common Kingfishers, Cuckoos, Pigeon, Asian Palm Swift, Indian Gray Hornbills, Owl, Dove, Crakes, Nightjars, Snipes, Parakeets, Woodpeckers, Bee Eaters, Flycatchers, Sparrows etc are a few to name.

Flora

Ranthambore National Park boasts of 300 species of flora that mainly consists Dhok (Anogeossis pendula), Am (Magnifera indica), Babul (Accasia nilotica), Imli (Tamarindicus indica), Banyan (F icus benghalensis), Khajur (Phoenix sylvestris), Karel (Capparis decidua), Neem (Azadirachta indica), Kakera (Flacourtia indica) etc.

Safari

Ranthambore National Park can be best explored by jeep safari or a canter safari. Jungle Safari is the most enchanting activity of any adventurous tour. Wildlife Safari in Ranthambore is conducted twice a day - in the morning and in the evening.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Ranthambore National Park is from October to June. This National Park remains closed for visitors from July to September.

Wildlife Tour in Rajasthan at Ranthambore National Park is a vital part of any tour in Rajasthan. Even the Royal Trains in India- Palace on Wheels and Royal Rajasthan on Wheels have included Sawai Madhopur for a tour to Ranthambore National Park in their 07 nights /08 days itinerary.