Top 5 reasons to visit Ranthambore National Park
The Ranthambore National Park is located in Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan, and is well-known for its wildlife tourism. The park, which is located on the foothills of the gorgeous mountainous landscape of the Aravalis and Vindhya mountains, is a fantastic entryway to an adventure-filled vacation amid nature, complete with an incredible sighting of wild animals. Spending time in the quiet ambiance of a forest while witnessing such a diverse and spectacular fauna is like having a tryst with the might of Nature. Experiencing the Royal Bengal Tiger, the most brutal and magnificent predator our planet has ever created is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
The reserve was first established by the Indian government in 1955 as the Sawai Madhopur Gaming Sanctuary. It was then designated as one of India’s Project Tiger Reserves in 1973. Ranthambore was designated as a national park in 1980. Sawai Mansingh Sanctuary and Keladevi Sanctuary were established in the nearby woodlands in 1984. Sawai Mansingh and Kaladevi Sanctuaries were added to the tiger reserve in 1991.
1. Great tiger & wildlife sightings
It is the only reserve in the region where the tigers can be easily viewed at any point in time. This is one of the reasons why tiger tours are so popular in the area. With 40 species of mammals, 320 species of birds, 40 Species of Reptiles, 02 amphibian species, 50 species of Butterflies, and 300 species of plants, Ranthambore is perfect for any wildlife enthusiast. Along with Tigers, you can find Leopard, nilgai, wild boar, sambar, hyena, sloth bear, and chital are among the primary wild creatures. It also supports a diverse range of trees, plants, birds, and reptiles.
With the emotional interactions of the wildlife experts, photographers, and jungle officials, Ranthambore tigers are world-famous with their local pet names including the most famous tigers like Machali (T-16), Dollar (T-25), Sitara (T-28), Bina One, Bina Two and many more like them. With such a surge in the number of tigers in Ranthambore, some of the tigers have been transported to neighboring reserves such as Sariska Tiger Reserve.
2. Places of Interest in Ranthambore
Ranthambore Fort
The old fort of Ranthambore is located approximately 13 kilometers from Sawai Madhopur Railway Station. Founded in 944 AD, and initially named “Ranath Bhawar Garh”, which means “a place of Rajput warriors”, the Ranthambore Fort was the territory of the most famous Ranthambore tigress – Machali, who died a few years ago. Tiger admirers, particularly those who admired Machali, the “Queen of Ranthambore,” came to this fort in particular to see her majestic and royal movements. She was famous for her bravery and for expanding her area by defeating the other Ranthambore tigers.
Trinetra Ganesh Temple
Trinetra Ganesh Temple is the oldest Ganesh shrine in Rajasthan, and it is located inside the famed Ranthambhore Fort. King Hammeer, who dreamed of Lord Ganesha before seeing an idol of him with three eyes (Trinetra) in the fort, established this famed temple in Ranthambhore.
Jogi Mahal
The Jogi Mahal is a fort that is considered one of the must-see attractions in Ranthambore National Park.
Kachida Valley
The Kachida Valley is located on the reserve’s boundaries and features a variety of outcrops and low slopes. Tourists can go on a Jeep Safari to explore the Kachida Valley region and have a great time. This is the only place where the Panther population of Ranthambore National Park can be located, as they avoid going into the main region of the jungle to avoid encountering tigers. Aside from that, there are a lot of beers here.
3. Places of Interest around Ranthambore
Jaipur
The most popular tourist destination in Rajasthan, Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan, attracts a large number of visitors because of its magnificent architectural splendors such as the City Palace, Jal Mahal, Hawa Mahal, Amber Fort, Nahargarh Fort, and others. Jaipur, located 180 kilometers by road from Ranthambore, is the ideal destination for a change of pace. The tourists can also enjoy vibrant cultures and traditions to get closer to magnificent India.
Bharatpur
Another enticing destination for wildlife enthusiasts and those who appreciate the value of a comprehensive wildlife tour in India, Bharatpur is the country of the birds, with roughly 400-600 different bird species to discover. The Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, aptly dubbed “paradise for ornithologists,” is located 237 kilometers from Ranthambore. During the winter, it is the best spot to watch large flocks of migratory birds and the ideal sanctuary to see the famed Siberian Crane.
Agra
Agra, whose name conjures up images of the Taj Mahal, has always attracted a great number of travelers from all over the world. A visit to the Taj Mahal as part of an India tour is a must for everyone, as it is India’s personification of Mughal architecture. The city of love is only 247 kilometers from Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, so if you want to spend some romantic time with your partner, Agra is the perfect option.
4. Easy Accessibility –
By Air
The nearest airport to Ranthambore is Jaipur, which is 180 kilometers away from the reserve.
By Rail
Sawai Madhopur railway station, on the Delhi-Mumbai trunk line, is around 11 kilometers from Ranthambore National Park.
By Road
Ranthambore is connected to the rest of the world through the road. To get to Sawai Madhopur, it is best to hire a car or taxi. Only 1.5 kilometers separate you from the Kota-Ranthambore superhighway.
5. Best wildlife photography experience –
Wildlife photographers often wait years for the perfect shot. For that one instant, when all of the pieces come together in perfect harmony. Ranthambore National Park is perfect for that moment for a wildlife photographer.
Recommended by top wildlife photographers, Ranthambore is one of the best tiger reserves to capture the Royal Bengal Tiger and other wildlife species. Along with wildlife, one can enjoy capturing the beautiful landscapes and forts inside the park.
Top Tiger Tours in Ranthambore National Park
- Tiger Safari Tour in Ranthambore
- Tiger Safari & Rajasthan Cultural Tour
- Tiger Safari Holiday Tour in Ranthambore
Born and brought up in New Delhi, it was Sharad’s childhood passion to play cricket for India. While on a holiday in 1990, he saw his first tiger. Little did he know that this one sighting would immerse him into a realm where forests and tigers were all that mattered.
Sharad’s experiences as a wildlife photographer have inspired him to observe the tiger’s behavior for over 30 years and motivated him on his own journey as an entrepreneur. He started Nature Safari India Pvt Ltd, with a focus on “Conservation through Tourism.” to align himself to the mission of saving the regal species and repopulating them in India’s forests. In 2006, he set up one of India’s premier jungle lodges in Kanha National Park.
Sharad believes that there are many lessons to be learned from a tiger that can be applied successfully to leadership—both in business and in life. Here’s a new book by Sharad Vats on management and leadership skills to learn from a Tiger.
