Ranthambore [Rajasthan]

Ranthambore is a small village near the township of Sawai Madhopur, in the state of Rajasthan, Ranthambhore gets its name from the two hills, Ran and Thambor, which are in close proximity. The Ranthambore Park is set between the Aravalli and Vindhya ranges. Its deciduous forests were once a part of the magnificent jungles of Central India. The terrain is rugged and there are rocky ridges, hills and open valleys with lakes and pools.

Ranthambhore is a heritage site because of the picturesque ruins that dot the park. There are lake palaces, 'chhatris', old fortifications and a majestic 1,000-year-old fort overlooking the park. The lovely Jogi Mahal is located at the foot of the fort and gives magnificent view of the Padam Talao, painted white with water lilies.

Ranthambhor is one of the best places to see these majestic predators. Old crumbling walls, ruined pavilions, wells, and other ancient structures stand witness to the region's glorious past. The entire forest is peppered with the battlements and spillovers of the Ranthambhore fort - tigers are said to frequent these ruins, too.

Places Of Interest (Ranthambore)

Ranthambore National Park
Ranthambhor National Park is an outstanding example of Project Tiger's efforts at conservation in the country. The forests around the Ranthambhore Fort were once, the private hunting grounds of the Maharajas of Jaipur. The desire to preserve the game in these forests for sport was responsible for their conservation, and subsequent rescue by Project Tiger. In 1972, it was estimated that there were around 1927 tigers in India, of which Rajasthan had 74, and the number of big cats in Ranthambhore Sanctuary was 14. 1972 was also the year that Project Tiger was launched, and this sanctuary was taken into its wings, alongwith seven other sanctuaries and national parks.

The Fort
Steep crags embrace a network of lakes and rivers, and atop one of these hills, is the impressive Ranthambhore Fort. Built in the 10th century, the fort is considered to be one of the oldest forts in the state. Strategically built on the border of Rajasthan and Malwa, the fort houses some splendid monuments, within its precincts. The terrain fluctuates between impregnable forests and open bush land. The forest is the typically dry deciduous type, with Dhok, being the most prominent tree.

The Jogi Mahal
The entry point to the park, goes straight to the foot of the fort and the forest rest house, Jogi Mahal. The latter boasts of the second-largest Banyan tree in India.

Travel Information (Ranthambore)

Air : Jaipur (145-km) is the nearest airport.
Rail : The Park is around 11-km away from Sawai Madhopur railway station, that lies on the Delhi to Bombay trunk route.
Road : A good network of buses connects Sawai Madhopur, the nearest town, with quite a few areas around.