Ranthambore National Park
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Near the township of Sawai Madhopur, in the state of Rajasthan,
Ranthambore National Park is an outstanding example of Project Tiger's
efforts at conservation in the country. The forests around the Ranthambore
Fort were once, the private hunting grounds of the Maharajas of
Jaipur. The desire to preserve the game in these forests for sport,
was responsible for their conservation, and subsequent rescue by
Project Tiger. In 1972, it was estimated, that there were around
1927 tigers in India, of which Rajasthan had 74, and the number
of big cats in Ranthambore Sanctuary was 14. 1972 was also the year
that Project Tiger was launched, and this sanctuary was taken into
its wings, alongwith seven other sanctuaries and national parks.
The Park sprawls over an estimated area of 400 sq kms. Steep crags
embrace a network of lakes and rivers, and atop one of these hills,
is the impressive Ranthambore Fort, built in the 10th century. Strategically
built on the border of Rajasthan and Malwa, the fort houses some
splendid monuments, within its precincts. The terrain fluctuates
between impregnable forests and open bushland. The forest is the
typically dry deciduous type, with dhok, being the most prominent
tree. The entry point to the Park, goes straight to the foot of
the fort and the forest rest house, Jogi Mahal. The latter boasts
of the second-largest banyan tree in India. The Padam Talab, the
Raj Bagh Talab and the Milak Talab are some of the lakes in the
area, that attract the tiger population . They have been spotted
at the edges of these lakes, and Jogi Mahal itself. Old crumbling
walls, ruined pavilions, wells, and other ancient structures stand
witness to the region's glorious past. The entire forest is peppered
with the battlements and spillovers of the Ranthambore fort - tigers
are said to frequent these ruins, too.
As a result of stringent efforts in conservation, tigers, the prime
assets of the Park, have become more and more active during the
day. More than in any other park or sanctuary in India, tigers are
easily spotted here in daylight. They can be seen lolling around
lazily in the sun, or feverishly hunting down sambar around the
lakes. Therefore, Ranthambore is probably the ideal park for wildlife
photography, and it does attract professional wildlife photographers,
from all over the globe. Apart from tigers, the park has its share
of panthers, too. They are to be found on the outskirts of the park,
due to the inevitable conflicts with the tiger population. Kachida
Valley, is believed to be the place to sight these rather elusive
cats. The other permanent residents of the park include, marsh crocodiles,
hyenas, jungle cats and sloth bears. Sambar are found in abundance
all over the area, the prime target of all the predators. Chital,
nilgai, and chinkara, are the other inhabitants of the region. The
avian population comprises of black storks, quails, Bonelli's eagles,
spur fowls, crested serpent eagles and painted storks. During the
winter months, the Park attracts a lot of migratory birds, primarily
a variety of ducks.
The park is best explored through jeeps, which are available on
hire.
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.
Check out also:
National Parks in India
Bird Sanctuaries in India
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