Of growls and roars

Location : 15 km NE of Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan, West India Go there for : Tigers Area : 392 sq. km Best Sightings : Oct-Mar Park Closed : Jul-Sep STD Code : +91 - 7462

The once hunting preserve of the Maharajahs of Jaipur, the wilds of Ranthambore gained the status of a National Park in 1980. Sandwiched between the Aravali Hill ranges and Vindhyan plateau, the park is veined with six main lakes and many perennial streams that provide life-line to its denizens and add to the ecstasy of the tourists. Besides, some 25 tigers (2005 census), the Park boasts of playing host to some of the world’s most famous personalities like Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh in 1961, former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in 1986, former US President Bill Clinton in 2000, and recently, India’s current Prime Minister Manmohan Singh (2005).


Attractions Widlife Attractions: Apart from the tigers - the prized attraction of the park, other inmates include a rich multitude of flora and fauna. Naturalists have recorded the presence of 300 trees, 50 aquatic plants, 272 birds, 12 reptiles including the Marsh crocodile & amphibians and 30 mammals. Among the animals, the antelopes, nilgai, sambar and chital are easy to spot. The lucky ones might spot the sloth bear, wild boar, chinkara, porcupines and jackals, leopard, jungle cat and Marsh crocodile. Ranthambore, due to its varied terrain and abundance of water bodies, has an excellent population of birds, resident and migrant. Some of the best locations for bird watchers are Malik Talao, the Ranthambore Fort, Rajbagh Talao, Padam Talao and in the Jhalra area. Its deciduous forests were once a part of the magnificent jungles of Central India.

Ranthambore Fort: The majestic Ranthambore Fort is situated on top of a hill inside the park. A short walk, the only means to get to the fort, takes you to the invincible structure which has been a major landmark in the area for centuries. A breathtaking view of the surroundings awaits you and if you are lucky, you may see a wild cat prowling around.

Padam Talao: The park’s largest lake painted white with water lilies, Padam Talao, houses the imposing Jogi Mahal on its banks of the lake. It is an ideal spot for animal sighting and for capturing the best jungle-moments with your camera.

Fateh Singh Rathore: Well, the man nicknamed “Tiger Guru”, is no less than an attraction. Fateh Singh Rathore was handpicked by the Project Tiger team and what a choice that was, for no one seems to know the Ranthambore tigers better than him, and amidst threats and assaults, this devoted Rajput, survived his single-minded drive to protect the park and its predators. Do not miss meeting him up.

Safaris The park is toured by a jeep or a lorry. The reservation of these can be done at the Project Tiger Office at Sawai Madhopur. The tour is accompanied by a guide. Safari timings however change according to the time of year. The approved vehicles have to follow a fixed route and at any time only 2 vehicles can travel on a route. All vehicles have to leave the park by 1830 hours (6:30 P.M.) in the evening.


Travel Info

• The park entry point is on the Ranthambore road, about 10 km from Sawai Madhopur railway station.
• Park charges Entry Fee : Rs. 25 (Indians) & Rs. 200 (foreigners), Vehicle: Rs. 125, Safari: Rs. 1350, Guide: Rs. 150, Camera : still free & Rs. 200 (video)
• Park timings are 6:30 to 10:00 AM & 1:30 to 5:30 PM (timings are subject to change).
• Wear light cotton garments while visiting the Ranthambore National Park during the hot summer months and woolens during winters. Entry charges for hired vehicle, guide and photo equipment are separate. These can be reserved at the Project Tiger office in Sawai Madhopur.
• Communication facilities are easily available as most of the resorts provide telephones with direct dial facility, besides there are a number of public call booths located at short distance from the park.

Getaways Amareshwar Mahadeo Temple : Enroute Ranthambhor National Park is the sacred Amareshwar Mahadeo temple of Sawai Madhopur. Families spend their weekends picnicking here.


Khandar Fort : Khandar fort is the fort of Taragarh of nmedieval times, it lies 40 km of Sawai Madhopur. There are no evidences regarding the construction of the fort but one thing is certain that the fort was at its peak in the 12th century. It has been constructed on the basis of ancient Indian architectural standards. By virtue of its situation on the vertical high hill it was difficult for the enemy to attack the fort,so it has been termed as an invincible fort.


Hop next to: Bharatpur National Park, Sariska National Park, Jaipur, Ajmer