Location: Ranthambore, Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan
Area: Over 1334 square kilometres
Established Year: 1980
Nearest Airport: Jaipur Sanganer International Airport, Jaipur(182 KM)
Nearest City: Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan
Nearest Railway Station: Sawai Madhopur Railway Station(13 KM), Rajasthan
Entry Fee: Rs. 617 for Indian Nationals and Rs. 1357 for foreigners(Updated Price 2019)
Best Time to Visit: October to April
Number of Species: 360 species of birds
Ranthambore National Park is wildlife sanctuary and biggest tiger reserve in Sawai Madhopur, city of Southeastern Rajasthan in Northern India. It was a former royal hunting ground and home to tigers, marsh crocodiles, sambhar, sloth bear, chinkara, wild boar, and leopard. The park was declared a game sanctuary in 1955 and in 1980 the park attained the status of national park. After the launch of Project Tiger in 1973, the sanctuary was declared a tiger reserve. It is also well known for the magnificent 10th-century Ranthambore Fort and on a hill there is a Ganesh Mandir (Temple). Padam Talao Lake also knows for its abundance of water lilies.
Though Ranthambore is spread over an area of 1334 square kilometres, however the core area is about 400 square kilometres. The park is situated on the eastern side of the Aravalli range. The park derives its name from the Ranthambore fort that overlooks the park. Two rivers rinse the park and there are three lakes inside the park.
Tigers are the star attractions at the Ranthambore National Park. There are other animals in the park as well that you can watch on your wildlife Tour to Ranthambore. The other animals that you come across include marsh crocodile, sambhar, sloth bear, chinkara, wild boar, leopard, chital, nilgai, mongoose, Jungle cat and monitor lizards.
The park is home to a large number of birds. Over 360 species of birds and raptors are also found here and migratory birds come from Europe and Siberia to Surwal Lake in national park.
Elephant safari is an excellent way of exploring the park. However, jeep safaris are also available. The chances of sighting a tiger in the park are more during early morning and before dusk. As the predator is most active during morning and evening. The former president of the United States, Bill Clinton spotted a tiger during his visit to Ranthambore National Park in 2000.
Gypsy price is Rs 974 per person for Indians and Rs 1,714 per person for foreigners. Canter Price is Rs 617 per person for Indians and Rs 1,357 per person for foreigners. Children (0-5) under five years old are free to visit. There are discounts for Indian and international students (if you show college ID). It includes vehicle hire and guide fee of 539 rupees in a gypsy, and 422 rupees in a canter, for both Indians and foreigners. It also includes a safari vehicle fee of 134 rupees in a gypsy and 19 rupees in a canter. Private vehicles are also allowed inside the park but are only permitted to go up to Ranthambore Fort and the Ganesh temple.
There are a number of places in and around Ranthambore National Park that you can visit. The most popular place is Ranthambore Fort which you can visit. This 10th century Ranthambore fort was built by the Chauhans. You can also visit Jogi Mahal, which has the second largest banyan tree in India.
Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is the second moust visiting tourist attraction that you can visit. If you wish to extend your Ranthambore wildlife tour, you can travel to Jaipur, which is about 180 kilometres away.
Prior booking and travel information will help you in making you tour smooth affair. Unauthorized vehicles are not allowed inside the park. You can visit the park either in the morning (7-10 am) or in the afternoon (2.30-sunset). During summer, timings change slightly.
Temperature can rise about 38°C during summer from April Month to June Month. Temperature can down 15°C in winter season and from October to March is an ideal time to visit park. However, if you can bear the summer heat, a visit to the park may prove rewarding. The park closes from July to September.
Jaipur is the nearest airport, which is about 182 kilometres from Ranthambore, Sawai Madhopur. Sawai Madhopur is the nearest railway station which is 13 kilometres away. Ranthambore is well connected by road, by rail, and by air with other parts of the rajasthan as well as other cities of India.
From October to April is the best months to visit Ranthambore to spot Tigers, Leopards, and Sambar Deer.
Sr. | Period | Morning Timing Trip | Evening Timing Trip |
---|---|---|---|
1 | 1 to 31 October (2019) | 6:30 AM to 10 AM | 2:30 PM to 6 PM |
2 | 1 November to 31 January (2019-2020) | 7:30 AM to 10 AM | 2 PM to 5:30 PM |
3 | 1 February to 31 March (2020) | 6:30 AM to 10 AM | 2:30 PM to 6 PM |
4 | 1 April to 15 May (2020) | 6 AM to 9:30 AM | 3 PM to 6:30 PM |
5 | 16 May to 30 June (2020) | 6 AM to 9:30 AM | 3:30 PM to 7 PM |
6 | 1 July to 30 September (2020) | Closed | Closed |
There are number of hotels, resorts, lodges, and tourist rest houses in and around Ranthambore national park where you can stay. Here is list of places to stay in ranthambore.