Ranthambhore National Park

A wildlife haven in the deserts, Ranthambhore National Park, has always been a popular destination for an adventurous wildlife safari. Nature lovers can feel the fresh air in this wild jungle, with channels of lakes and rivers and wild scrubs. Amidst this setting are ruins of ancient temples and a massive fort that are capable to immediately grab your attention.

Once a hunting location for the royals, it was named as Sawai Madhopur Wildlife Sanctury in 1955, though it came under the Project Tiger only in 1977. Later, in 1980, the park was rechristened as Ranthambhore National Park in 1980.

You can easily spot the majestic Tiger roaming around lazily in its well conserved habitat. According to a recent census, the park is home to around 35 to 40 tigers. Apart from tigers, there are also Leopards, Wild Boars, Sambars, Chitals, Jackals and Nilgai among other wildlife specie. The forests are blankted with dry deciduous kind of vegetation, especially Dhok trees. Mango, Pipal and Banyan trees are also common here. One can also enjoy bird watching in Ranthambore as around 264 species of birds can be found within the forest.

Orientation:
The entry gate to the Ranthambore National Park lies at a distance of 10 km form Sawai Madhopur, that lies in the eastern corner of Rajasthan. From here you can get your entry tickets by paying the entry fees. Further at a distance of 3 km, is the main gate of the Park, and the Ranthambore Fort.

Information:
State Bank of Bikaner & Jaipur is situated in the old city. From here you can get your currency and traveler cheques exchanged. The main post office lies on the the street to the north of Main Bazaar. At the train station itself you will find the Tourist Reception Centre. Some of the best hotels offering comfy accommodation are lined along the road stretching from the town to the Park.

Sights:
Ranthambhore Fort:
The National Park has got its name from the Ranthambhore Fort and the two hills Ran and Thambhor. This 10th century fort was built by the Chauhan Rajputs. The fort witnessed many battles to gain its control, but owing to its treacherous location, the fort was unattainable for most of the dynasty kings like Allauddin Khilji and Feroz Tughlaq. In 1538, the fort came under the control of the Mughals, who used it as a prison fortress in the 17th century. Later, the Mughals gifted it to the King of Jaipur and since then its a possession of the royal family.

The fort consists of Hindu temples devoted to Shiva, Ganesha and Ramlalaji. These temples date back to the 12th century and are made of a special stone called Red Karauli stone. It faces a beautiful lake called Padam Talab, named after the lotus flowers that cover its waters. It was in this fort that thousands of women committed mass suicide known as Johar, in early 14th century, to save themselves from becoming slaves of the Muslim king who had won against the Rajput king Hammir Deva.

Tours:
The best time for a wildlife safari is during the months of October to April. Early mornings or late afternoons are best for jungle treks. The park has seven tracks that let you navigate through the park. A jeep or canter is the best way to travel around, in which reservations are on the basis of first come first serve basis as only 15 jeeps and 15 canters are allowed inside. You must be accompanied by a guide, for which you will be charged extra. A safari tour lasts for around three hours. Photography is allowed.

Sleeping & Eating:
Some of the budget hotels of the place carry heavy discounts too, so you must compare the prices before you book a hotel. Rajeev Resort in Indira Colony, Agarwal Hotel at Station Bazaar and Hotel Bal Mandir in Bal Mandir Colony are some of the budget hotels, where accommodation is a bit cheap but services too are basic. The mid range and top end hotels include Sawai Madhopur Lodge, Ankur Resort, Hotel Tiger Safari Resort, Hotel Ranthambhore Resort, Vanyavilas and RTDC Vinayak Tourist Complex. All these hotels and resorts are aligned on the Ranthambhore Road.

Shopping:
Although Ranthambore is famous for its wildlife, its not that there is nothing special here to shop. Dastar Craft Centre, located about 3km from the train station, is an organization that works to employ the rural women so that they get their earning through their skills. You can buy some of the handicraft items which have intricate embroidery work, including wall hangings, scarfs, puppets and bags. From Ranthambore School of Art you can collect signature photo- realistic wildlife prints, postcards and greeting cards with images of wildlife and miniature tiger souvenirs.

Getting There & Away:
Bus: Buses are easily available from the Bundi Bus Stand, for Jaipur as well as Kota. These buses travel via Tonk. From a roundabout nethe main post office to you will get buses that go via Dausa on the Jaipur-Bharatpur road. It will take you six hours to reach Jaipur and four hours to reach Kota from Bundi. From Sawai Madhopur too you will get buses to the major cities of Rajasthan.

Train: The nearest railhead is Sawai Madhopur, at a distance of 11 km from Ranthambhore National Park. Lying on the main Delhi-Mumbai route, the major trains do have a stoppage here. You book your train tickets at the Computerised Reservation Office at the train centre. The Golden Temple Mail connects the train station with Delhi. For Kota or Agra you can take the Avadh Express.

Getting Around:
An excellent way to explore the nearby areas of Ranthambhore is by hiring a bicycle, which will cost you Rs 25 for a day. You can also take an auto rickshaw or hire a jeep from the train station itself.