Ranthambore National Park has gained worldwide acclamation for its Bengal tigers and other wildlife species. Safari rides in this dense jungle pump up the excitement of wildlife observers. Let us have a look at important features of this affluent natural park.

India is a vivid land that has great potential as a holiday destination. Initially travelers showed great interest in its diverse culture, traditions, beliefs and rituals but now due to great development in tourism newer aspects of this country have taken the forefront. Wildlife of India is one such feature that attracts nature lovers from all across the globe. Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan is one of the most renowned national parks of northern India. In this blog we will discuss its history and its rich diversity of flora – fauna.

Ranthambore National Park Information

History
Renowned for its tigers, present day Ranthambore National Park was former hunting grounds of the Maharajas of Jaipur. It is undoubtedly one of the best places to observe royal predators in forest. In 1955, it was established as Sawai Madhopur Game Sanctuary by Government of India and in 1973 it was declared one of the Project Tiger reserves. Later in 1980, it was declared a national park. At present, wildlife photographers and admirers consider it be a hot tourist destination.

Fauna
Tigers
Mesmerizing Royal Bengal Tigers find haven in natural environs of this Tiger Reserve. Over 392 sq Km area of this sanctuary, a total of 36 tigers can be spotted. These wild cats fed themselves mainly on plenteous herds of deer (chital, sambhar and nilgai). Tigers can be observed basking under the sun. Since tourism in this park has increased, population in neighboring villages has gone dramatically up which in turn has led to growing number of mortal human-tiger interactions and poaching.

Animals
Best known for its tiger habitants, this wildlife conservation park is an abode to many rare species of birds and animals. Other than tiger, this park flaunts a great population of Leopards, Striped Hyenas, Sambar deer, Chital, Nilgai, Macaques, Jackals, Jungle cats, Caracals, Sloth bears, Black bucks, Rufus tailed Hare, Indian Wild Boar, Desert Cats, Five striped Palm Squirrels, Indian Flying Foxes, Indian Foxes, Indian Mole Rats, Indian Porcupines, Long eared Hedgehogs, Rattles and Common mongoose.

Birds
With all credit to its diverse terrain and plenty of water bodies, this park is a safe haven for many beautiful and rare species of birds. A list flaunting a high number of 272 species has been documented.

Malik Talao, Ranthambore Fort, Rajbagh Talao, Padam Talao Jhalra area are the most preferred locations to enjoy bird sightseeing. Graylag Goose, Woodpeckers, Common Kingfishers, Indian Gray Hornbills, Bee Eaters, Parakeets, Cuckoos, Nightjars, Pigeon, Asian Palm Swift, Owl, Dove, Snipes, Gulls, Sandpipers, Terns, Crakes, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorants, Orioles, Egrets, Herons, Bitterns, Flamingos, Ibis, Pelicans, Storks, Shrikes, Crows, Cuckoo-Shrikes, Flycatchers, Wood Shrikes, Pipits, Bayas, Finches, Bulbul, Wagtails, Mynas, Falcons etc. are most important birds that can be spotted here.

Flora
Forests are interspersed with abundant water bodies and offer suitable living conditions to animals and birds. Here, vegetation is mostly of the dry deciduous type. Plants and trees have to withstand harsh summer heat. Soon after the monsoon rains they blossom into beautiful flowers. Dhok or Anogeissus pendula is the most commonly found tree. The Banyan, Flame of the Forest and Neem are significant trees of the ecosystem of this jungle.

Ronj (Acacia leucophloea), Kadam (Authocephalus cadamba), khimi (Manilkara hexandra), salar (Boswellia serrata), Khair (Accacia catechu), gurjan (Lannea coromandelica), Khajur (Phoenix sylvestris), Mohua (Madhuca indica), Kikar (Acacia nilotica), Karel (Capparis decidua), Khejda (Prosopis specigera) and Kakera (Flacourtia indica) constitute the vegetation.

Other Features:
Ranthambore National Park Safari Rides
Safari Rides in wilderness of this wildlife park is a lifetime experience. These safaris allow you to explore treasures of this jungle. These rides are carried out at different timing in winters and summers. Carried out usually twice in a day, timings of safari are 06:30 and 14:30. Duration of each ride is three hours.

Ranthambore Fort
No visit is complete till the time visitors have explored this majestic fort that lies within park premises itself. It was built around 10th century by Chauhans and has numerous attractions in store.

Travel Info
It is located in Sawai Madhopur district of northern Indian state Rajasthan. Its distance from Jaipur, capital of Rajasthan, is approx 180 km. This national park is well connected with all major cities. However, best way to reach here is via train as railways network link it to Jaipur, Delhi, and Mumbai. Jaipur and Kota are the nearest airports.

Best Time to Visit
30th June to 1st October is the best time to visit Ranthambore National Park, India. For rest of the year, it remains closed for visitors.

Tour Package:
Check Golden Triangle with Ranthambhor Tour Package.

Ranthambore National Park Map
To view Ranthambore National Park Map Click HERE (External Link to Google Map)

Useful Link:
Golden Triangle Tour India

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