Area: 400 sq km approx./ 39,200 hectares.

Established: 1955 as a sanctuary, 1973 as a tiger reserve, and 1981 as a national park.

Ranthambore National Park is probably the best place in the world to see wild tigers and is the only dry deciduous tiger habitat in the world. Ranthambore lies in the Sawai Madhopur district of eastern Rajasthan. Its name came from the vast fort, a citadel in themiddle of the forest. The fort was in existence in the 8th century and area around is littered with ruins: lake palaces, ancient step wells, cupolas, all bear witness to Ranthambhore’s varied and fascinating history. By the turn of the century the Ranthambore forests had become the private hunting reserves of the Maharaja of Jaipur, hunting was banned in 1971 and a few years later, Project Tiger was launched.

Things to do:

Ranthambore National Park is situated in India's north western state of Rajasthan. The Ranthambhore national park is bound by the rivers Chambal in the south and Banas in the north made of rocky plains, flat hill-tops, gentle slopes and precipitous cliffs, covered by dry deciduous forest. Ranthambhore is virtually an island rich in flora and fauna, spread over an area of 392 sq. kms. of thick forest with nullahs and waterfalls. The vegetation of the park is the tropical dry deciduous and tropical thorn type. Due to its hilly track. Important tree species include Dhok, Flame of the forest, Ber, Aam and Acacia lenco phleea. It is a home for different kinds of animals- chital, sambar, blue bull, chinkara, wild boars, crocodiles, leopards, caracals, hyenas and the tiger is the biggest attraction of the park. The park has more than 300 varieties of birds.

Ranthambore Fort: The Ranthambhore fort is believed to have been built in 944 A.D. by a Chauhan ruler. It is strategically located on the border of Rajasthan and erstwhile Malwa The Undulating topography of the surrounding forests was used as an outer defense to the advantage of the fort. It is approximately 14 km far from sawai madhopur. Its name comes from two hills, Ran and Thambhore which are in close proximity of each other. The Fort lies on an isolated hill 481 meters (1578 feet) above sea level. It was one of the strongest forts of Northern India.

The fort had many buildings inside of which only a few have survived the ravages of wars and time. Among the remaining ruins, the two pavilions, Badal Mahal and Hammirs court and parts of the royal palace give an idea of the old grandeur. For water supply there are two rain fed reservoirs in the fort. The fort also has an old temple devoted to lord Ganesh which attracts a lot of pilgrims and visitors. The fort provides excellent views of the National Park and its lakes. It is very special place for bird watching and occasionally leopards use the area.

Surwal Lake: Surwal lake located 15 km from Sawai Madhopur is a shallow seasonal lake, situated between acres of agricultural fields, which usually dries out by April/May is home to a large number of different kinds of migratory birds during the winter. Painted storks, flamingoes, spoonbills, sarus cranes, greylag geese amongst others can be seen in large numbers in between the months of November and March. During this season, the best time to see birds is very early in the morning and serious bird watchers should be at the lake before sunrise

Mansarowar Lake :This water bodies on the age of the park attract thousand of migrating bird during winter and are specially exiting for bird watching some time in this area we can find some wild animals also, there is fisher men with the boats also we can hire those boats for boating in this lake.

Amli-Deh (Desert beach) : Amli-Deh is approximately 40 km far from sawai madhopur. This place is home to different kinds of birds and animals. During the drive to Amli-deh you can observe village life and Rajasthani culture. You can enjoy a camel ride in the desert as well as go boating on the Banas River.

Black Buck Sightseeing : Village Devpura is a home to the beautiful Black Buck, Devpura is approx. 14 km from Sawai Madhopur City. Search the rural village area for these antelopes that roam freely. They are not found in the National Park. During the drive to village Devpura for black buck you can take a chance to see idle village life and culture. A walk around the village is an interesting option also, you can observe bandhani and lahariya, and block printed textiles, silver jewellery, wood, and carpets made by local women.

City Tour : Sawai Madhopur was founded by Madho Singh II and was known as Madhopur till the time Mughal Emperor, Aurangzeb, impressed by Jai Singh's wit, bestowed him with a surname of Sawai. From then onwards, Madhopur became Sawai Madhopur.Sawai Madhopur with the rolling hills of Aravallis and Vindhayas surrounding it is quiet attractive with a pleasant atmosphere, a walk around the village is an interesting option also,Sawai Madhopur is quiet well known for its Kala-Goura bheru temple, Jain Chamatkar Temple, bandhani and lahariya, block printed textiles, silver jewellery, antique furniture, wood, metal handicrafts, carpets as well as its exclusive toys, ethnic ornaments and costumes. Shopping for these items therefore means shopping for a lifelong memory of your visit to Sawai Madhopur.

Kuwaal ji Temple : Kuwaal ji temples are 40 km from sawai madhopur. This temple is belonging to lord Shiva. It is built in 7-8th centaury. As per history there were many temples. Now two temples are there. One temple is in good condition and one is knocked down, which is splendid example for architecture. In 12th centaury by king Alauddin kihilji (the Mugal king) destroy the temples. But all the stone with carving are there near the temples. In the carving we can see love gesture, yoga (meditation), battle, life style, dancing lady, animals (camel, tigers, elephants, cow, etc). As per the history writer Manson it seems mini “Khajuraho”. The country has a lot to boast about its architectural legacy spreading across the history. Indian architecture is a fine combination of various architectural styles representing the influences of regional variations, dynastic control and cultural background. Hindu architecture focuses on religiosity and the fact is well depicted in the forms of the temples spread in every nook and corner of India.

There are three pound (step well) where peoples take holy bath for removing skin problems. Also you can enjoy the small local market where shopkeeper sell prayer things, sweets, photo of temple, food, etc,

OTHERS: Other excursion include- Pali Ghat (Banks of Chambal River), visit the villages to experience Rajasthani Culture or simply spend your time and money in shopping, there are many craft shops in Ranthambhore.(All excursions are taken by jeep or canter with experience guide) Please Note: Jeep has 06 seats and Canter has 20 seats, both vehicles are top roof.

Facts and Figures:

Area                                       1334 sq. km

Core Ares                               392.50 sq. km.

Latitudes                                25 46’ N to 21 12’ N

Longtitudes                            76 17’ E to 77 13’ E

Nearest Rly Station                Sawai Madhopur (10 km.)

Temperature                           Summer highest of 48 ‘ C                  Winter lowest of 02 ‘ C

Climate                                   November to March- Cold                 October & April- Moderate

Annual                                    Rainfall 800 mm

Rainy Season                          July to September and park remains closed during that period.

Type of Forest                        Dry deciduous and dry thorn forest.

Geography                             There are two hill systems that meet in the forest- Aravlli and Vindhya ranges.

Road                                       300 kilometers of road network

Park Entry and Exit Timings:

Winter (Oct to Feb)

07:00 am to 10:00 am                   02:30 pm to 05:30 pm

Summer (March to June)

06:30 am to 09:30 am                   03:30 pm to 06:30 pm 

How to get:

 By air: The nearest airport is Jaipur (approx 170 km.)

By rail: Sawai Madhopur (10 km. From National Park) is on the Mail line between Delhi and Mumbai. There are several trains daily from Delhi, Mumbai, Agra and Jaipur.

By road: Sawai Madhopur is well connected by road to the major cities of Rajasthan.

Road Distances:

Jaipur :180 km | Kota: 125 km | Udaipur: 450 km | Pushkar: 345 km
Jodhpur:476 km | Chittorgarh: 340 km | Agra: 290 km | Delhi: 450 km