An Insight :
Ranthambhore, hailed as one of India's finest wildlife destinations, is
located near the town of Sawai Madhopur, which is around 180 km south east
of Jaipur in Rajasthan.
It was established as a sanctuary in 1959 and included in the very first
phase of Project Tiger in 1972. In 1981, Ranthambhore was awarded the status
of a National Park. The park derives its name from the 11th century fort of
Ranthambhore, which sits on a rocky outcrop in the forest. The fort was a
vital citadel for the control of central India. Though overrun by
vegetation, remnants of the summer palaces, temples and guard stones within
the fort still remain.
Earlier the hunting reserve of the Maharajas of Jaipur, the park at
Ranthambhore was once the scene of royal hunting parties. Today, it is
famous for its tigers and is one of the best places in the country to see
these majestic predators in the wild. The tigers can be spotted quite often
even during the day, busy in their normal pursuits - especially stalking or
hunting and taking care of their young. With the strict measures that have
been taken for their conservation, they seem quite accustomed to human
presence and are not disturbed by it.
Lets Explore Ranthambore :
The most fascinating and most popular excursion taken from the national
park is to the Ranthambore Fort. This fort was built by the Chauhans in the
10th century. The fort is located at a very strategic position between north
and central India and hence it was always coveted by many rulers. This fort
is famous for the 'Johar' (suicide by immolation to escape humilitaion) by
Rajput women in 1301AD during the siege by Ala-ud-din Khilji. The temples
and tanks add to the beauty of the fort. The seven gates and massive curtain
walls, crowning a fall-topped hill presents a majestic view.
» Flora - Ranthambhore forest is dry deciduous
with dhok (Anogeissus pendula) trees as the main vegetation which is an
important fodder tree for animals. Kulu (Sterculia urens), ronj (Acacia
leucophloea), ber (Zizyphus maudrentiana), khimi (Manilkara hexandra), tendu
(Diospyrous melanoxylon), polas (Butea monosperma), peepal, mango and banyan
are prevalent in Ranthambhore. But perhaps the most spectacular is the flame
of the forest which blooms in April, enveloping the forest in a spectacular
fiery red aura. The four lakes in Ranthambhore are surrounded by a numerous
species of trees like salar (Boswellia serrata), gurjan (Lannea
coromandelica) and gum (Sterculia urens).
Ranthambhore National Park spans an area of about 400 sq km with a tiger
population of about 32. The tiger is relatively easier to spot in
Ranthambhore than in many other National Parks, thanks to the tourist
friendly nature of the tigers and the openness of its surroundings. The Park
also supports a large number of other wild species including leopards, the
highly endangered caracal, jungle cat, hyena, jackal, sloth bear, wild boar,
marsh crocodile, porcupine, common langur, spotted deer, Indian gazelle,
sambar (Asiatic stag) and nilgai (bluebull). Some of these species
(especially the nocturnal ones like the leopard and the caracal) are
difficult to spot and sightings are rare, but then that is bound to happen
when every eye in the Park is looking for what Ranthambhore is best known
for the tiger
Ranthambhore is also rich in migratory, water, and woodland birds. There
are about 270 species of birds in the Park including a large number of
migratory birds. Some of the many varities of birdlife to be found here are
the great Indian horned owl, various species of eagles such as Bonellis
eagle and the crested serpent, spoonbills, partridge, quail, parakeets,
kingfishers, owls and storks, geese and ducks. But perhaps the most visible
bird in Ranthambhore is the peacock, India's national bird. Every evening
the peacocks of Ranthambhore line up on the walls of the fort which stands
on a cliff above the Park and, after much calling, descend to specific
roosting trees for the night.
Safaris in Ranthambore :
The most exciting aspect of a visit to a wildlife sanctuary is the safari
into the jungles, of meeting the unexpected and completely missing the
expected. Animals can be seen in a zoo also, but the dangerous thrill of
actually encountering a wild beast in its natural habitat is a sure method
of testing ones patience and bravado. Safaris into the Ranthambore National
Park are conducted by the Forest Department in open truck style canters and
need to be prebooked.
