Ranthambore National Park

Ranthambore National Park 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.It is an outstanding example of Project Tiger's efforts at conservation in the country. The forests around the Ranthambore Fort were once, the private hunting grounds of the Maharajas of Jaipur. The desire to preserve the game in these forests for sport, was responsible for their conservation, and subsequent rescue by Project Tiger. In 1972, it was estimated, that there were around 1927 tigers in India, of which Rajasthan had 74, and the number of big cats in Ranthambore Sanctuary was 14. 1972 was also the year that Project Tiger was launched, and this sanctuary was taken into its wings, alongwith seven other sanctuaries and national parks.

Ranthambore National Park sprawls over an estimated area of 400 sq kms. Steep crags embrace a network of lakes and rivers, and a top one of these hills, is the impressive Ranthambore Fort, built in the 10th century. The terrain fluctuates between impregnable forests and open bushland. The forest is the typically dry deciduous type, with dhok, being the most prominent tree. The entry point to the Ranthambore National Park, goes straight to the foot of the fort and the forest rest house, Jogi Mahal. The latter boasts of the second-largest banyan tree in India. The Padam Talab, the Raj Bagh Talab and the Malik Talab are some of the lakes in the area, that attract the tiger population. They have been spotted at the edges of these lakes, and Jogi Mahal itself. Old crumbling walls, ruined pavilions, wells, and other ancient structures stand witness to the region's glorious past. The entire forest is peppered with the battlements and spillovers of the Ranthambore Fort - tigers are said to frequent these ruins, too. As a result of stringent efforts in conservation, tigers, the prime assets of the Park, have become more and more active during the day. More than in any other park or sanctuary in India, tigers are easily spotted here in daylight. They can be seen lolling around lazily in the sun, or feverishly hunting down Sambar around the lakes.
As a result of stringent efforts in conservation, tigers, the prime assets of the Park, have become more and more active during the day. More than in any other park or sanctuary in India, tigers are easily spotted here in daylight. They can be seen lolling around lazily in the sun, or feverishly hunting down sambar around the lakes. Therefore, Ranthambore is probably the ideal park for wildlife photography, and it does attract professional wildlife photographers, from all over the globe. Apart from tigers, the park has its share of panthers, too. They are to be found on the outskirts of the park, due to the inevitable conflicts with the tiger population. Kachida Valley, is believed to be the place to sight these rather elusive cats. The other permanent residents of the park include, marsh crocodiles, hyenas, jungle cats and sloth bears. Sambar are found in abundance all over the area, the prime target of all the predators. Chital, nilgai, and chinkara, are the other inhabitants of the region. The avian population comprises of black storks, quails, Bonelli's eagles, spur fowls, crested serpent eagles and painted storks. During the winter months, the Park attracts a lot of migratory birds, primarily a variety of ducks.

Visiting Ranthambore
Internal travel within the park is possible only in vehicles. Jeeps are available from local operators and from the forest lodges. These jeeps can accommodate up to 6 people. Although, its advisable to restrict it to 4 people as a guide is a must along with the driver.It must be kept in mind that to avoid over crowding inside the park, as is seen in many other parks of the same state, only a restricted number of vehicles are allowed into the park at a given time. So it is advisable to reach the entrance a little before the actual time of opening.

Access
The best way of getting to the park is by taking a train to Sawai Madhopur, which falls on the main Delhi - Bombay route. It is also directly connected with Jaipur, Chennai and Howrah. This town is also well connected by the bus network but this is not a very comfortable option, specially in the summers. The nearest airport is Jaipur, which is 132 km away.Jaipur is connected to Sawai Madhopur by train as well as by bus.
A comfortable option among buses is those buses operated by the Rajasthan tourism. The best option however would be to drive down in your own vehicle.

Climate
Due to the wonderful tree cover across most of the park and the breathtaking views it offers, the climate is mostly far from the mind while driving around there. However, the park does experience drastic variations in climatic conditions. The temperature range is extreme with the mercury dipping to around 2 degrees centigrade in the winters and rising all the way up to 47 degrees in the summ The wind-chill factor while driving around early morning in the open 4-wheel drive vehicles, or in the specially converted safari vehicles, does nothing to improve the freezing wintry conditions. Even though the wind within the park during the hot summer months is relatively cool, in the areas outside, where all the resorts are located, it is blistering hot ! Go prepared !

The hottest period during the year is between April and June, while the coldest months are end November to beginning February.

The ideal time for visiting the park is between November and April for excellent weather and in April / May for the best chances of seeing tigers.

What to carry
As all accommodation facilities, after the closure of Jogi Mahal to tourists, are outside the park, you have to pretty much carry whatever it is you take on any of your holidays. However, it is still advisable to carry a torch for any late evening or night walks you might take outside your resort. Although Sawai Madhopur is a relatively large town neighbouring the park, it would make sense to carry any specific medicine you may be taking for recurring ailments. If you are an enthusiastic photographer and use only a particular film, carry it with you. Any batteries not easily available, like lithium 2cr5, should be a part of your camera bag by the time you arrive at the park.
For people with sensitive skin or eyes, it is advisable to carry along sunscreen, dark glasses and caps. To make your trips into the park more fulfilling and enjoyable, make sure you take along a pair of binoculars. You will specially miss them when visiting the Ranthambore Fort, which offers a fantastic view of almost the entire park.

For those worried about carrying mineral water with you, don't. All the leading brands are available all over the place, including at all the resorts

Clothes
The clothes you should carry with you to Ranthambore are totally opposite depending on the season in which you are visiting it. The summers are blisteringly hot and don't expect any let up while you are there. You should expect unrelenting heat day after day if you are there between the months of April and June. With temperatures soaring between 35 and 47 degrees centigrade most of the day, even the lightest of T-shirts feel like warm jackets. Take along your lightest clothes in the summers with the definite inclusion of a cap and dark glasses. In the winter months, specially November to beginning February, the weather is just the opposite.
Morning drives into the park are freezing cold and how many ever layers you wear sometimes feel insufficient. The days however are extremely pleasant and a light sweatshirt can more than suffice. Evenings and night once again get very chilly. Carrying along a pair of gloves and a muffler is advisable. For those who intend to take photographs in the wee hours of the morning without pressing all the wrong buttons on their cameras, take along a pair of gloves that are thin yet warm and provide for sufficient movement of the hands.