Wildlife in Rajasthan : Ranthambore National Park (Project Tiger) - 7

Guys, near the township of Sawai Madhopur, in the state of Rajasthan, Ranthambore National Park is an outstanding example of Project Tiger's efforts at tiger conservation in the country.

As a result of stringent conservation efforts, tigers the prime asset of the Park, have become more and more active during the day. More than in any other park or sanctuary in India, tigers are easily spotted here in daylight. They can be seen lolling around lazily in the sun or feverishly hunting down sambar around the lakes. Therefore, Ranthambore is probably the ideal park for wildlife photography and attracts professional wildlife photographs from all over the world. Apart from tigers, the park also has its share of panthers. They are to be found on the outskirts of the park due to the inevitable conflicts with the tiger population. Kachida Valley is believed to be the place to sight these rather elusive cats. The other permanent residents of the park include marsh crocodiles, hyenas, jungle cats and sloth bears. Sambar, found in abundance all over the area, are the prime target of all the predators. Chital, nilgai and chinkara, are the othe inhabitants of the region. The avian population comprises of black storks, quails, Bonelli's eagles, spur fowls, crested serpent eagles and painted storks. During the winter months, the Park attracts a lot of migratory birds, primarily a variety of ducks.

The park is best explored through jeeps, which are available on hire.

When to visit:

The best time to visit the park is between October and June

Where to stay:

RTDC Jhoomar Baori Forest Lodge, RTDC Hotel Kamdhenu, Maharaja Lodge (Taj Group), Sawai Madhopur Lodge, PWD Rest House, and Jogi Mahal (located wihtin the Park premises) are some of the available means of accommodation.

How to get there:

By Air:

Jaipur (145 kms.) is the nearest airport.

By Rail:

The Park is around 11 kms away from Sawai Madhopur railway station, that lies on the Delhi to Mumbai trunk route.

By Road:

A good network of buses connect Sawai Madhopur, the nearest town, with quite a few areas around.

Contact:

Field Director, Ranthambore National Park, Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan.

Related Links :

01. Nature and WildLife of India : WildLife Protection Act 1972 - 1
02. Wildlife in Jammu and Kashmir - 2
03. Corbett National Park (Project Tiger) : Wildlife in Uttaranchal - 3
04. Rajaji National Park - 4
05. Wildlife in Uttar Pradesh : Dudhwa National Park - 5
06. Wildlife in Rajasthan : Bharatpur National Park - 6