Ranthambhore National Park Tiger Reserve located in Rajasthan is the only largest expanse of dry deciduous Anogeissus pendula Forest left whole in India and perhaps the best place to watch Royal Bengal Tigers in their natural habitats. It is an abode of more than 40 species of mammals, 320 species of avifauna, over 40 species of reptiles and over 300 species of plants. Presently, Ranthambhore is home to 45 adult tigers and 16 cubs.
Situated in the vibrant state of Rajasthan, Indian Royal Bengal Tiger is the pride species of the Ranthambhore. The forest of this park remains dry for more than eight months in a year and therefore the chances of spotting this majestic big cat in natural habitat are much higher when compared to other national parks in India.
Initially, Ranthambhore National Park was private and exclusive hunting reserve for royal family of Jaipur until 1955 when the forest was declared ‘Sawai Madhopur Sanctuary’. The issuance of game sanctuary permit finally came to an end in the year of 1973 when this sanctuary was declared a part of large project tiger by the government of India. This resulted in the relocation of 12 villages which were situated inside the core area of the park. Later in 1980, the inner part of Sawai Madhopur Sanctuary was declared as national park, in order to give greater protection to the forests that covers an area of 282 square kilometers. Since then the state government stopped collection of any forests produce from sanctuary and national park. In the year 1983, a part of the national park was bifurcated and forest lying to the North of the National Park were declared as Kaila Devi Sanctuary and included in the Tiger Reserve. It covers an area of around 647 square kilometers. Likewise, in 1984, 130 square kilometer of forests lying to the South of National Park were declared as Sawai Mansingh Sanctuary and included in the tiger project. Presently, this project tiger reserve sprawl over 1334 square kilometer of area, of which 282 square kilometer is the area of Ranthambhore National Park.
Ranthambhore National Park is bestowed with historical structures that remind you of bygone era. There are several water bodies situated inside the park, which quench thrust during the extremely hot summer months for the forests inhabitant species. A huge Ranthambhore fort, after which the park is named, situated atop a hill. There are several decay of historical structures of the bygone era scattered all over the park area, which makes it unique, wonderful and mixed taste of nature, history and wildlife. Tiger found at Ranthambhore National Park are world famous for being seen in the daytime too, due to their lack of fear of human presence in vehicles.
Tiger Sighting at Ranthambore National Park
Habitually, wild animals are bashful and elusive and so many times wild life lovers to a Tiger Reserve get disappointed on not capturing their view. But Rantahmbore National Park in Rjasthan is literally a paradise for tiger reserve lovers where a chance for spotting tiger is always high and certain. The reason for this is obvious and clear. As Ranthambore national park is dotted with dry-deciduous forest, which means that there is small undergrowth and most of the trees shed their leave during dry season. Out of all the tiger reserves in India, Ranthambore Tiger Reserve receives the least rainfall and as a result there are little patches with tall grasses. Apart from this, Ranthambore has an excellent network of forest tracks. All these factors together contribute to some great wildlife viewing, during adventurous Jeep or Canter safari in the park. Since there is little undergrowth and very few patches with tall and thicker cover of greases, visibility of wild life species is maximum and fantastic. The good network of forest tracks enables much better tracking of animals from vehicles. Wildlife safari tracks have been developed deep inside the forest where animal optimization is most. These routes are decided by the forest officials. We cannot alter or change the safari route during route. Besides all, credits for the excellent visibility go to the habitants Tiger those who are very much familiar to the jeep safaris. They face camera very comfortabley and without any shy. That is why wildlife and nature lovers all across the globe never forget to visit Ranthambore National Park while they are touring India.
What is the Best Time to Explore Ranthambore National Park?
The region of Ranthambore National Park receives all three season – Summer, Winter and Monsoons. The months of October and March are the time when the weather changes from monsoon to winters and from winters to summers, respectively.
The park is open for tourists according to safari timings from the 1st of October to 30th June every year. The park gate remains closed from July to September for visitors due to rainy season in the region. The month of April is most suitable time to explore the wilderness of Ranthambore when the weather is mild and visibility of animals is excellent.