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RANTHAMBORE NATIONAL PARK
Ranthambore National Park is largely known for tigers, the purpose of establishing this huge wildlife sanctuary was to protect the dying population of tigers in India. It is dotted with structures that remind you of a bygone era .There are several water bodies located all over the park, which provide an ideal respite in the extremely hot summer months for the forest populace. An enormous fort, after which the park is named, towers over the park atop a hill. There are many ruins of long-gone era scattered all over the jungle, which give it a unique, amazing and diverse flavor of nature, history and wildlife. Tigers at Ranthambore National park have been famous to hunt even in full view of tourists. Due to their lack of fear for human presence these tigers are quite prominent for being seen in the daytime too. This lack of fear for tourists is in fact a blessing in disguise they get to see these deadly tigers in action. Ranthambhore is one of the best places to see these majestic predators.
History
Ranthambore national park was affirmed as a wildlife sanctuary in 1957 and in 1974 it gained the protection of "Project Tiger". It received its status of a National Park in 1981. It is in Sawai Madhopur District of Rajasthan state, located at the intersection of the Aravalli and Vindhya hill range, which is one of the finest places to view animals. The park covers an area around 400 sq Km and if combined with the area of sawai man singh sanctuary area, it is around 500 Sq km. It is declared a heritage site because of its striking and remarkable picturesque ruins that dot the wildlife park. There are lake palaces, 'chhatris', old fortifications and a majestic and imposing 1,000-year-old fort, overlooking the park. The exquisite Jogi Mahal is situated at the foot of the fort and gives a splendid view of the Padam Talao
Places of Interest
Ranthambore Fort
The most enthralling and most well-liked excursion taken from the national park is to the Ranthambore Fort. It was built by the Chauhans in the 10th century. The fort is situated at a planned position between north and central India and hence it was always desirable by many rulers. This fort is prominent for the 'Johar' (suicide by immolation to escape humiliation) by Rajput women in 1301AD during the siege by Ala-ud-din Khilji. The temples and tanks add on to the beauty of the fort. The seven gates and enormous curtain walls, crowning a fall-topped hill presents a magnificent view.
Ranthambore National Park Trips
The Park is toured by in jeeps. The reservation of the trips can be done at the Project Tiger Office at Sawai Madhopur. The tour is attended by a guide. Entry is relatively expensive, with fees for entrance, vehicle hired, guide and camera being charged separately.
Travel Information
Rail: The closest city to the park is Sawai Madhopur. It provides the nearest railhead for the national park. It is 11 km from Ranthambore.
Air: The nearest airport is Jaipur, which is about 145 km away. There are regular flights of different airlines to this place.
Road: From Jaipur one has to take the road for admittance to the national park.