Overview of Ranthambore National Park
UPDATE ON 18 July 2024 : Ranthambore National Park stands as one of India's largest and most esteemed tiger reserves, renowned for its thriving wildlife expeditions. Spread over 392 square kilometers, the park beautifully blends historical richness and natural splendor. Ranthambore National Park Located in the heart of Sawai Madhopur district of Rajasthan, this park is about 14 km from Sawai Madhopur railway station and 170 kilometers from Jaipur airport. This tiger safari park is surrounded by the majestic Aravalli Hills and Vindhya ranges. The park is home to the ancient 10th-century Ranthambore Fort, which is a major tourist attraction located within its boundaries.
Historical Evolution of Ranthambore National Park
Ranthambore was originally the private hunting ground of the Maharajas of Jaipur but was later declared a sanctuary by the Government of India in 1955. Recognizing its significance in tiger conservation, it was declared a Project Tiger reserve in 1973. As its reputation as a premier wildlife tourism destination grew, the Government of India upgraded it to a national park in 1980. By 1991, the park's boundaries were extended to include the Sawai Mansingh and Keladevi wildlife sanctuaries, increasing its total area to 1,334 square kilometres. Over the years, efforts by the forest department expanded Ranthambore Tiger Reserve (RTR) to approximately 1410.64 square kilometers by 2006, including core and buffer forest areas. At present the total area of Ranthambore National Park is about 1700 square kilometers.
Wildlife Diversity in Ranthambore National Park
Ranthambore National Park boasts a rich diversity of wildlife, providing a sanctuary for various species:
Herbivorous animals:
- Sambar Deer: A dark brown woodland deer with branched antlers.
- Spotted Deer: Hoofed mammals with ramified bony antlers, shed annually and borne naturally by males.
- Langurs (Monkeys): Long-tailed arboreal Asian monkeys known for their characteristic loud calls.
- Chinkara (Indian Gazelle): Graceful antelopes native to India.
- Nilgai (Blue Bull or Antelope): Largest Asian antelope with distinctive blue-gray coloration.
Omnivores animals:
- Wild Boars: Tusked Eurasian wild pigs, ancestors of domestic pigs.
- Sloth Bears: Nocturnal bears with shaggy coats, using long curved claws for feeding on insects and hanging upside down like a sloth.
Carnivores animals :
- Leopard: Large solitary cats with yellowish-brown coats and black spots, primarily nocturnal hunters.
- Striped Hyenas: Hyenas characterized by numerous black stripes on their bodies and legs.
- Jackals: Slender, long-legged wild dogs known for scavenging and hunting in packs.
- Caracals: Lynx-like cats with long legs, black tufted ears, and uniform brown coats.
- Jungle Cat: Small wildcats with yellowish or grayish coats and dark markings on their legs and tails.
- Small Indian Civet: Nocturnal carnivorous mammals with barred and spotted coats and well-developed anal scent glands.
- Mongooses: Small carnivorous mammals with long bodies, tails, and grizzled or banded coats.
Major Attraction of Ranthambore:
- Tiger: Iconic solitary cats with yellow-brown coats striped with black, the star attraction of Ranthambore National Park.
Other wild animals found in Ranthambore National Park.
Ranthambore National Park is not just renowned for its tigers and large mammals; It is also home to a variety of other fascinating wild animals:
Mammals:
- Indian Porcupine: Large rodents equipped with defensive spines or quills on their bodies and tails.
- Indian Hare: Fast-running, long-eared mammals resembling large rabbits, typically found in grasslands or open forests.
- Indian Flying Fox: Large fruit bats characterized by their fox-like faces.
Reptiles:
- Marsh Crocodile: Predatory semi-aquatic reptiles often seen basking in the sun near water bodies during the winter season. They have long tails, jaws, and textured skin, adept at approaching prey stealthily.
- Monitor Lizard: Reptiles with long bodies, tails, movable eyelids, and rough, scaly or spiny skin. They are known for their agility and can often be spotted in the park.
