Ranthambore National Park

Ranthambore, in eastern Rajasthan, is one of the finest places in India to see a wild Bengal tiger, a reserve of dry deciduous forest, grassy meadows and lakes where the big cats have become relatively used to the safari vehicles, giving better chances of a sighting than in many parks. Presiding over it all is the great Ranthambore Fort, a thousand-year-old citadel on a hilltop within the reserve, its ruined walls, gates and temples adding a romantic, ancient backdrop to the wildlife, so that tigers are sometimes seen against a setting of crumbling battlements. Beyond the tigers, the park holds leopard, sloth bear, deer, crocodiles in its lakes and abundant birdlife. Game drives run morning and afternoon in open vehicles through assigned zones, and the anticipation of the search, through beautiful and historic country, is much of the pleasure even when the tiger stays hidden.

History

The park was established in 1955 as the Sawai Madhopur Game Sanctuary, covering 282 km2, became one of the Project Tiger reserves in 1974, and was declared a national park in 1980 (Wikipedia, Ranthambore National Park).

Highlights

• Bengal tigers - the park's famous and relatively visible wild tigers.
• Ranthambore Fort - the ancient hilltop citadel within the reserve.
• The lakes - the water bodies where deer, crocodiles and birds gather.
• Other wildlife - leopard, sloth bear, deer and rich birdlife.

When to go

The park is open roughly October to June; the cooler months from October are pleasant, while the hot months of March to May, when the forest is dry and animals come to water, give the best tiger sightings though the heat is intense. The reserve closes in the monsoon. Book safaris and permits well ahead, as places are limited.

Things to know

Tigers are wild, so sightings are never guaranteed, and it is quite possible to do several drives and not see one, which disappoints those who come expecting a certainty; treat any sighting as a bonus. Permits, zones and vehicles are strictly controlled and must be booked in advance, and popular zones sell out. The best sightings coincide with the hottest, most uncomfortable months. Early starts are the norm.

Nearby

Jaipur and its forts are a few hours west; the temple town of Karauli lies nearby.

Key facts