RANTHAMBORE
 Once
the private hunting grounds for the Maharaja of Jaipur, now,
Ranthambore, near the township of Sawai Madhopur, serves as
a National Park. The project Tiger was launched here to prevent
tigers from being the target of hunters. 1927 tigers were
estimated in India in 1972. Out of these 74 were in Rajasthan
and 14 in Ranthambore. It was in this year that project tiger
was launched in this Sanctuary as well as some other sanctuaries.
Jogi Mahal
 The
park is spread over an area of about 400 sq. kms. Above one
of the hills is the strategically built 10th century fort,
the Ranthambore Fort. Within this fort are some spectacular
monuments. The terrain has some steep rugged rocks bordering
the lakes and rivers, surrounded by dense forest and thick
bushes. The forests have deciduous types of trees with Dhok
as the most prominent tree. At the foot of the fort starts
the forests. Located here is the Jogi Mahal, which houses
the second largest banyan tree in India. Tigers wander around
the lakes, Padam Talab, the Raj Bagh Talab and the Milak Talak
that this forest houses. Jogi Mahal is also a favourite of
tigers. The forest displays the old time battlements and spillovers
of Ranthambore scattered throughout the forest, symbolising
the region's glorious past. The tigers visit these ruins too.
Ranthambore serves as the best park for wildlife photography
and attracts professionals from all around the world. Sincer
the implementation of the project tiger, tigers can be spotted
easily, lazing around in the sun, or hunting excitedly with
great excitement near the sambar lake. No other sanctuary
provides such a good view of tigers in broad daylight. Panthers
are also a part of this forest, but are mostly found on the
outskirts of the park, mainly at Kachida valley. This is due
to the unavoidable fights with the tigers here. Sambars, which
are in a large number here are the main prey for the predators.
Marsh crocodiles, hyenas, jungle cats, sloth bears, chital,
nilgai and chinkara are also residents of this forest. Black
storks, quails, Bonelli's eagles, spur fowls, crested serpent
eagles and painted storks is the avifauna of the forests.
Many birds especially a variety of ducks migrate to this park
during winters.
When To Visit
The best time to visit the park is between October and June.
How To Get There
By air: Jaipur (145 km) is
the nearest airport.
By rail: The Park is around
11 km away from Sawai Madhopur railway station, that lies
on the Delhi to Bombay trunk route.
By road: A good network of buses connect Sawai Madhopur,
the nearest town, with quite a few areas around.
Where to Stay
RTDC Jhoomar Baori Forest Lodge, RTDC Hotel Kamdhenu, Maharaja
Lodge (Taj Group), Sawai Madhopur Lodge, PWD Rest House, and
Jogi Mahal which lies within the park premises, are some of
the available means of accomodation.
Contact
Field Director, Ranthambore National Park, Sawai Madhopur,
Rajasthan.
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