In the past this area was the hunting ground of the Maharajas of Jaipur. It was declared a game sanctuary in 1955 and later became a National Park in 1980. Finally on 1980, it became the Tiger Reserve in India. Ranthambore is also cited as a heritage site because of the pictorial ruins of the fort within the park.
Location- The Ranthambore National Park lies between the Aravali hill and the Vindhyan plateau and is located in Ranthambore, 11 km away from Sawai Madhopur and 145 km from Jaipur.
Connectivity- The Ranthambore National Park is well connected with other towns and cities.
Nearest Town: Sawai Madhopur
Nearest Railways- Sawai Madhopur station
Nearest Airport - Jaipur (145 km)
The Ranthambore National Park has a wide-ranging topography and hence is the haven of innumerous flora, fauna and avifauna.
Flora- The Ranthambore Park is covered by dry deciduous type of vegetation and has about 300 species of trees and plants, with the Dhok (Anogeossis pendula) dominating the vegetation. The flora of this natural place consists of Tamarind (Tamarindicus indica),s Babul (Accasia nilotica), Mango (Magnifera iIndica), Banyan (Ficus benghalensis), Dhak or Chila (flame of the forest),Ber (Zizyphus mauritania),Kadam (Authocephalus cadamba)Date (Phoenix sylvestris) , Khair (Accacia catechu), Kakera (Flacourtia indica), Mohua (Madhuca indica), Karel (Capparis decidua), Neem (Azadirachta indica)and etc.
Fauna- The wildlife consists of Diurnal Tigers, Jungle cats, Toddy cat, Desert Cats, Leopards, Striped Hyenas, Chinkara, Ratels, Chital, Sambar Deer, Nilgai, Langurs, Caracals, Macaques, Jackals, Black bucks, Sloth bears, Indian Wild Boar, Rufoustailed Hare, Palm Yellow Bats, Fivestriped Palm Squirels, Indian Flying Foxes, Indian Gerbilles, Indian Mole Rats, Longeared Hedgehogs, Indian Porcupines, Small Indian Civets and Mongoose.
The different amphibian species include the common frogs and the Common Indian Toad. The varied species of reptile include Marsh Crocodiles, Desert Monitor Lizards, Banded and common Kraits, the Indian Chamaeleon Soft Shelled Turtles, North Indian Flap Shelled Turtles, Tortoise, Rat Snakes, Cobras, Russel's Vipers, Indian Pythons and the Saw-scaled Vipers.
Avi Fauna- Owing to the presence of abundant water bodies in this wildlife park, a variety of 272 bird species have been found including migratory species as well as native species. All these birds can be seen around the Malik Talao, Rajbagh Talao and the Padam Talao.
Other Attractions- Besides the flora and fauna, other attractions in the park are the The Jogi Mahal and the picturesque lakes.
Recently in 9th December, 2006 the entry of private vehicles have been banned by the Rajasthan high court and hence tourists are not being able to go on a wildlife safari within the tiger reserve.
