Ranthambore

RANTHAMBORE

Originally a hunting ground for the Jaipur Maharajas, it was declared a game sanctuary in 1955 and became a National Park in 1980. Situated in eastern Rajasthan, about 130 km from Jaipur, near Sawai Madhopur, Ranthambore, is one of India's largest and most famous tiger reserves. Established in 1955 and declared a Project Tiger reserve in 1973, it is renowned for its high density of Bengal tigers, scenic landscapes featuring the Aravalli and Vindhya ranges, and the historic 10th-century Ranthambore Fort .This magnificent fort of Ranthambore is maintained and preserved by the ASI (Archeological Survey of India). The park features a rugged landscape with dry deciduous forests, rocky hills, lakes, and ancient ruins. Known as a major habitat for the Bengal tiger, it also houses leopards, sloth bears, sambar deer, nilgai, and over 300 bird species

The park is divided into 10 distinct, pre-assigned, and numbered zones (1–10) for tourism, with zones 1–5 generally considered prime core areas for sightings.

The best time to visit is during the dry season (October to June) for optimal wildlife viewing. 

How to reach Ranthambore

By Road : Delhi to Sawai Madhopur (the town closest to the Ranthambore National Park) via Jaipur and Tonk is a 440 Kms/8 hours drive. Private Vehicles are not allowed into Park. Driving from Jaipur would take 3-4 hours (180 Kms.)

By Rail : The Kota Jan Shatabdi Express from Delhi to Kota leaves Delhi Nizamuddin Station at 1.10 pm and arrives at Sawai Madhopur at 6 pm. The Dehradun Express from New Delhi station, which does an overnight run to Sawai Madhopur ia a convenient way to getting Ranthambhore (leaves 9.40 pm, arrives 5 am).

ATTRACTIONS OF RANTHAMBORE

Trinetra Ganesh Temple

The temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha is located in the fort of Ranthambore, about 12 kms from Sawai Madhopur and it is one of the most important Ganesha temples in the State.

Ranthambhor Fort

Built in the 10th century, the Ranthambore fort is considered to be one of the oldest forts in the state. Strategically built on the border of Rajasthan and Malwa, the fort houses some splendid monuments, within its precincts. The terrain fluctuates between impregnable forests and open bush land.

The Badal Mahal

The “palace of the clouds”,now in ruins, situated in the fort has a very interesting location and seems as if hanging out in space. The famous 84-column 'chhatri' of King Hammir stands out magnificently where he used to hold an audience. The Padam Talab, the Raj Bagh Talab and the Milak Talab are some of the lakes in the area worth seeing.

The Jogi Mahal

On the edge of Padam Talao in Rajasthan, Jogi Mahal is a former royal hunting lodge. Once used by Jaipur royalty for leisure and rejuvenating expeditions, it later served as a forest guesthouse. Today, it is famous for housing one of India's largest banyan trees and offering a prime vantage point for tiger & hosting all the VVIP.