Ranthambore National Park is a national park in the Indian state of Rajasthan. It covers a total area of 1,334 km2 (515 sq mi). It is bounded to the north by the Banas River and to the south by the Chambal River. It is named after the historic Ranthambore Fort, which lies within the park.
History of Ranthambore National Park
Ranthambore National Park was established as the Sawai Madhopur Game Sanctuary in 1955, initially covering an area of 282 km2 (109 sq mi). It was declared one of the Project Tiger reserves in 1974. It was declared as a national park in 1980.
Ranthambore Safari and Tourism
One of the most thrilling ways to explore Ranthambore is through its guided safaris, which are offered in two main types of vehicles:
Gypsy (6-seater open jeep) – offers a more private and flexible experience
Canter (20-seater open bus) – suitable for larger groups and budget travelers
The park is divided into 10 safari zones, each offering unique landscapes and varying chances of wildlife sightings. Zones 1 to 5 are considered core areas and are generally more popular for tiger sightings. Safari permits must be booked in advance through the Rajasthan Forest Department or authorized travel agencies, especially during peak tourist season (October to June).
The best time to visit Ranthambore is during the dry season — from October to June — when animals are more likely to visit water bodies, increasing the chances of sightings. During the monsoon (July to September), the park remains closed to visitors.
Ranthambore monuments
Flora and Fauna
The park is a biodiversity hotspot. Its dry deciduous forests are primarily composed of Dhok trees (Anogeissus pendula), along with a variety of other species like banyan, pipal, neem, and mango trees. The undergrowth is sparse in most areas, which increases the chances of wildlife sightings during safaris.
Ranthambore's most iconic resident is the Royal Bengal Tiger, and it is one of the best places in the world to observe these majestic predators in their natural habitat. The tigers of Ranthambore are known for their relatively high visibility during the day, making them more accessible to visitors and photographers.
Apart from tigers, the park hosts a wide range of wildlife species, including:
- Leopards
- Sloth bears
- Striped hyenas
- Jackals
- Indian foxes
- Sambar deer
- Chital (spotted deer)
- Nilgai (blue bull)
- Wild boar
- Mugger crocodiles
The park is also a paradise for bird watchers, with over 300 species of birds recorded. Some commonly spotted birds include peacocks, Indian grey hornbills, crested serpent eagles, kingfishers, and a variety of migratory birds during winter.
How to Reach Ranthambore
By Air: The nearest airport is Jaipur International Airport, about 180 km away.
By Rail: The nearest railway station is Sawai Madhopur, well-connected to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Jaipur.
By Road: Ranthambore is accessible by car or bus from Jaipur, Agra, Delhi, and other regional cities.
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