Ranthambhor National Park

Total Area: 400 square kilometers

Best time to visit: October to March

Nearest Town: Sawai Madhopur District, Rajasthan.

Species found: Tigers, Leopards and Boars

Entry Fees: Foreign visitor- rupees 200, Indian visitor - rupees 25, Indian student – rupees 5 Additional charges for photographic equipments

More information: Field Director, Ranthambhor National Park, Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan

Ranthambhor National Park is situated in Sawai Madhopur District, Rajasthan. It lies on the intersection of the Aravali and the Vindhya mountain ranges. In 1957, Ranthambhor was declared a wildlife sanctuary. Later in the year 1972, it was included under the 'Project Tiger'. But, it was only in the year 1981 when the sanctuary got the status of a national park.

The best time to visit the National Park lies between October to March. It remains open from 1st October till 30th June while it is closed for the remaining time of the year. Six man-made lakes in this tiger reserve serve as a source of water for the animals and birds that exist here.

United State's President 'Bill Clinton' expressed his delight when he visited the Ranthambhor National Park on his tour to India.

The national park is dominated by a number of trees. There are over 300 species of trees, major ones being the dry deciduous type. Dotting the landscape stand the clusters of Banyan, Pipal, Mango and Dhok trees.

The significant population of tigers housed in by the Ranthambhor Tiger Reserve is the prime attraction for the tourists. Apart from them, there are Leopards, Chinkara, Striped Hyenas, Nilgai, Indian Porcupines, Jackals, Sambar, Indian Flying Foxes, Black bucks, Desert Cats, Indian False Vampires, Small Indian Mongoose, etc., that comprise the wildlife of this national park.

Banded and Common Kraits, Cobras, Rat Snakes, Tortoise, Desert Monitor Lizards, Indian Pythons, Saw-scaled Vipers, etc., are few names of the reptiles that exist in this national park.

Add to it, Ranthambhor Wildlife Sanctuary nests about 272 species of birds, both native as well as migratory.

The best way to explore this national park and see the Royal Bengal Tigers in their very own wild habitat is through a safari into the jungles. Do not wait anymore. Pack your bags now and enjoy the thrill.