TIGER, TIGER BURNING BRIGHT
A small village near the township of Sawai Madhopur, in the state of Rajasthan, Ranthambhore gets its name from the two hills, Ran and Thambor, which are in close proximity. The Ranthambhore Park is set between the Aravalli and Vindhya ranges. Its deciduous forests were once a part of the magnificent jungles of Central India. The terrain is rugged and there are rocky ridges, hills and open valleys with lakes and pools.


Ranthambhore is a heritage site because of the picturesque ruins that dot the park. There are lake palaces, 'chhatris', old fortifications and a majestic 1,000-year-old fort overlooking the park. The lovely Jogi Mahal is located at the foot of the fort and gives magnificent view of the Padam Talao, painted white with water lilies.

It has a chequered history and was the stronghold of the Yadavas in the 8th century. It came under Chauhans, and was ruled by them 10th century onwards. The Mughal emperors Akbar and Aurangzeb also occupied the magnificent fort.

The park is famous for tigers and due to conservation efforts, the tiger population has stabilized if not increased here. The tigers can be spotted quite often even during the day, at their normal pursuits-- hunting and taking care of their young ones.

Ranthambhore is one of the best places to see these majestic predators. Old crumbling walls, ruined pavilions, wells, and other ancient structures stand witness to the region's glorious past. The entire forest is peppered with the battlements and spillovers of the Ranthambhore fort - tigers are said to frequent these ruins, too.
Prime Attractions of Ranthambhor
Ranthambore National Park
The Ranthambore National Park was the hunting ground of Maharaja of Jaipur. In 1955, it was declared a game sanctuary; in 1980, it became a national park. But with the commissioning of Project Tiger in 1972, it was included in the project.

Ganesh Chaturthi
In Sawai Madhopur, the festival is rather special. The temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha is located in the fort of Ranthambore, about 12 kms from Sawai Madhopur and it is one of the most important Ganesha temples in the State.

Ranthambhor Fort
Steep crags embrace a network of lakes and rivers, and atop one of these hills, is the impressive Ranthambhore Fort. Built in the 10th century, the fort is considered to be one of the oldest forts in the state. Strategically built on the border of Rajasthan and Malwa, the fort houses some splendid monuments, within its precincts. The terrain fluctuates between impregnable forests and open bush land. The forest is the typically dry deciduous type, with Dhok, being the most prominent tree.

The Badal Mahal
The “palace of the clouds”, situated in the fort has a very interesting location and seems as if hanging out in space. The famous 84-column 'chhatri' of King Hammir stands out magnificently where he used to hold an audience. The Padam Talab, the Raj Bagh Talab and the Milak Talab are some of the lakes in the area worth seeing.

The Jogi Mahal
The entry point to the park, goes straight to the foot of the fort and the forest rest house, Jogi Mahal. The latter boasts of the second-largest Banyan tree in India.

Leisure - Ranthambore
Shopping in Ranthambhor
The place is famous for “khus” perfumes and other objects made of “khus” including fans, small boxes and caps etc.

How To Get There - Ranthambore
By Air
Jaipur (145-km) is the nearest airport.

By Rail
The Park is around 11-km away from Sawai Madhopur railway station, that lies on the Delhi to Bombay trunk route.

By Road
A good network of buses connects Sawai Madhopur, the nearest town, with quite a few areas around.

Places To Stay - Ranthambore
Jhoomar Baori Forest Lodge, RTDC Hotel Kamdhenu, Sawai Madhopur Lodge, PWD Rest House are some of good accommodation options available at Sawai Madhopur. Jogi Mahal is another accommodation place that lies within the park premises.

General Information - Ranthambore
Location
10-km From Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan

Main Attraction
The Fort, Badal Mahal, The National Park.

Best Time to visit Ranthambhor
October To June