Ranthambhor National Park

Location: Rajasthan

Tourist Attractions: The Royal Bengal tiger, leopard, nilgai, reptiles and avian species

Other Attractions: The Ranthambhor Fort, the Talabs, the Jogi Mahal, The Ganesh Temple.

Promising Sites: The talabs(ponds)and the Ranthambhor Fort.

Close by Tourist Destinations: Sawai Madhopur, Jaipur, Alwar, Ajmer, Shekhawati, Delhi, Agra.

Best Time to Visit: From October to June

Park journey: Safaris are conducted twice a day. Open-sided mini trucks (canters) and jeep safaris are conducted. Jeep bookings can be made in advance.

Accommodation: Luxurious and mid range hotels are available near the park. Luxury tents at the park are also on offer.

How to reach:

Air: Jaipur, the nearest airport

Rail: Rail way lines are well connected with Delhi, Mumbai and Jaipur

Park journey: Private vehicles are not allowed inside the park.

About the park

Ranthambhor National Park, the site of Project Tiger, is the only dry deciduous tiger habitat in the world. A hunting ground of the erstwhile Maharajas of Jaipur, now tigers can be observed here in the wild. Located in the Sawai Madhopur district of Rajasthan, it is 130 km from Jaipur, about two hours in travel time.

It is the most promising park for tiger sighting. But do not ignore other wildlife in your search for tiger. Also keep a look out for Antelopes, Nilgai, Sambhar, Chital, Chinkara, Porcupines and Jackals, Leopard, Jungle Cat, Indian Hare, Mongoose and Monitor Lizards .You can even find crocodiles taking sun bath and birds can be spotted taking a free ride on crocodile's back. Langurs are in abundance here and can be seen jumping from tree to tree every now and then.

Ranthambhore covers three lakes namely Raj Bagh, Malik Talab and Padam Talab where birds and animals can be seen lazing around. The flora consists of Dhak, Acacia, Ber and Salar. Around 300 species of birds nest in this Park.

The Ranthombhor fort in the sanctuary is an added attraction and if you are fortunate enough you can even view tigers enjoying their meal in the remains of the fort.