Ranthambore is also categorised as a heritage site because of the picturesque ruins of the fort that dot the park. The lake palaces, 'chhatris', old fortifications and a majestic fort dating back over 1,000 years overlook the park. The Jogi Mahal and the Padam Talao are the main attractions of RanthamboreNational Park. The park is famous for the majestic Royal Bengal Tigers, which can be seen around the lakes and watering holes, prowling through the forest or resting on the ruins of the fort. RanthamboreNational Park is one of the best sanctuaries to see tigers in their wild habitat in India. Many dignitaries have visited RanthamboreNational Park to see its majestic tigers. President Bill Clinton of the United States came to RanthamboreNational Park on his visit to India and expressed his delight at seeing the tigers of Ranthambore.
The former hunting ground of the Maharajas of Jaipur, the RanthamboreNational Park is situated in Eastern Rajasthan at the confluence of the Aravali hill ranges and the Vindhyan plateau. Two rivers flow through the RanthamboreNational Park - the ChambalRiver in the South and the BanasRiver in the North. The total area of the RanthamboreNational Park is 1,334 sq km along with its adjoining sanctuaries - the Kaila Devi Sanctuary and the Mansingh Sanctuary. The typical feature of the park is that out of the entire park some areas are open for the tourists to wander in and explore the flora and fauna of the park.
Tigers: RanthamboreNational Park in RajasthanIndia is best known for its tiger population
Birds: Nature lovers who visit this tiger sanctuary will be delighted to see over 300 species of birds in this wildlife reserve.
Safari Tours: Safari Tours within the RanthamboreNational Park are carried out in jeeps, which can accommodate up to 4 people apart from a driver and guide. Open backed vehicles called Canters, which can seat up to 25 people, are another option for safari tours of RanthamboreNational Park. You can enjoy seeing the magnificent tigers of Ranthambore on safari tours of RanthamboreNational Park with India Wildlife Tours.
The best time to visit Ranthambore is from February to April when the weather is mild and you see the animals without any discomfort due to the weather. Summer temperatures in Ranthambore can cross 45 degrees C in the daytime. Nighttime winter temperatures can go down to 2 degrees C. Winter daytime temperatures are a pleasant 16-20 degrees C and are ideal for touring the RanthamboreNational Park. The park is green after the monsoon and wildlife is abundant. You can also see many migratory birds that come to Ranthambore to spend the winter. RanthamboreNational Park is open for tourists from October 1st to June 30th and is closed for the rest of the year. A good pair of walking shoes or boots are essential. In winter windcheaters, sweatshirts, woolen sweaters, mufflers and gloves are required.
All foreigners must have a valid visa and passport for 6 months. Entry fees is charged at RanthamboreNational Park. If one is carrying cameras or video cameras there is an additional charge to be paid for this. There is a fee to be paid for vehicles entering the Park. The guide on the trip will also require payment
Transport within the Park:
Jeeps which take four people at a time, apart from the driver and guide are available at the entrance to RanthamboreNational Park. Small open-backed trucks called Canters run by the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation, which take up to 25 people at a time for a tour of the park, are also available for hire.
Carrying firearms is prohibited within the park
Walking or trekking within the park is not allowed. You must stay in your vehicle.
No vehicle is permitted to stay within the park before or after safari timings.
Littering the park is not permitted and is heavily penalized.
Smoking is not allowed inside the park
Playing radios, musical devices such as recorders and transistors within the park is not permitted.
Vehicles must remain on the designated routes within the park.
Vehicles must not blow their horns.
Vehicles must stay within the specified speed limit.
Loud noises such as shouting is prohibited and talking must be kept at a low volume.
Disturbing the animals or birds by throwing stones at them etc is prohibited.
Do not wear brightly colored clothing. Earth colors - browns and greens are preferred.
The Wildlife Protection Act of India is in effect in the precincts of the Park and its violation will be strictly punished.
All visitors travel within the park at their own risk.
By Air: Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, is the nearest airport to Ranthambore. RanthamboreNational Park is about 140 Km from Jaipur. You can fly to Jaipur and proceed to Sawai Madhopur by road or rail.
By Rail: Sawai Madhopur which is just 11 Km from RanthamboreNational Park is accessible by rail and is on the main route from Delhi to Mumbai. You can arrive at Sawai Madhopur by rail and take a car or bus to RanthamboreNational Park.
By Road: Ranthambore is easily accessible by road from all destinations across Rajasthan. If you're traveling by road, there are many options from luxury air-conditioned coaches to private taxis and local buses of the Rajasthan Transport Corporation, in which you can reach RanthamboreNational Park.
RanthamboreNational Park has thick forest, 3 lakes, rivers, streams, ruins of the historic Ranthambore fort and other monuments and scenic viewpoints. There are many interesting places to see in RanthamboreNational Park.
Some of the fascinating places to see in RanthamboreNational Park are:
Padam Talao;Rajbagh Talao; Malik Talao; Ranthambore Fort; Raj Bagh Ruins. Other interesting places to see in RanthamboreNational Park are the KachidaValley known for its leopard population, Lakarda and Anantpura known for being home to sloth bears and the Bakaula region where tigresses can be seen with their cubs emerging from the dense foliage.
The Sawai Madhopur Lodge is run by the Taj Group of Hotels
Vanyavilas Resort- The first luxury jungle resort in India, Vanyavilas is located in Ranthambhore.
Ranthambore Regency Hotel
Tiger Den Resort - Tiger Den Resort is strategically located close to the Ranthambhore National Park in Sawai Madhopur.
Tiger Moon Resort - Tiger Moon Resort is ideally situated in close proximity to the Ranthambhore National Park in Sawai Madhopur.
Sher Bagh Resort- Sher Bagh is a Jungle resort that consists of tented camps, very near the Ranthambore National Park.
Winter Timings:- 7.30 am to 10.30 am and 3.00 pm to 5.30 pm
Summer Timings:- 6.30 am to 9.30 am and 4.00 pm to 6.30 pm