- Indian Rock Python: Large non-venomous snakes found in various habitats, including forests and grasslands.
- Saw-scaled Viper: Venomous snakes known for their distinctive scales and potent venom.
- Indian Rat Snake: Common non-venomous snakes often encountered in diverse environments.
- Indian Bull Frog: Robust frogs with distinctive calls, inhabiting wetlands and water bodies.
- Common Indian Toad: Widespread amphibians known for their adaptability to various habitats.
Birds: Ranthambore is a paradise for bird lovers. More than 300 species of birds are found in Ranthambore, which include migratory and local species. Species ranging from predatory birds to colorful songbirds are found in Ranthambore. This park is a paradise for bird watchers.
Water Bodies in Ranthambore Tiger Safari Park: Wildlife Oasis
Ranthambore Tiger Safari Park has several important water bodies that sustain its diverse wildlife throughout the year. These aquatic habitats serve as focal points for wildlife activities, which include a wide variety of species:
- Crocodiles
- Fish
- Turtles
- Water Birds
- Crabs
- Frogs
- Other Aquatic Creatures
These water bodies play an important role during the dry summer season when the water level goes down and there are fewer leaves in the forest. These become important gathering places for herbivorous animals in search of sustenance. In summers these water bodies attract the attention of predators such as the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger. As a result, these areas become bustling hubs of wildlife activity. Such areas provide unique opportunities to observe the natural behavior of Ranthambore's iconic wildlife species.
Most Frequently Asked Questions about Ranthambore
- Ranthambore National Park is one of the largest and most renowned national parks in northern India, located in the Sawai Madhopur district of Rajasthan.
- The best time to visit Ranthambore is from October to June, with the peak season being from November to March when the weather is pleasant and the chances of spotting tigers are higher.
- Ranthambore is accessible by air, rail, and road. The nearest airport is in Jaipur (approximately 160 km away), and the closest railway station is in Sawai Madhopur (around 11 km away). Regular buses and taxis are available from major cities in Rajasthan.
- Ranthambore is famous for its Bengal tigers. Other wildlife includes leopards, sloth bears, sambar deer, chital, nilgai, wild boars, and a variety of birds and reptiles.
- Safaris can be booked online through the official website or through various travel agents. It's advisable to book in advance, especially during the peak season, as the number of safari vehicles allowed is limited.
- Safaris are conducted twice daily: in the morning (around 6:30 AM to 10:00 AM) and in the afternoon (around 2:30 PM to 6:00 PM). The exact timings can vary depending on the season.
- Ranthambore is divided into 10 safari zones. Each zone offers a unique landscape and different chances of spotting wildlife, especially tigers.
- There are no accommodations inside Ranthambore National Park. However, there are plenty of hotels, resorts, and guesthouses in Sawai Madhopur, which is the closest town to the park.
- Essential items to carry on a safari include a hat, sunscreen, comfortable clothing, binoculars, a camera, insect repellent, and drinking water.
- Yes, children are allowed on safaris. However, it's important to consider the child's comfort and ability to remain quiet during the safari to avoid disturbing the wildlife.
- Yes, it is generally safe to visit Ranthambore National Park. However, it is important to follow the guidelines and instructions provided by the park authorities and your safari guide to ensure safety.
- Private vehicles are not allowed inside Ranthambore National Park. Safaris are conducted in authorized vehicles, including open-top jeeps and canters.
- Entry fees vary for Indian and foreign tourists and depend on the type of vehicle (jeep or canter) and the safari zone. It's best to check the latest rates on the official website or with a travel agent.
- If you spot a tiger, remain calm and follow the instructions of your safari guide. Do not make loud noises or sudden movements. Enjoy the sighting from a safe distance and take photographs without using the flash.
- Yes, photography is allowed in Ranthambore National Park. However, the use of flash is prohibited to avoid disturbing the wildlife.