Ranthambore National Park & Tiger Reserve

Ranthambore National Park is a renowned and one of the largest National Parks of India in term so its area,sprawled in Sawai Madhopur district of Rajasthan.

The park was used to be the hunting grounds of the former kings of Jaipur back in the past. These days, Ranthambore National Park is a famous wildlife facility known for its rich vegetation of Flora and Fauna species.

The park has a total area of 1334 square kilometres that includes buffer zone, deciduous forests, meadows and grassy expanse, making it alargest national park of India in terms of area.

However, the core area of the park is around392 square kilometres.

The park houses a healthy biodiversity that includes Forests, grasslands and scrublands. Stunning spectacle of Aravalli and Vindhya Hills adds to the enhancement of this wildlife settings.

As of 2023, It marks the completion of 50 years for Project Tiger. Surprisingly, there has been observed a sudden 25% increase in this 51st year, 2024.

In conclusion, the park is basically a biodiversity hotspot and also goes by the name ‘Ranthambore Tiger Reserve’ because of its impactful conservation of tigers and wildlife overall. Currently housing around 88 total tigers that includes male tigers, cubs and tigresses.

History of Ranthambore National Park

This wildlife hotspot holds a rich history for its early designations and fascinating declarations.

Dated back in the 19th century, this site was originally the hunting ground of the Maharajas of Jaipur.
The park as well as the forest around it got declared as the Sawai Modhpur Wildlife Sanctuary for the conservation of wildlife by the government of India back in 1955.
In 1973, the sanctuary recalled as Ranthambore Tiger Reserve upon the Project Tiger initiative.
Finally, back in 1980, the sanctuary designated as the Ranthambore Nation Park.

Flora in Ranthambore National Park

Ranthambore Nation Park boasts a vibrant array of Flora species that includes Tress, Flowering plants, grasslands and as well as Medicinal tree/plants.

Iconic Trees of the region includesDhok Tree, Salai Tree and Babul Tree. Trees like Mango, Tamarind, Banyan, Pipal and need are among the pristine trees found in the park. As one might already know about the medicinal values of Neem and Pipal Tree.

Medicinal Plants such as Aloe Vera and Ashwagandha can be found in diverse state here.

Flowering Plants that include Morning glory, Cassai fistula, Lantana Camara, Creeping Woodsorrel and numerous others.

Fauna in Ranthambore National Park

Ranthambore Nation Park is a home to a wide range of rich and rare Fauna species that includes, endangered animals, mammals, predators, reptiles and species of birds.

Wildlife Animals in Ranthambore Tiger Reserve are Bengal Tiger, Leopards, Chital, Nilgai, Jungle cats, Blue Bull, Indian flying fox, Golden Jackal, Asian Palm civet, Gazelles and an array of others.

Predators of the region are crocodiles, common mongooses, pythons and striped hyenas.

As well as bird species including nightjars, kingfishers, painted sand grouses, horned owls, sarus cranes, spur flows and numerous others.

Safari in Ranthambore Tiger Reserve

Ranthambore serves Safari facility, formally known as Ranthambore Jungle Safari.There are mainly two types of Safari options included,

Jeep Safari and Canter Safari, each of these Safaris offers visitors a thrilling experience and a glimpse into the Wild-Lives of beings.

Animal sightings is the key feature, a close encounter with Bengal Tigers, Leopards, Sloth beer can be such an adrenaline rush of an experience.

A bliss can be found via safaris, amidst flourishing flora species.

Note: Both the Safari requires prior online bookings. A mandatory permit. And Safaris comes along with plenty of rules and regulations, as well as having different timings.

Safari Timings in Ranthambore

Wildlife Safari in Ranthambore comes with different timings for each Safari. Although,the timing varies as the season changes, but following are the general time zones;

For Jeep Safari:

Morning Timings –7:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Afternoon to evening timings – 2:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

For Canter Safari:

Morning Timings – 7:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Afternoon to evening timings – 2:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

(Note: Safari timing differs as the season changes, timings are divided into months.)

Safari Zones in Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve

Ranthambore Tiger Reserve is divided into 10 Safari Zones, Ranthambore Jungle Safari Tour is organised in all of these zones. Though, the Park doesn’t necessarily have names for these zones, they all just go by Zone 1, Zone 2, Zone 3……… Zone 10.

With each zone has its own perks and characteristics of attractions.

Zone 01is popular for its huge tiger sightings.
Zone 02 is known for lush greenery and sighting birds.
Zone 03 is a home to Raj Mahal, Jogi Mahal and Padam Talab.
Zone 04 is a significant point to spot cat species.
Zone 05 is popular for spotting various species of birds.
Zone 06 boasts picturesque grasslands.
Zone 07 is known for spotting big cats as well as birdwatching.
Zone 08 is a good point for sighting tigers.
Zone 09 is located on the banks of Chakal river, it’s a less crowded and secluded zone.
Zone 10 10is ideal for photography and serves high chances for spotting tigers and birds.

Best Time to Visit Ranthambore Tiger Reserve

The Best and Ideal time to Visit Ranthambore would be from winters to spring, that is from October to Marchdue to a couple of reasons:

The temperature is mild and comfortable enough for exploring and doing outdoor activities.
Chances of Tiger Spotting increase as during winters, Tigers and other wild animals can be found basking in the winter sun.
These are the months that brings along various local festivals for visitors to experience and get indulged in apart from witnessing the scenic beauty.
Unlike monsoons, this time period doesn’t end up ruining one’s experience of finding the park and its activities on hold due to heavy rains.

Best Places to Visit in Ranthambore

Ranthambore is itself a best place to visit as it is a perfect blend of wildlife hotspot, tranquil lakes, architectural marvels, majestic viewpoints and breathtaking vistas.

Some of the popular places to visit in Ranthambore are:

Ranthambore Fortwhich is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has history wrapped around it and serves surreal vistas of the surroundings.
Jogi Mahalis yet another historical site that reflects the rich cultural heritage.
Surwal Lakeis a tranquil lake, ideal for relaxation and taking photographs.
Trinetra Ganesh Templeis a centuries-old pilgrimage site housing the complete Family of Indian deity Lord Ganesha.
Rajiv Gandi Museumis famous for its display of artifacts, models and photographs in relation to flora and fauna species.