Ranthambore National Park

Falling in the Sawai Madhopur District, Ranthambore National Park of Rajasthan is one of the best places to witness the rich wildlife of India. Situated at the junction of the Aravalli and Vindhya hill range, the park is spread over an area of approximately 400 sq km. As far as the origin of the park is concerned, it was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1957. Later, in 1981, it was given the status of a National Park.

The Ranthambhore Wildlife Sanctuary of India remains open every year from October to Mid June. There are good accommodation and transport facilities available within the park itself. The main attraction of Ranthambore Tiger Reserve is the king of the jungle, Tiger. Tiger can be stopped roaming in the jungle even during the daytime. This is because, not only Tiger, rather the all the animals have become quite used to human presence in their abode.

Wildlife at Ranthambore
Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan has a rich wildlife including Tigers (including the most famous diurnal tigers), Leopards, Striped Hyenas, Sambar deer, Chital, Nilgai, Macaques, Jackals, Black bucks, Rufous tailed Hare, Chinkara, Desert Cats, Five striped Palm Squirrels, Indian False Vampires, Indian Flying Foxes, Indian Porcupines, Small Indian Mongoose, etc. The only amphibians in the park are Common Frog and Common Indian Toad.

Also finding a home in Ranthambore are Snub Nosed Marsh Crocodiles, Desert Monitor Lizards, Tortoise, Banded and Common Kraits, Cobras, Indian Pythons, North Indian Flap Shelled Turtles, Rat Snakes, Russel's Vipers, Saw-scaled Vipers, etc. Ranthambore is also a bird watchers paradise. Approximately 272 species of birds have been found in Rajasthan, both resident as well as migratory.

Other Attractions in Ranthambore
Apart from the rich wildlife, Ranthambore National Park has a number of other attractions also. One of them is a massive fort inside the park. Situated atop a hill over the park, the Ranthambore fort is a witness to the bygone era. This fort dates back to the tenth century and is probably the oldest fort of Rajasthan. Also, there are numerous water bodies located throughout the park. They are a source of drinking water and a much needed relief (during summers) to the inhabitants of the park.