Ranthambore National Park

Introduction

Ranthambore National Park stands as one of the largest national parks in northern India. This is in Sawai Madhopur district of south-eastern Rajasthan, about 180 km from Jaipur. The name Ranthambore comes from two hills in the area, Ran and Thanbhor. Another version says that Ranthambhore was at one time called Rana Stambhapura or City of the Pillars of War.

Ranthambore is a short trip, with the fort and the park being the main attractions. The first stop is the Ranthambore National Park, the seat of India's smallest tiger reserve.

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When to visit

The best time to visit Ranthambore National Park is from February to April, with the weather being conducive to sigh-seeing activity. The National Park opens to the public every year from October to June. The Park is closed during the monsoon months.

Accommodation

Majority of the hotels in Ranthambore offer complete packages, which consider to accommodation, food and the forest safaris. So the booking packages in advance makes your holiday hassle-free. The budget category hotels here are also available.

The National Park

Ranthambhore was established as the Sawai Madhopur Game Sanctuary in 1955 by the Government of India. This was announced as one of the Project Tiger reserves in 1973. This became a national park in 1980. In 1984, the adjoining forests were asserted the Sawai Man Singh Sanctuary and Keladevi Sanctuary, and in 1991 the tiger reserve was expanded to include Sawai Man Singh and Keladevi sanctuaries.

There is a limit on entry in the Ranthambore National Park, only to the tourists who have a permits can the entre Ranthambhore National Park. The foreigners pay an entrance fee of Rs. 200; Indians pay a fee of Rs. 25, while the Indian students pay Rs. 5 only. Additional charges are charged on electronic equipments like cameras and other stuffs. The Jeeps can be hired at the entrance of Ranthambhore. The Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation (RTDC) also organises truck safaris for tourists.

This park is renowned for the gallant Bengal Tigers that are seen around the lakes and watering holes, walking through the forest. Also they are seen resting on the ruins of the fort a great picture to click. So, do not forget your camera, while stepping in this national park. Ranthambore National Park is a wildlife sanctuary and is home to a diversity of fauna, resident and the migratory birds.

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The Ranthambore Fort

The park was named after the Ranthambhore Fort that stands at the centre of the national park. This 10th century fort is an impressive construction built by the Chauhan Rajputs and stands 700 feet above the encompassing plains. The Fort has historic value as it is believably the oldest existing fort in Rajasthan, situated near the Sawai Madhopur town in Rajasthan.

The Fort was seized many times by the several dynasties such as the Mughals, the Kachwaha Maharaja of Jaipur, the Sultan of Gujarat, and the many others. The forest rest house, Jogi Mahal has the second-largest Banyan tree in the country. Also the three Hindu temples inside the Fort, devoted to Ganesha, Shiva and Rama, were made of red Karauli stone.

Ranthambore is a crucial part of Indian national parks and is home the Bengal Tigers.