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Travel Guide >> Ranthambhore Travel Guide
Ranthambhore Travel Guide
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.
Ranthambhor National Park, before a princely game conserve is the scene
where the celebrated Indian Tiger is best seen. Ranthambhor Tiger Reserve
lies on the junction of Aravali and Vindhyas just 14 Kms from Sawai Madhopur
in Eastern Rajasthan. It sprawls over a varying and undulating landscape.
The scenery changes dramatically from gentle and steep slopes of the Vindhyas
and sharp and conical hills of the Aravali. A tenth century fort also blends
amicably with the background. Pure sands of Dhok (Anogeissus pendula) interspersed
with grasslands at the plateaus, meadows in valleys and luxuriant foliage
around the canals make the jungle. Three big lakes Padam Talab (meaning
Lake), Malik Talab and Raj Bagh are similar turquoises studded in the vast
forest that abounds with aquatic vegetation including duckweeds, lilies
and lotus.
A significant geological feature within the park is the 'Great Boundary
Fault' where the Vindhaya plateau meets the Aravali range. The Rivers Chambal
in the South and the Banas in the North bound the National Park. The park
is dotted with steep rocky hills and the dominating architecture of Ranthambhor
Fort (built in the 10th century), adds to its landscape. The rugged park
terrain alternates between dry deciduous forest, open grassy meadow, dotted
by several lakes and rivers that are only made passable by rough roads built
and maintained by the Forest Service.
The tiger is not the only attraction at Ranthambhor; although it is the
one park resident that people come to see. A variety of birds including
Owlets, the ubiquitous Langur (monkey), Leopard, Caracal, Hyena, Jackal,
Jungle Cat, marsh Crocodiles, Wild Boar, Bears and various species of Deer
are the other attractions.
Ranthambhor is plagued by the typical problems encountered by all game reserves
in India - people living in and around the parks and grazing by livestock!
Between 1976-1979, 12 villages within Ranthambhor National Park were resettled
outside the designated park area with only a few people now residing in
scattered hamlets within the park. Of course poachers continue their activities
with increasing demand from China for Tiger parts. There are no accurate
figures on how many tigers and poachers kill other species, but on occasion
evidence appears in the form of large numbers of skins and other body parts
found on couriers.
The park is well staffed and the folk who man the centres and the mandatory
guides - one for every vehicle, are knowledgeable of the terrain and some
even know the Latin names of most species.
The tiger is not the only attraction at Ranthambhor; although it is the
one park resident people come to see. We were lucky to see several varieties
of birds including these owlets peering through their burrow pictured here
on the right and of course the ubiquitous langur monkey. Other animals in
the reserve include leopard, caracal, hyena, jackal, jungle cat, marsh crocodiles,
wild boar, bears and various species of deer.
The main food source for the tiger is the swamp deer like Barasinsga and
on occasion the wild buffalo and also wild boar etc. If you wish to stay
near the park, the facilities on offer are superb. The park gates open a
half hour before sunrise and close half hour after sunset. The timings are
vigorously imposed and no exceptions are made to this rule.
Save Tiger
Like oil lamps flickering in the wind, the world's tiger population is unhurriedly
being snuffed out. Several books and literature have been produced to describe
the most intriguing, the most powerful and the most majestic of all animals.
The Hindu tradition and culture have a place of honor and worship for tiger.
In India people had added Singh, Sher and Nahar on their names to upgrade
their class. Yet people have been incredibly scant to the cause of the tiger.
This web site aims in graphics, pictures and prose to advance the level
of wakefulness and concern for this mythical and secretive striped beauty
that placidly roams the jungles.
Tiger Moments
Tiger Burning Bright in rare and relaxed moments exhibits it lovable beauty.
It is in these moments that the sheer beauty and power of this animal comes
out so mesmerizing. It is an experience that no one should fail to spot.
If your grand mother has told you that cat the maternal aunt of the tiger
did not teach a tiger to climb trees so he cant climb trees then she
was probably not wholly right. A commendable photographs shows that tigers
can scale trees like other cats but only upto 16 months of age of after
which they too heavy to do so.
Places to See
Ranthambore National Park
The 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.
The 392 sq.km park comprises of dry deciduous forest sprawling over the
undulating terrain of the Arvalli and Vindhaan ranges. The park is one of
the finest tiger reserves in the country under the project tiger. The majestc
predators assured if protection roam freely during the day times and can
be seen at close quarters. Ranthambtor sanctuary has large number of sambhar,
chital nigai chinkar langur wild boar and peafowl.
A system of three pretty artificial lakes padam talsb rajbagh and Milak
talab alongwith a number of anicuits are part of the biosphere. Beside enhancing
the scenic beauty of the park, they are an important source of water for
the inhabitants of the park. While deer congregate here to drink water fresh
water cocodile can be seen basking in the winter sun to regulate their body
temperture. The lake also attracts a large number of migratory and local
birds. The local fauna of the park includes leopard hyena jackal jungle
cat sloth bear and a little population of pythons. The lovely jogi Mahal
overlooking the pretty Padam Talab at the foot of the fort has a forest
rest house. Other accommodation outside the fort also ensures a comfortable
stay. The best time to visit is between November and April. Jeeps are available
to take you around the park.
The Fort
Ranathambhors royal past manifesests itself in the wel presered imposing
fort, built in 1994 A.D. atop a steep high creek 200 metros above sea level
ruined pavilions walls chatris and splendid monuments are interspresed within
the majestic fort, An 8th century A.D Ganesh temple on an open land attracts
thousands of devottes and id the venue for an annual fair held on Bhadrapad
sudi Chaturthi fouth day of the bright half in the month of Bhadra.
Ranthambhore Travel
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