The Wilds of Ranthambore
There is a delicious romantic feel to Ranthambore, which make you feel as if you have gone back in time. The landscape is dotted with ancient Banyan trees, criss -crossing streams and abandoned historical forts.The terrain is made up of massive rock formations, steep scarps, perennial lakes and streams and forest that suddenly open up into large areas of Savannah The impregnable forests and open bush land add an element of ambiguity and allure.
The Tigers of Ranthambore
Ranthambore National Park is best known for its majestic Royal Bengal Tigers. Once found in thousands, their numbers have dwindled to less than fifty. With the initiation of Project Tiger in 1972, Ranthambore National Park was declared as a tiger reserve, providing a haven for the magnificent beasts.
You can catch a glimpse of these beautiful creatures prowling in the forest and drinking on the edge of the lakes and watering holes. Hunting and feeding on the plentiful herds of deer, nilgai and smaller animals of the park.
The best time to visit Ranthambore is from February to April when the weather is mild and you see the animals without any discomfort due to the weather. You can spend hours searching for the elusive tigers; usually concealed in the undergrowth of tall grass, their striped hide provides excellent camouflage.
Flora & Fauna and Birds of Ranthambore
The varied landscape of the national park is home to animals like the jackal, mongoose, sloth bear, leopard, and of course, the tiger. The vegetation in the park is mostly of the dry deciduous type with a large variety consisting of nearly 300 species of trees and bushes.
Due to its six man-made lakes and abundance of perennial rivers Ranthambore national park has a diversity of resident and migrant birds. Around 272 species have been documented so far.
Forts of Ranthambore
Ranthambore has many forts, a few famous ones are:
Ranthambore Fort
This fort stands majestically atop a hill overlooking the entire park bearing witness to man and beast’s eternal struggle. Once inhabited by great kings it is now in ruins, providing shelter to many of Ranthambore’s wildlife.
Raj Bagh
These ruins are located between the Padam Talao (lake) and the Raj Bagh Talao. These ancient stone structures arches, domes and steps create an aura of mystery in the Ranthambore National Park.
Jogi Mahal
The forest rest house is located at the edge of Lake Padam. It houses the second-largest Banyan tree in India.
The Lakes of Ranthambore
There are three famous lakes in Ranthambore National Park
Padam Talao-is the largest .The famous Jogi Mahal is located at the very edge of this lake. It is the watering hole of many rare species of the sanctuary.
Rajabagh Talao- is probably the most picturesque of the lakes with its ruins. It is the most popular watering hole of the animals.
Malik Talao- his is the smallest of the three lakes in Ranthambore National Park. This is the favorite haunt of birds and crocodiles are also found here.
Ranthambore a tourists Delight
With its wildlife, forts and lakes the Ranthambore National Park is a paradise for visitors young and old. Ranthambore National Park has a multitude of resorts, hotels and camps. It is easily reachable by air or road.
Ranthambore National Park has attractions to suit every taste, the adventurous and not so adventurous.
*Bird Watching
*Jeep tours
*Tiger trails
*Fishing
*Hikes
*Wild life safaris
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