Home >> National Parks India >> Ranthambhore National Park
Ranthambhore National Park
Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve in the Rajasthan state of India, comprises distinct areas with varied conservation history and virtually separated geographically with mere narrow corridors linking them to the core, Ranthambhore National Park. These are mainly, the Ranthambhore National Park, Keladevi Sanctuary and Sawai Mansingh Sanctuary.
Ranthambhore National ParkThe Ranthambhore National Park at the junction of the Aravalis and the Vindhyas, is a unique juxtaposition of natural and historical richness, standing out conspicuously in the vast, arid and denuded tract of eastern Rajasthan,barely 14 kilometer from the town, Sawai Madhopur. It spreads over a highly undulating topography varying from gentle to steep slopes; from flat topped hills (Indala, Doodh-Bhat and Chiroli) of the Vindhyas to the conical hillocks and sharp ridges of the Aravalis; from wide and flat valleys (Lahpur, Nalghati, Khachida, Anantpur etc.) to narrow rocky gorges. An important geological feature, the "Great Boundary fault' where the Vindhyas were brought against the much ancient Aravalis, passes from here.
Sawai Mansingh Sanctuary
The terrain is flat and rocky and some hills with gentle slopes. Devpura irrigation dam, in the Sanctuary is a useful source of water for wildlife and good habitat for aquatic flora and fauna.Keladevi Sanctuary
The Keladevi Sanctuary is northern extension of the Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve in Karauli and Sawai Madhopur districts. There are hills in the south, north and eastern parts. At many places, it has a curious
feature of two separate ridges running parallel to each other. The forest between such ridges dense. The Sanctuary is bounded in the west by the river Banas and in the south by the river Chambal. The Banas finally flows into the Chambal. Some gorges due to high moisture retention and cooler temperature are nature's treasure houses. They are locally known as "Khoh". The slopes of the Khohs are covered with dense forest. These Khohs are the most suitable habitat for wildlife. The main Khohs in Keladevi are Nibhera, Kudka, Chiarmul, Ghanteshwar, Jail and Chidi. The forest cover is fairly sparse and spread out in the other parts.
Location of Ranthambhore National Park :The Ranthambhore park and reserve lies in the desert state of Rajasthan on the main DelhiMumbai railway line and is readily accessible from Jaipur (145km; 90 miles). Sawai Madhopur, the nearest railhead and gateway to the park, lies 11 km (7 miles) away..
Climate of Ranthambhore National Park :Summer.(April-June) temperatures rise to 40°C (104°F). Winter nights are cold (8°C; 46°F).
When to go (Ranthambhore National Park) :The best time to go is in winter (December to February) and March/April. The park is closed during the monsoon period; it reopens on 1 October.
Getting to Ranthambhore National Park :The nearest town is Sawai Madhopur, which has a good bus service with many connections.
Facilities at Ranthambhore National Park : Madhopur has excellent resorts and eco-Iodges: Taj group-owned Sawai Madhopur Lodge (old hunting lodge of Maharaja of Jaipur); new Vanyavilas, super luxury tented resort owned by Oberoi Hotels. Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation (RTDC) manages more basic and functional Hotel Kamadhenu and Castle Jhoomar Baori Forest Lodge.
Wildlife in Ranthambhore National Park : Interesting array of fauna includes Tiger, Panther (Leopard), Hyena, deer, Sloth Bear, Wild Boar, and Jungle Cat. Prolific bird species. Ranger-led safaris in open-sided jeeps and Canters (20-seater, openroofed trucks); drives around picturesque reservoirs (good for photography).Permits and Reservations for Ranthambhore National Park : For information and accommodation, contact: Field Director, Rantharnbhore National Park and Tiger Reserve, Sawai Madhopur, Raiasthan-322001.
Conservation History
Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve was among the first nine Tiger Reserve declared in 1973 at the launch of Project Tiger in India. It comprised the former Sawai Madhopur Wildlife Sanctuary of 392.5 sq. km. Reserved Forest (constituted in 1955).
Ranthambhore National Park with an area of 274.5 sq. km. was constituted within the Tiger Reserve in 1980. In the then Tiger Reserve, the National Park area was being managed as the core and the rest as buffer until in 1992, Keladevi Sanctuary having area of 674 sq. km. of Protected Forest (constituted in 1983), Sawai Mansingh Sanctuary with an area of 127 sq. km. (constituted in 1984). Kualji Close Area of 7.58 sq. km. and some other forest areas were added to the Reserve.
Archeology
Ranthambhore fort and temples of medieval period.
Forest Types
Northern Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests
Main Species(Flora )
Dhok mixed with Khair, Raunj, Goya, Chhela, Pipal, Vad, Amaltas, Gurjan, Siris Saintha, Gular, Tendu
Main Species( Fauna)
Tiger, Leopard, Caracal, Ratel, Jungle Cat, Chital, Sambar, Blue Bull, Chinkara, Sloth Bear, Wild Boar, Jackal, Hyena, Common Langur, Common fox
Special Projects
New Initiatives
Eco-development
India Eco-development Project (GEF-World Bank) is being implemented in Ranthambhore. Important components of Eco-development Project are
1. Improved Protected Area Management
2. Village Eco-development Programme
3. Environmental education and programme campaigns
4. Impact monitoring and Research
5. Information Technology Equipment
