Introduction Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan State of India, in counted among most popular Tiger Reserves of India. It is located in South-East of Rajasthan State of India which lies in North India. Due to easy access from Delhi (360kms/07:00hrs), it is most frequently visited national park by foreign tourists in India. It is, once a princely game conserve is the scene where the celebrated Indian Tigers are best seen. Ranthambore is also spelt as Ranthambhor also. It is popular for Wildlife & 1000 years old abandoned Fortress in Jungle & tigers friendly to human presence. Tiger is the specialty of this national park. It is spread over an area of 392 sq. kms. and was established as Sawai Madhopur Game Sanctuary in year 1955. In year 1973, it was declared as a Project Tiger Reserve. Ranthambore National Park lies on the junction of Aravali & Vindhya ranges, bounded to the north by the Banas River and by Chambal River in south. One can find number of lakes inside the Tiger Reserve. Park is full of wide variety of trees, plants, birds and reptiles. Tigers, Crocodiles,Leopards, Wild Dog, Sloth Bear, Spotted Deer etc. Presence of large Banyan Tree is also important attraction of park and is said to be among the oldest Banyan trees in India. Ranthambhor Tiger Reserve is easily accessible from Delhi, Jaipur, Mumbai etc. Jaipur city airport (at a distance of 130kms) is the nearest airport & Sawai Madhopur Railway Station (at a distance of 14kms) is the nearest train station for the park. Ranthambore National Park Safari Timing: S. No. Months Morning Safari Timing Evening Safari Timing 1 1st October - to – 31st  October 07:00hrs. – 10:30 hrs. 14:30hrs. – 18:00 hrs. 2 1st November - to – 31st January 07:00hrs. – 10:30 hrs. 14:00hrs. – 17:30 hrs. 3 1st February - to – 31st March 06:30hrs. – 10:30 hrs. 14:30hrs. – 18:30 hrs. 4 1st April – to – 15th May 06:00hrs. – 10:00 hrs. 15:00hrs. – 18:30 hrs. 5 16th May - to - 30th June 06:00hrs. – 09:30 hrs. 15:30hrs. – 19:30 hrs.

Ranthambore History
History of Ranthambore National Park revolves around Ranthambore Fort situated within National Park near Sawai Madhopur town of Rajasthan state. One can trace the history while visiting fort during Ranthambore Park wildlife tour. This fort was founded by Chauhan Rajputs in 944 AD. Fort is about 700 ft. above from surrounding area. It was also ruled by Sultan of Delhi Iltutmish in 1226. It was ruled by Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1559. In later years, this fortress passed to Kachwaha rulers of that time who were ruling Jaipur also, in 17th century and was ruled by them till India’s independence. Ranthambore forest was used as hunting preserve by Jaipur rulers. In year 1955, this forest was declared as Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary but hunting continues in this park till 1970 and was banned after that. In year 1960, Queen Elizabeth II & H.R.H. Duke visited Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary as a guest of Jaipur Maharaja. After the commencement of Project Tiger program in India, in April, 1973, Ranthambore was among first 9 wildlife sanctuaries choosen for implementation of this mighty project. In year 1981, Ranthambore was awarded by the status of “National Park”.

Mammals in Ranthambore
Tiger is the prime attraction of Ranthambore National Park. In addition to it Common Langur (Black-faced monkey), Leopard, Caracal, Spotted Deer, Jackal, Jungle Cat, Wild Boar, Hyena, Sloth Bear, Sambar, Dhole, Blue Bull (Nilgai) are major wildlife attractions in this wildlife watching venue. Tiger sighting of Ranthambore National Park is well known as Tigers here are tolerant & friendly to human presence. Among reptile species, Marsh Crocodiles, Monitor Lizard, Large Rock Python can be seen during safari hours.

Bird-watching in Ranthambore
One can see wonderful diversity of birds in Ranthambore National Park. Flocks of Peafowl can be most often seen birds here. Presence of number of lakes inside park area offers fabulous bird watching opportunities. Bronze-winged Jacanas, Pheasant-tailed Jacanas and Cotton Pygmy Geese are commonly seen on lake sites. In addition to it, Treepie, Indian Coursers, Rufous-tailed Finch Lark (Indian endemic), Strok-billed Kingfisher, Black-rumped Flameback, Painted Spurfowl, Tickell’s Blue Flycatcher, Small Minivet, Bush Quail can be seen in grassland and woodland regions of park during game drives. If we will be lucky enough, we can see 5 species of Owls also in the park safari including Eagle Owl, Brown Fish Owl, Collared Scops Owl.

Geography
One can see wonderful diversity of birds in Ranthambore National Park. Flocks of Peafowl can be most often seen birds here. Presence of number of lakes inside park area offers fabulous bird watching opportunities. Bronze-winged Jacanas, Pheasant-tailed Jacanas and Cotton Pygmy Geese are commonly seen on lake sites. In addition to it, Treepie, Indian Coursers, Rufous-tailed Finch Lark (Indian endemic), Strok-billed Kingfisher, Black-rumped Flameback, Painted Spurfowl, Tickell’s Blue Flycatcher, Small Minivet, Bush Quail can be seen in grassland and woodland regions of park during game drives. If we will be lucky enough, we can see 5 species of Owls also in the park safari including Eagle Owl, Brown Fish Owl, Collared Scops Owl.

Location & Access
Ranthambore National Park is situated in Eastern part of Rajasthan State in India. Rajasthan State lies in North-West of India having border with neighboring country. Ranthambore Tiger Reserve lies on the junction of Aravali & Vindhya ranges, bounded to the north by the Banas River and by Chambal River in south. Sawai Madhopur is the nearest town and railway station for this park. Sawai Madhopur is just 14kms/30mins from park. Nearest Airport for Ranthambore Tiger Reserve is in Jaipur city, at a distance of 180kms/04:00hrs. Taj Mahal city Agra is just 250kms/05:00hrs from this park. Country capital city Delhi is about 350kms/08:00hrs from Ranthambhor.

How to reach Ranthambore National Park
Ranthambore National Park is situated in Eastern part of Rajasthan State in India. Rajasthan State lies in North-West of India having border with neighboring country. Ranthambore Tiger Reserve lies on the junction of Aravali & Vindhya ranges, bounded to the north by the Banas River and by Chambal River in south. Sawai Madhopur is the nearest town and railway station for this park. Sawai Madhopur is just 14kms/30mins from park. Nearest Airport for Ranthambore Tiger Reserve is in Jaipur city, at a distance of 180kms/04:00hrs. Taj Mahal city Agra is just 250kms/05:00hrs from this park. Country capital city Delhi is about 350kms/08:00hrs from Ranthambhor.

Where to stay
There are number of resorts & lodges to stay in Ranthambore National Park. Some of them are: