 General Information
State: Rajasthan
Location: Near Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan
Area: 392-sq-kms
Main Wildlife Found: Tigers, Leopards, Boars
Best Time To Visit: October to May
Ranthambore National Park is situated in India.As northwestern state of Rajasthan, near the town of Sawai Madhopur, midway between Bharatpur and Kota townships. It is surrounded by the Vindhya and Aravali hill ranges and is very near to the outer fringes of the Thar Desert. The entire area has sprawling tracts of the desert and semi-desert vegetation. Originally a hunting ground of the Maharaja of Jaipur, Ranthambore was declared a game sanctuary in 1955. In 1980, it became a national park and listed among the reserves protected under Project Tiger (1973). Presently the Kaila Devi Sanctuary, also famous for its tigers, and Mansingh Sanctuary also form part of Ranthambore Reserve.
Wildlife Attraction
Tiger
The tiger reigns supreme in Ranthambore. Ranthambore is among the few places in the world where this super-predator, symbol of power, strength and magnificence, can be observed at close quarters. There are about 25 tigers and 40 leopards in the reserve. These are supported by a large population of healthy herbivores. On can never have enough of tigers. One may have seen a tiger  a hundred times, yet each sighting is greeted with the same high-pitched intensity. Tigers can be spotted quite often in their natural habitat even during daytime. They have been frequently seen at the edges of three lakes—Padam Talab, Raj Bagh Talab and Milak Talab. The park also has panthers in sizable numbers, though they have been spotted generally at the outskirts of the park perhaps due to the inevitable conflict with the tiger population, which command the ‘superior’ position amidst the predatory cats. For spotting panthers, Kachida Valley is regarded as the ideal place.
Water Bodies and Birds
Jacanas, painted stork, black stork, and white necked stork are seen along the water bodies. Peafowl are found in abundance and other birds include Bonelli's eagle, crested serpent eagle, the great Indian horned owl, quail, partridge, spur fowl and the paradise flycatcher.
Other Attractions
Ranthambore has large numbers of sambar, chital and nilgai. Sounders of boar and an occasional gazelle the chinkara can be seen, as also the Indian hare, mongoose and monitor lizards. The lakes and pools at the park are where the deer congregate and where it is easiest to see the animals. Among the other local fauna are the leopard, hyena. jackal, jungle cats, slothe bear and marsh crocodile.
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