|
vegetation. Originally a hunting ground of the Maharaja of Jaipur, Ranthambore was declared a game sanctuary in 1955. In 1980, it became a national park and listed among the reserves protected under Project Tiger (1973). Presently the Kaila Devi Sanctuary, also famous for its tigers, and Mansingh Sanctuary also form part of Ranthambore Reserve.
CLIMATE
By virtue of its proximity to the Thar Desert, the region has extremities of climate. Summers (April–June) are particularly harsh with temperatures above 38°C. The area receives rainfall in July and August. The onset of winters (October–March) brings down the temperature and encourages tourists to visit Ranthambore.
ATTRACTIONS
Ranthambore, which receives thousands of visitors each year, is famous for its tigers, whose population it seeks to increase and sustain. Year after year, Ranthambore Tiger Reserve continues to attract not just tourists but dignitaries as well. The U.S. President Bill Clinton, during his recent visit to India, found time to visit Ranthambore despite his busy schedule. Nevertheless, the king of the jungle obliges both dignitaries and the common tourists with his benign presence.
Tigers can be spotted quite often in their natural habitat even during daytime. They have been frequently seen at the edges of three lakes—Padam Talab, Raj Bagh Talab and Milak Talab. The park also has panthers in sizable numbers, though they have been spotted generally at the outskirts of the park perhaps due to the inevitable conflict with the tiger population, which command the ‘superior’ position amidst the predatory cats. For spotting panthers, Kachida Valley is regarded as the ideal place.
Other mammalian species that have made Ranthambore their home are antelopes, nilgai, sambhar, chital, sloth bear, wild boar, chinkara, porcupines, jackals, leopards, jungle cats, fox, caracals, hyena, gazelle, Indian hare, mongoose and jacanas. Sambhars are in abundance at the park and form the prime target of all the predatory mammals.
There are about 264 species of birds found within the park including painted storks,
white-necked storks, black storks, peafowl, crested serpent eagles, Bonelli's eagle, Indian horned owl, quail, partridge, spur fowl, paradise flycatcher and jacanas. During winters migratory birds like graylag goose, ruddy sheiduck and pintails may also be spotted. Monitor lizards and marsh crocodiles are also found here.
The park’s topography varies from secure forests to open scrublands. Vegetation is of the dry deciduous type, with dhok being the most prominent tree. Ranthambore’s water bodies are known to have lovely lotus flowers and water lilies. Among the park’s other oddities is the forest rest house, Jogi Mahal, the premises of which sports the second largest banyan tree in India!
Ranthambore is one of the most suitable places for wildlife photography in the world. The park may be toured in a jeep or lorry-van. A guide and a park ranger generally accompany tourists. There is a network of four gravel tracks inside the park for safaris. Ruins within and around Ranthambore bear a testimony to its royal past. There are lake palaces, old fortifications and the majestic Ranthambore fort on a height overlooking the park. The forest rest house is situated at the foot of the fort within Jogi Mahal. It overlooks the Padam Talab, which is afloat with water lilies and lotuses.
REACHING THERE
The nearest rail junction is Sawai Madhopur at a distance of 11 km. It is on the main Delhi–Bombay railway line and major trains stop here. The nearest airport is at Jaipur, which is about 145 km away. A good network of state transport buses connects Sawai Madhopur with destinations across the state.
STAYING THERE
Comfortable accommodation is never a problem at Ranthambore. There are hotels and rest houses like Jogi Mahal, Hotel Kamadhenu, and Jhumer Baori Forest Lodge run by the Rajasthan State Tourism Development Corporation. Their prices range is variable and fits every budget. Maharaja Lodge, managed by a famous hotel chain, provides deluxe accommodation. Other local and private accommodations are available in and around the park as well.
LINKS TO THE OUTSIDE WORLD
Sawai Madhopur, which is 11 km from the park, has good communication (post, telegraph, phone and fax) and medical (chemists, hospital) facilities. Internet/e-mail facilities have also sprung up recently.
TRAVEL TIPS
Light cotton garments are recommended for the hot summer months and woolens are suitable for the winters. Entry charges for hired vehicle, guide and photo equipment are separate. These can be reserved at the Project Tiger office in Sawai Madhopur.
PLACES NEARBY
A noteworthy site for excursion is the Ranthambore fort. Built by the Chauhan rulers in the 10th century, this fort was the envy of many rulers because of its strategic location between central and northern parts of India. When the Muslim invader Alauddin Khilji laid siege to this fort in 1303, the women of the household performed jauhar (or self-immolation). This historic fort has many temples, tanks, massive gates and curtain walls. This monument has been declared a protected site by the Archeological survey of India.
|
Ranthambore reserve is situated in India’s northwestern state of Rajasthan, near the
town of Sawai Madhopur, midway between Bharatpur and Kota townships. It is surrounded by the Vindhya and Aravali hill ranges and is very near to the outer fringes of the Thar Desert. The entire area has sprawling tracts of the desert and semi-desert