Ranthambore National Park

Ranthambore national park is situated in Sawai Madhopur district across 392Sqkm. It is one of the oldest and largest national parks in Rajasthan. This was once the hunting base for the royals of Rajasthan. This park is home to many tigers that lurk the jungle. In addition to tigers, the forest is also home to jackals, hyenas, several reptiles and plants.

The climate at Ranthambore is divided into summer, monsoon and winters. Summers runs from March lasting till June with temperatures soaring up to 40 degrees during the daytime and dropping to 30 degrees by night. Winters make the animals shiver with the temperature dropping below 10 degrees at night. This runs from November to February. The monsoon season soaks the reserve in gentle showers making the reserve bathe in petrichor. Irrespective of the season make sure to carry plenty of fluids, sunscreen and insect repellants to make your stay pleasant.

The safari is one of the must-do activity on your Ranthambore trip. It is an experience that stirs the wildness within you and no words can do justice to the actual experience. The park provides two kinds of safaris, Jeep and canter. The Jeep ride is a six-member ride while the canter can accommodate up to 20 people. The jeep ride allows you to soak in the wilderness by making more stops, clicking pictures and traversing through narrower trails and rutted terrain. Not to mention that your odds of spotting a tiger are slightly higher. Aside from the tiger keep your eyes peeled for sloth bears which usually linger around the reserve after dusk, leopards, many a bird which chirp in the tranquil forests. The timings of the safari vary according to the season. With Winters having shorter days, the safaris start later in the day and end early into the evening. Make sure not to litter, tease the animals or harm them in any sense. Wear adequate woollens during winters, use appropriate sunblocks, Insect repellants to keep yourself safe.

This is one of the oldest forts in India. The fort stands testimony to protecting the Rajputs from foreign invaders. It is a true testament to time having witnessed so many attacks, conquests and events in history worth remembering. It was constructed in 944AD by a Chauhan ruler. Climb atop the fort to witness the panoramic view of the forest. Peer through your binoculars to witness animals at a distance. The fort is an architectural marvel that a whisper on one end of it is echoed through the walls to the other. There is a temple of Lord Ganesh inside the fort. The specialty of this temple is the three-eyed idol which is said to be derived from Lord Shiva’s picturization. The locals believe that the third eye wards off all evils. Aside from the Ganesh temple, there also temples within the front dedicated to Lord Shiva and Ramlalaji. The place is teeming with langurs scampering about. There are also steps that an occasional leopard climbs up to pounce on an unsuspecting langur or quench its thirst in the waterfront.

This is one of the largest lakes in the park. The lake is filled with beautiful water lilies that stands testimony to the name of the lake. At the bank of this lake stands the majestic Jogi Mahal. The monument was used as a hunting lodge in the bygone era. The walls whisper the history of Ranthambore with ancient inscriptions.By the fort is a large banyan tree which is believed to be Indias second largest. Picnic by the lake to enjoy a lazy afternoon or watch the skies drenched in golden with streaks of tangerine soak up the tranquil skies during sunset. If you are lucky, you could spot chinkaras by the banks of this lake.

This is one of the smaller lakes of Ranthambore but doesn’t let that diminish your enthusiasm. Watch the picturesque landscape break into dawn or stroll by the banks soaking in a gentle zephyr. Marsh crocodiles are a common sight. Many a time at the break of dawn when the lake shimmers in tangerine hues, one can spot a kingfisher diving for an early morning fish.

The reserve is covered with a thick canopy of trees. However, when the forest breaks free for a while, it is dotted with multiple small pools of water and natural water holes. This cools down the ambience.One can spot many a dehydrated animal stopping for a drink of water. One can enjoy a quiet picnic by the ponds and witness squirrels and monkeys scamper by. Avid birders can spot many a bird hovering through the foliage.

Flora

Tree lovers are in for a luck for this reserve is home to a manifold of trees. The park is home to banyan trees which date back to bygone eras. Dhok is another species which dominate the vegetation owing to its hardy nature. Dhok can survive in droughts, sparse rainfall and arid climates. Some other trees which can be found are mango, Imli, Jamun, Babul and neem among many others. Watch out for the dhak tree which is prevalent in thick canopy soaking the forest in vivid hues of salamander making it a treat to watch.
 

Fauna

The diversity of animals in Ranthambore is definitely worth raving about. Apart from being home to tigers and leopards, one can spot jackals, striped hyenas, Sambar Deer, Desert cats, Langurs, Black bucks, flying foxes among the gamut of other options. Since the forest is dotted with lakes, it is a thriving home to marsh crocodiles. Thanks to the lush greenery and tranquil lakes, the place is teeming with birds both resident and migrant. One can spot birds from the Ranthambore fort or the lakes. Some of the birds to watch out for are Graylag goose, Great crested grebe, Sandpipers, Gulls, Asian palm swift, Finches, wagtails among a whopping 272 species.

If you are in the mood to soak up some history and breathe in some royal aura stop by the Raj Bagh ruins. This is located between Padam Talao and the Raj Bagh Talao. The ruins consist of domes, palace outhouses carved in stone Be spellbound as you are spellbound by the charm of this quaint location. Choose to walk around the ruins, or picnic by the lake.Shutterbugs can snap a few memories of our lineage.Watch the undisturbed reflection of the fort on the tranquil surface of the lake symbolizing the stillness of time itself.

There are plenty of accommodation options in Ranthambore. Most accommodation options include meals for two people. They also offer options like laundry, swimming pool ,meeting halls ,wifi for a nominal fee. There are also options like cottages, tents and deluxe rooms. Some of the options that an avid traveller can check out are Khem Vilas, Treehouse Anugraha, Om Rudrapriya Holiday Resort, Raj Palace Resort Ranthambore, Ranthambhore Heritage Haveli Resort among others.

By Air

The closest airport is Jaipur. The park is at a distance of 180km from the airport. On reaching the airport, one can hail a taxi or a bus to reach the park
 

By Rail

The nearest railway station is Sawai Madhopur which is connected to major cities across India. From the station, there are numerous taxis that ply to the park.
 

By road

The nearest bus stop is Sawai Madhopur. Plenty of buses are connected to Sawai Madhopur from Jaipur. One can take buses from here to reach the park