Earlier, the hunting preserve of the Maharajas of Jaipur, the Park at Ranthambore
was once the scene of royal hunting
parties.
Today, it is famous for its tigers and is one of the best places in the country
to see these majestic predators in the wild. The tigers can be spotted quite
often even during the day, at their normal pursuits - hunting and taking care
of their young. With the strict measures that have been taken for their conservation,
they seem quite accustomed to human activity and are not disturbed by it. A
good time to visit is between November and April when the nature of the dry
deciduous forest makes sightings common. Visit "Ranthambhore National Park"
Ranthambhore has
large numbers of Sambar, chital and nilgai. Sounders of boar and an
occasional gazelle - the chinkara can be seen, as also the Indian hare,
mongoose and monitor lizards. The lakes and pools at the Park are where the
deer congregate and where it is easiest to see the animals. Among the other
local fauna are the leopard, hyena, jackal, jungle cats, sloth bear and
marsh crocodile.
Jacanas, painted stork, black stork, and white necked stork are seen along the
water bodies. Peafowl are found in abundance and other birds include Bonelli's
eagle, crested serpent eagle, the great Indian horned owl, quail, partridge,
spur fowl and the paradise flycatcher.
The Park which
covers an area of 392 sq. km is set between the Aravalli and Vindhya ranges.
Its deciduous forests were once a part of the magnificent jungles of Central
India. The terrain is rugged and there are rocky ridges, hills and open
valleys with lakes and pools.
Ranthambhore's royal past
manifests itself in the picturesque ruins that dot the Park. There are lake
palaces, chhatris, old fortifications and a majestic thousand year old fort
on a height overlooking the park. The forest rest house at the foot of the
Ranthambhore fort is located in the lovely Jogi Mahal. It overlooks a tank
-the pretty Padam Talao, afloat with water lilies.
HOW
TO GET THERE:
By Road: Ranthambhore is conveniently located 170 kms from
Jaipur
and 285 kms from
Agra.
By
Air: Jaipur, 170 kms away is the nearest airport.
By Rail: Ranthambhore is well connected by train from
Delhi,
Jaipur and
Mumbai.
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India Travel Hotel.
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