AREA
400 sq km approx./ 39,200 hectares.

ESTABLISHED
1955 as a sanctuary, 1973 as a tiger reserve, 1981 as a national park.

DESCRIPTION
Near the township of Sawai Madhopur, in the state of Rajasthan, Ranthambhore National park is an outstanding example of project Tiger's efforts at tiger conservation in the country. The Park sprawls over an estimated area of 400 sq kms. Steep crags embrace a network of lakes and rivers, and a top one of these hills, is the impressive Ranthambore Fort, built in the 10th century. The forest is the typically dry deciduous type, with dhak, being the most prominent tree. As a result of stringent conservation efforts, tigers, the prime asset of the park, have become more and more active during the day. More than in any other park or sanctuary in India, tigers are easily spotted here in daylight. They can be seen lolling around lazily in the sun or feverishly hunting down sambar around the lakes. Therefore, Ranthambore is probably the ideal park for wildlife photography and attract professional wildlife photography and attracts professional wildlife photographers from all over the world. Apart from tigers, the park also has its share of panthers. They are to be fond on the outskirts of the park due to the inevitable conflicts with the tiger population. Kachida valley is beleived to be the place to sight these rather elusive cats. The other permanent residents of the park include marsh crocodiles, hyenas, jungle cats and sloth bears. Sambar, found in abundance all over the area, are the prime target of all the predators. Chital, nilgai and chinkara, are the other inhabitants of the region. The avian population comprises of black stroks, qualis, Bonelli's eagles, spur fowls, crested serpent eagles and painted storks. During the winter months, the park attracts a lot of migratory birds, primarily a variety of ducks.

Ranthambhore used to be the hunting grounds of the Maharaja of Jaipur. 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 easily spotted even during the day. A good time to visit between November and May when the nature of the dry deciduous forests makes sightings common.

The Park which covers an area of nearly 400 sq. km. and is set between the Aravali 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.

Ranthambore's royal past manifests itself in the picturesque ruins the dot the Park. There are lake palaces, chhatris, old fortifications and a majestic thousand year old fortifications and a majestic thousand year old fort on a height overlooking the Park. The forest rest house at the foot of the Ranthambore fort is located in the lovely Jogi Mahal. It overlooks a tank the pretty Padam Talao, afloat with water lilies.

CITY SIGHTS
Ranthambhore Fort: The history of the area Sawai Madhopur revolves round the Ranthambore fort. Surrounded by the Vindyas and Aravalis, amidst vast arid denuded tracts of Rajasthan, lies the oasis of bio-mass in an ecological desert, the Great Ranthambhor. There are various place of historical interest inside the fort namely Toran Dwar, Mahadeo Chhatri, Sameton Ki Haveli, 32 pillared Chhatri, Mosque and the Ganesh temple, the biggest attraction of the fort.

Amareshwar Mahadeo Temple: On the way to Ranthambhore National Park, a place nestling in the high hills is Amareshwar Mahadeo temple.

SEASON
October to March

ACCESS
By road: nearest town Sawai Madhopur is 10 km away from Ranthambhore National park, 125km from Kota, 272 km from Ajmer, 450 km from Delhi, 390km from Agra & 185km from Jaipur.
By Rail: Ranthambore National Park is approx. 12 km from the Sawaimadhopur Railway station.

TEMPERATURE

Season	Max.	Min.
Summer	37	23
Winter	29	9

CLOTHINGS
Summer: Light Tropical
Winter: Light Wollen

LANGUAGE
Hindi, Rajasthani and English

PARK TIMINING

Months	Morning	Afternoon
October-March	0600-0900 hrs	1500-1800 hrs
April-June	0630-0930 hrs	1530-1800 hrs

Game viewing in park by Jeep / Center for 3 hours.

Hotels in Ranthambhore

ACCOMMODATION
Sawaimadhopur Lodge
Ranthambhore Regency

SUGGESTED ITINERARY
THE SANCTUARY EXPERIENCE (6 Nights / 7 Days)
SARISKA - JAIPUR - RANTHAMBORE - BHARATPUR BIRD SANCTUARY - AGRA - DELHI

Day 01 Welcome Delhi / Manesar

Welcome by presentable representative of Recreation Travels with marigold garland with cheerful smile. We have a short drive to Manesar to enjoy and old country palace now a part of India's Heritage Hotel chain for the night.

Day 02 Manesar - Sariska National Park

Early Morning, visit the sanctuary by jeep or other motorized vehicles. In the morning, the wildlife is easier to spot, feeding or playing in groups. Overnight stay.

Day 03 Sariska - Jaipur

After breakfast, drive to Jaipur. After lunch, visit the 17th century fotress of Amber, whose hilltop location is ascended on Caparisoned Elephant, to view various palaces with rooms of stunning beauty including the world's finest chamber of mirrors and temple of Kali. Overnight stay.

Day 04 Jaipur - Ranthambhore

By road to Sawai Madhopur, arriving before lunch. In the afternoon, drive into the Ranthambhore National Park in jeeps, where the wildlife sightings at the lake may be supplemented by a tiger sighting at sunset. Overnight stay.

Day 05 Ranthambhore - Bharatpur

Another drive into the sanctuary. Following breakfast, leave for Bharatpur (with packed picnic lunches). Rest in the evening.

Day 06 Bharatpur - Agra

Early morning visit to Keoladeo Ghana National Park, one of the best bird colonies in the world. After breakfast, leave for Agra. Check in hotel. Later visit the Taj Mahal monument to love which was built in 1630 by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a tomb for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. Other Agra attraction on the tour includes Agra Fort built by Akbar the Great. Overnight stay.

Day 07 Agra - Delhi

Morning drive back to Delhi. Upon arrival check in hotel or proceed for the onward destination.

Highlights :

• » Travel by Brightly Caparisoned Elephant to Jaipur's Amer Fort
• » Walk through the Mughal Ghost town of Fatehpur Sikri
• » Enjoy Game Drives through Ranthambore National Park
• » Stand before the World's most famous Monument to Love The Taj Mahal

Note :
The above is our standard Itinerary. We can also make Tour Programme as per your requirement.