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Ranthambore National Park
 Longitude : From 76-23-00 E to 76-39-00 E
Latitude : From 25-54-00 N to 26-12-00 N
Average Rainfall : 800mm
Temperature : Min 4, Max 47 (deg. cel. )
Total Area
: 392.5 sq. kms.
Ranthambhore National Park ( core ) 274.50 sq. kms.
Buffer area to R.N.P. 118.00 sq. kms.
Opening Time
The park is open from 1st October till 30th June.
Located near the outer fringes of the Thar Desert and surrounded by the Vindhya and Aravali hill ranges, Ranthambhor National Park is Rajasthan's most well known tiger reserve under Project Tiger. Home to an exotic variety of animals in is 392 sq km area, one can spot sambhar, cheetal, wild boar, leopard, sloth bear, jackal, hyena among others. Wildlife safaris in Ranthambore offers the best of flora and fauna of the desert land as well as plain area near the hills
The Ranthambore National Park is situated near the town of Sawai Madhopur, midway between Bharatpur and Kota townships. The entire area has sprawling tracts of desert and semi-desert vegetation. Originally a hunting ground of the Maharaja of Jaipur, Ranthambore was declared a game sanctuary in 1955. In 1980s, it became a national park and was listed among the reserves protected under Project Tiger (1973). Presently the Kaila Devi Sanctuary, also famous for its tigers and the ManSingh Sanctuary form a part of Ranthambore Reserve.
Park Population
 The tigers are the prized attractions of the park. Other inmates of the park are the Antelopes, Nilgai, Sambhar and Chital, which are easy to spot. Those who are lucky enough get to see the Sloth Bear, Wild Boar, Chinkara, Porcupines and Jackals, Leopard, Jungle Cat and Marsh Crocodile.
The lakes and water holes in the Ranthambore national park are the best places to sight the animals. These water bodies are full of lotus and water lilies. Ranthambore also has a sizeable bird population, both resident and migratory. There are about 264 species of birds found within the park. Indian Hare, Mongoose and Monitor Lizards can also spot.
Nearby Attractions
The most fascinating and most popular excursion taken from the national park is to the 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.
Park Trips
The park is toured by a jeep or a lorry, the reservation of which can be done at the Project Tiger Office at Sawai Madhopur. The tours is accompanied by a guide.
Accommodation
There are numerous accommodation facilities near the Ranthambhore National Park. The hotels here range from heritage to luxury and deluxe and budget category. All the hotels are well appointed with world class facilities and services. The sanctuary can be conveniently visited from all the accommodations available.
Major Tourist Attractions in Ranthambhore
The Vegetation
The scrubby landscape of Ranthambhore National Park features dry deciduous forests with trees of Dhak, Acacia, Ber and Salar.
The Animals
 Ranthambhore is the home of Royal Bengal Tigers. One can easily sight the elusive tigers in their natural moods. Other residents of the park are the Antelopes, Nilgai, Sambhar and Chital, which are easy to find. Those who are lucky enough get to see the Sloth Bear, Wild Boar, Chinkara, Porcupines and Jackals, Leopard, Jungle Cat and Marsh Crocodile. The lakes and water holes within the Ranthambore National Park are the best locations to sight the animals. Indian Hare, Mongoose and Monitor Lizards can also be spotted here.
The Birds
Ranthambore also boasts of a respectable size of bird population, both resident and migratory. There are about 300 species of birds seen within the park.
Ranthambhore Fort
The most spectacular site within the park is the Ranthambore Fort. This 10th century fort was built by the Chauhans is famous for the 'Johar' (suicide by immolation to escape humiliation) by Rajput women in 1301 AD 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.
CLIMATE
Located in Rajasthan, the Ranthambore Reserve is influenced by the
desert type of climate. The vegetation, which is mostly dry anddeciduous,
provides good cover for the animals. The climate is generally dry but
annual rainfall is enough to sustain the park population. In fact,
Ranthambore is one of the green patches in the otherwise barren
landscape of the state.
Best Time to Visit
The park is open for visitors from October to June. But the best season
to visit Ranthambore is from November to April. This is the time when
animals can be easily spotted.
Base - Sawai Madhopur
Which is a rail terminal, serves as the vital link to Ranthambhor, and offers accommodation for visitors. The park is closed in the peak summer and monsoon months.
Getting There
Air : The nearest airport is that of
Jaipur, which is about 145 km away. There are regular flights of various
airlines to this place.
Rail : Sawai Madhopur, the nearest town from
the park provides the nearest railhead for the national park. It is 11
km from Ranthambore.
Road : From Jaipur one has to take the road to
access the national park.
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