Ranthambore National Park is one of the most famous national parks in India. This beautiful tiger reserve is located in Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan. Ranthambore National Park offers you amazing picturesque views. Bounded by the Chambal river to the south and Banas river to the north, Ranthambore National Park has a vast panorama of wildlife. The beautiful flora of this park consists of around 539 species of flowering plants. Visiting Ranthambore National Park offers you to see the Royal Bengal Tiger in its natural abode. The beauty of this place has attracted several photographers and wildlife lovers.
Ranthambore National Park is around 130 Kilometres away from Jaipur. So, if you're in Jaipur then don't forget to visit this beautiful wildlife hub. It was built in the tenth century and is now one of the biggest national parks. Ranthambore National Park houses majestic Ranthambore Fort and is named after this fort. Different species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and plants are present here.
History of Ranthambore National Park
Earlier Ranthambore Forests were famous as a hunting ground of Maharajas of Jaipur. Hunting in Ranthambore Forests was banned in 1970. In 1955, Ranthambore Forests were declared as Sawai Madhopur Wildlife Sanctuary. In order to protect the tigers, Project Tiger was launched in 1973 and Ranthambore was one of the nine chosen tiger reserves. It was in 1981 when Ranthambore was given National Park Status. Gradually the tiger sightings increased in Ranthambore National Park and is now the best place to spot wild tigers.
Places to see in Ranthambore
Ranthambore National Park
Spend some time amidst the lush green environment as you experience the exquisite flora and fauna. This national park is one of the most beautiful places in Sawai Madhopur that is listed as a part of Project Tiger and home to numerous Royal Bengal tigers.
This is the habitat of deer, nilgai, leopard cat, jungle cat, sloth bear, palm civet, Indian gazelle, and cobras, apart from tigers. It encompasses a huge lake called Padam Talao where the numerous birds are spotted around this water body that features a picturesque view of the lake. This is a perfect place for photography and for nature lovers to spend a peaceful hour in the lap of the surrounding. One can enjoy to fullest the beauty of flora and fauna and can have an exotic experience.
Ranthambore Fort
Indulge in the beauty of the rustic charm and the ruins associated with the Ranthambore Fort which are present with an intention of connecting with the rich history of Rajasthan. It’s considered to be one of the oldest forts in Rajasthan that was built in the 8th century by Chauhan dynasty whose main aim was to keep the enemies at a safe distance. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The fort offers the wonderful picturesque view of the surrounding lakes. The Taran Dwar, a 32 pillared Chhatri, and Sameton ki Haveli are some of the most beautiful attractions of the fort that makes it more antique. Lord Ganesh Temple is the main attraction among tourists. It also gives a heart capturing the view of the Ranthambore National Park from the top of the fort.
Surwal Lake
The slow waves arising from the pristine lake of the Surwal Lake are here to fill up your senses with utmost relief and happiness. Surwal is a picturesque lake that is surrounded by meadows, farmlands, and villages. This lake is considered a heaven for nature lovers and bird watchers as it acts as the habitat for numerous migratory birds like spoonbills, sarus cranes, and greylag geese. It's having a mesmerizing effect that makes you spellbound in its lap. It also provides photogenic sunrise views which are having an enchanting effect on you.
Showcasing nature’s true splendour, you can have a surreal view during the sunset and sunrise while sitting on the exotic shores of this lake. Truly an admiration worthy site for every traveller, the picturesque views and the scenic sightings are definitely a sight to behold.
Shilpgram
Rajasthan is a hub that has always acted as a sheath to varied craftsmen who love to indulge in the architectural carvings of in India. Majority of these craftspeople have been known as the one belonging to Ranthambore. Thus, with an intention of showcasing their skills and true artistic talent, Shilpgram came into being.
Shilpgram is an ethnographic museum. It is established with an aim to empower craftspeople, especially women, to use their skills for the upliftment in terms of economy and culture. Shilpgram is a site that depicts the culture and heritage through art and crafts and needs to be appreciated. It provides tremendous diversity in the crafts, art, and culture that rejuvenates and paints the artistic and cultural picture of the country in the minds of the tourists.
Galta Mandir
Facilitating each and every visitor with a deeper insight into the mind-blowing divinity lying in Ranthambore, surely you are going to fall in love with the very famous Galta Mandir. The Galta temple is a historic Ram-Sita temple situated in the old city.
This temple is casually known as the Monkey Temple due to a large number of monkeys who live in the largely abandoned and only partially restored temples. These monkeys were featured in National Geographic Channel and in one episode of the Wildest India television series. The temple is known for its natural springs where the water accumulates in tanks (kunds). It’s very auspicious to have a bath in the water of Galtaji, especially on the day of Makar Sankranti. So thousands of tourists come here to have a bathe every year.
How to reach Ranthambore National Park?
Ranthambore National Park is famous among tourists and hence is provided with finely developed transport services. The region of Ranthambore is well-connected to the major cities of Rajasthan. The complete information about reaching this beautiful place is given here.
Reach Ranthambore by Air – The nearest airport to Ranthambore is in Jaipur and is around 140 Kilometres away. You can take a flight to Jaipur and then reach Ranthambore via train/taxi/cab. Jaipur International Airport is provided with several domestic and international flights. You will also find multiple direct modes of transport to the Ranthambore.
Reach Ranthambore by Train – Sawai Madhopur Railway Station is the closest station to Ranthambore. The station is located around 14 Kilometres from the national park. If you want to reach Ranthambore then traveling by train is the easiest way. You will find multiple direct trains to Sawai Madhopur Station from other major cities of India.
Reach Ranthambore by Road – Road journey to Ranthambore is a thrilling experience. Ranthambore National Park has finely developed roadways which connect it to other major cities. One can easily find public or private transports to reach Ranthambore. Ranthambore is connected to Delhi, Udaipur, and Ahmedabad by National Highways. One can easily add Ranthambore to his Rajasthan Tour package as it is centrally located on the Golden Triangle tour of Delhi, Jaipur & Agra.