Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve is considered among the most notable national parks of India, and is also among the largest ones of the northern part of the country. It is needless to say that it has been worldwide renowned for the tiger population, which has now become an endangered species.

Alongside the tigers, the place is a home to numerous flora and fauna species. Starting from sloth bear, chital, leopard, nilgai and other wild animals to the banyan trees, each of the features can be enjoyed with excitement for the visitors. In fact, the place contains large banyan trees, with only other of the few places in the country.

Primarily established in 1955 with the name of Sawai Madhopur Game Sanctuary, the official declaration as a tiger reserve came in 1973. The reserve is also commonly called as the Ranthambhore National Park right since 1980. In the year of 1984, Keladevi Sanctuary and Sawai Man Singh Sanctuary were established, which were later included in the national park. The inclusion took place in 1991, following the expansion of the tiger reserve.

Just like it’s interesting history, the reserve holds a great extent of the nature, endorsing the ecosystem and the biodiversity largely. A visit to the tiger reserve is worth of a lifetime experience. The reptiles, mammals, birds, trees and the plants of the reserve present the tourists a whole new world of wildlife.

The authorities of the reserve have contributed prominently to save the tigers from getting extinct. The surveillance cameras and the greed of the incentives for keeping away from the reserve are good enough as examples. Other initiatives such as relocation of the tigers have involved huge investments as well.

Location

Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve is located in the district of Sawai Madhopur of the Indian state Rajasthan. The reserve is situated about 110 kilometers north east to the city of Kota and about 130 kilometers to Jaipur. Jaipur has the nearest airport to the reserve and Sawai Madhopur along with Kota has convenient railway stations. The reserve can be found at a plateau edge. It is bounded by the Chambal River to the south and the Banas River to the north.

Fauna

Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve is mainly known for the tigers, which is understandable. But the presence of the sambhar deer, spotted deer, hulman, and peacocks can also be enjoyed. The majestic sights of the tigers were once rare way back in the 1970s, but things have changed since the 1980s for the arrangements of the projects to reserve the tigers.

Rarity is also the term that goes with the spotted deer, and yet they can be seen in the tiger reserve. It can be mentioned that the governing body of Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve has been able to present the harmony of nature, specially the wildlife, in the reserve, in a grand way. This is what makes the place special, and no visitor will have to regret for investing in the visit.

The fauna of the tiger reserve will stay incomplete without the mention of the birds. The place involves a flourishing population of the birds. Over 250 species of the birds can be found in the reserve, making things enjoyable for the bird lovers. The efforts of preserving the richness of the wildlife in the reserve is well paying off at present, as far as the turnovers of the tourists are considered.

Flora

As for flora of Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve, the typical dry deciduous forest can be mentioned. Also, the Anogeissus pendula forest, involving the tree species which is dominant, is another mentionable name. About 539 species of the plants which are flowering can be found in the reserve.

Attractions

The park holds abundance of natural beauty and not to forget the magnificent tigers who have made this park their home. However, other than the beauties of nature there are also other places which can attract the attention of the tourists. The Jogi Mahal, the Ganesh Temple and the Ranthambhore fort are some of them.

Climate And Best Time to Visit

The dominating climate in this area is that of the sub tropical dry climate. The winter starts from the month of November and lasts till the month of February. The weather at this time remains particularly chilly. The summer starts from March and ends in July. The rainy season is from July-September. And, the month of October falls in the period of transition. The period of November- June is the best time to take tour of the Park.

How to Reach

By Air

There are no airports in Ranthambhore, however the nearest airports can be considered as that of jaipur and Kota and both the places are well connected with the major cities of India.

By Road

There are mainly two main roads by which one can reach the Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve. One road is from Delhi which passes via Dausa and is at a distance of 480 kms. The other road is from Kota and at a distance of 180 kms which passes Tonka to reach this park.

By Train

The nearest railway station is located in Kota which is at a distance of 108 kms. Kota is, however, well connected with rest of the major cities of India.

Visitor Information

One can enjoy the safari in the Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve in both morning as well as evening timing. There are a number of timings for the safari. The park however remains open from morning 6:00 am to evening 6:00 pm. The entry fee for Indians is INR 25 and for the foreign nationalities is INR 200.