Location of Ranthambhore National Park, History of Ranthambhore National Park, Attractions of Ranthambhore National Park, Visiting hours in Ranthambhore National Park.
Location of Ranthambhore National Park:
The Ranthambhore National Park is located at a distance of 132 Km from Jaipur (by train), 14 Km from Sawai Madhopur City, District Sawai Madhopur, State Rajasthan.
History of Ranthambhore National Park:
The Ranthambhore National Park was once a private hunting ground for the Maharaja of Jaipur, but it was nationalized soon after India’s independence. In the year 1972, when the Project Tiger was launched, Ranthambhore was one of the ‘original 9’ Parks to be earmarked for Tiger conservation, under the Project Tiger. This National Park derives its name from the Ranthambhor Fort situated within its precincts.
Attractions of Ranthambhore National Park:
It is a part of the much larger Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve which spans over 1334 Sq. Km. of area, of which only 392 Sq. Km. is the Ranthambhore National Park. Towards the east of the Park, the Chambal river forms a natural boundary and on the eastern shore of Chambal lies the State of Madhya Pradesh. To the northeast of the Park, the river Banas flows which is a tributary of river Chambal. Across the river Banas, lies the Keladevi Sanctuary, while towards the south of the Park lies the Sawai Man Singh Sanctuary. Both these Sanctuaries and the National Park are part of the Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve. The Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve is a ‘secluded’ ecological island, surrounded by fields and over grazed plains. The Northern tropical dry deciduous forests that are found here lie on the conjunction of two hill systems – the Aravalis and the Vindhyas.
The area of the Park is characterized by Sub-tropical dry climate with distinct cold (November-February), hot (March-June) and rainy (July-September) seasons. October is a transition period. The highest temperature (above 47oC) is recorded in May-June and the lowest (up to 2oC) in December-January. The average rainfall is 800 mm with very low relative humidity in most part of the year which becomes as low as 10-15% during summer months. However, during the rainy days the relative humidity goes over 60%.
The Parks has a number of Lakes (Gilai Sagar, Lahpur, Malik Talab, Mansarovar, Padam talao, Rajbagh), Water Ponds (Berda, Guda, Halonda, Hindwad, Indala Bandarwal Baghdah, Kalibhat, Mahakoh, Mandook, Patua-Baori, Pilapani, Rondhai Ramtalai, Semli), Anicuts (Chindali, Chiroli, Dhundar-mal ka Darrah, Jharokha, Kachida, Pipli, Sakari) and Streams (Bakola, Kushalipura).
The Park has a self-sustaining Ecosystem with a range of predators and their prey. The Predators found here are Tiger, Crocodile, Leopards, Jungle Cats, Caracals, Hyenas and Jackals. The Tigers remain in the central areas of the Park and can be easily sighted during the day along with their family. The density, at one tiger for every 10 Sq. Km. is fairly high. The Crocodiles, almost 3 meters in the length, can be seen basking on the shores of the Park’s lakes where they catch fish, turtle and even deer along the banks. At times, they get into conflicts with tigers for a favourite prey Sambhar.
The Leopards largely confine their activities to the periphery of the Park. The Prey Species include a large variety of Deer, Sambhar, Cheetal, Neelgai, Chinkaras, Mongoose, Monitor Lizards and Langoors. The Sambhars can be found swimming and eating in the lakes for most part of the day. The Cheetal and Neelgai can be seen everywhere in herds, while Chinkaras are more solitary in appearance. The other Wild Species found here are the Sloth Beer and Wild Boar.
The lakes and forests combine to create a habitat that has become home to a more than 300 varieties of birds. These include Eagles, Owls, Storks, Spoonbills, Jacanas, several varieties of Ducks, Partridges, Quails, Sandgrouse, Peafowl, Spurfowl and Paradise flycatcher. During the winter months, migratory birds such as Graylag goose, Ruddy shelduck and Pintails are also seen. Some rare birds like the Black eagle and the Creasted hawk eagle can also be sighted in the Park.
Visiting Hours in Ranthambhore National Park:
The Park remains opens from October to June from 6.30 A.M. to 9.30 A.M. and 3.00 P.M. to 6.00 P.M. The timings vary with season. November to March are the best months to visit, however the best time depends on the special interest of the visitor. The entry to the Park is only in Gypsy and Canter vehicles that can be hired locally from the office of the Forest Department. An Entry Fee of Rs. 25/- per head (For Indians), Rs. 200/- per head (For foreigners) and Rs. 5/- per head (for Student School Group) is charged. The Camera Fee is – No Fee for Still Camera; Movie 8 mm, 16 mm and video camera used by armature photographer Rs. 200/-; by professionals (Indian) Rs. 3000/-; by foreign company/agency Rs. 5000/-; and Rs. 20,000/- per day for Movie and video camera used for feature film.
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