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RANTHAMBHORE
The fort of Ranthambhor has been abandoned to nature
for in this national park, the tiger has right of
stay. One of the country's finest tiger reserves,
its topography of low hills and large lakes provides
a tranquil idyll.
Ranthambhore 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.
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 Ranthambhore 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.
Ranthambhore 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.
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.
There is enormous pressure on the habitat of the
tigers, the Ranthambhore Foundations hopes to strike
an ecological balance and complete harmony between
man and the beast.
Hot-Attraction
Ganesh Chaturthi (August - September of every year)
Perched on Ranthambore Fort is the temple of Lord
Ganesha. Every year thousand of people gather here
in honour of Lord Ganesha's birthday, in the month
of August - September.
Jungle Safari
There are about 42 tigers in Ranthambore National
Park. A good network of gravel tracks crisscross the
park and safaris are undertaken in open-sided jeeps
driven by ranger.
How to reach Ranthambore
By Air :The nearest airport is at Jaipur which
connected to all the major cities which includes
Delhi, Mumbai, Calcutta, Jodhpur.
By Bus : Rajasthan Roadways run very comfortable
deluxe from Jaipur to Ranthambore. The roads are
very good, and it takes around 4-5 hrs from Jaipur.
You can also come by taxi.
By Train : The nearest railhead is at Ranthambore is
connected to many major cities of India. There are
daily trains from Delhi, Jaipur, Mumbai.
Getting Around
Jeeps can be hired from several places, the main
ones being the RTDC. Private jeeps are also
available.
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