Ranthambore National Park

Rajasthan, India

This park is a pure shocker. It is impossible to believe when you are in Sawai Madhopur town just 10kms away that Tigers are walking freely in closeby Ranthambore National Park.

One of the first National Parks of India which came on the world map due to life dedicating efforts of Mr Fateh SIngh Rathore. With a 1000 year old fort ramparts in the background, and huge lakes in the park, the Tigers are at home in Ranthambhore. These lakes have couple of hundred crocodiles, rarely does one hear encounters of Tigers with Crocodiles. In winters these lakes attract lot of migratory birds too. This park has had some legendary Tigers, from Ghengis Khan, to Noor, then Machli, T17, T24, and now T19. It was my first Safari (Sharad Vats) in 1990 that changed course of my life from working in city to taking up Wildlife tourism as a career with a motto of Conservation through Tourism. This park is a must visit for 3 nights when in Rajsthan, and combines well with Taj Mahal in Agra, and pink city of Jaipur.

About the Park

Ranthambore Tiger Reserve in the Indian state of Rajasthan comprises distinct areas with varied conservation history and virtually separated geographically, with mere narrow corridors linking them to the core, Ranthambore National Park. These are mainly, the Ranthambore [Tiger, Ranthambhore National Park] National Park, Keladevi Sanctuary and Sawai Mansingh Sanctuary. The Ranthambore National Park, at the junction of the Aravallis and the Vindhyas, is a unique juxtaposition of natural and historical richness, standing out conspicuously in a vast arid and denuded tract of eastern Rajasthan, barely 14 km. from the town of Sawai Madhopur. It is spread over a highly undulating topography, varying from gentle to steep slopes, from flat-topped hills (Indala, Doodh-Bhat and Chiroli) of the Vindhyas to the conical hillocks and sharp ridges of the Aravallis, from wide and flat valleys (Lahpur, Nalghati, Khachida, Anantpur etc.) to narrow rocky gorges. An important geological feature, the “Great Boundary fault” where the Vindhyas were brought against the ancient Aravallis, passes from here.

Interesting Facts

  1. Ranthambhore Fort - The most fascinating and most popular excursion taken from the national park is tothe Ranthambore Fort. This fort was built by the Chauhans in the 10th century. The fort is located at a very strategic position between north and central India and hence it was always coveted by many rulers. This fort is famous for the ‘Johar’ (suicide by immolation to escape humilitaion) by Rajput women in 1301AD during the siege by Ala-ud-din Khilji. The temples and tanks add to the beauty of the fort. The seven gates and massive curtain walls, crowning a fall-topped hill presents a majestic view.
  2. Bakaula – Sea running streams.
  3. Kachida – Spot a concentration of Spotted Deer.
  4. Phutakot – Colorado of this area.
  5. Highest Point – Gives a virtual ‘aerial’ view of the Park
  6. Semli & Berda – Breathtaking landscapes that seem to stretch till infinity.
  7. Khemsa Kund – An ancient water tank.Rajbagh Lake, Places to See in Ranthambhore National Park
  8. Kukraj Ghati – See the grand view of the National Park from the peak of Kukraj.
  9. Lahpur Valley – Large flat grassland very good for viewing Deer, Antipole and Tigers.
  10. Sultanpur ki Kui – One of the most scenic drives in the Park.
  11. Rajbagh Lake – Carpeted with Lotus flowers and filled with Lotus eaters.
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