Rajasthan News Desk!!! Whenever there is talk of tigers in the world, the first name that comes to everyone’s mind is Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, this is the tiger reserve which has completely changed the definition of tiger and wildlife sighting. Ranthambore is the name due to which not one or two but four tiger reserves of India are alive today.
The name Ranthambore has its own definition, which is made up of three different words, in which the first word is Ran which means battlefield, the second word is Thamb which represents the 7 kilometer long single hill here in the form of a pillar, And the third word is Bhor, which shows the space between the battlefield and the hill as a whirlpool. These words represent a place that is home to more than 80 Tigers today. Ranthambore, situated in the foothills of Vindhya and Aravalli hills, is known not only for tigers but also for the diversity of flora and fauna. Ranthambore National Park, spread over an area of 392 square kilometers, is situated on the edge of the Hadoti Plateau, which spreads over vast plains to the north of the Chambal River and to the south of the Banas River. Ranthambore Sanctuary is named after the famous Ranthambore Fort here, so let’s go for Tiger Safari of Ranthambore National Park today.
Ranthambore National Park is located in Sawaimadhopur district of Rajasthan, it is counted among the large national parks of North India. Ranthambore Park was established by the Government of India in 1955 as Sawai Madhopur Game Sanctuary. Later, being concerned about the decreasing number of tigers across the country, the government declared it a Project Tiger Sanctuary in 1973 and started the effort to conserve tigers. The project brought benefits to the sanctuary and the state and Ranthambore became a major center for safari tourism. Due to this, Ranthambore was declared a national sanctuary in 1984. The state’s sanctuaries and forest areas have been continuously protected since 1984. In the year 1984, ‘Sawai Mansingh Sanctuary’ and ‘Keoladev Sanctuary’ were also announced, and later these two new centuries were also linked to the tiger conservation project.
Ranthambore National Park is home to many indigenous and exotic species of animals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, flora and fauna, including the world’s most amazing tiger species. According to records, a total of 35 species of reptiles, 40 species of mammals and 320 species of birds are found in this park. This tiger reserve is known as a tiger reserve, but it is also home to a large number of other wildlife, including leopards, caracals, fishing cats, wild cats, jackals, leopards, hyenas, swamp crocodiles, wild boars and deer. Various types are included. Many migratory birds come here in winter, including eagles, crested serpent eagle, great Indian horned owl, pheasant, painted partridge, quail, spurfoil peacock, tree pied and many types of storks. This natural diversity makes this park the best place for wildlife lovers and bird watchers. The sanctuary is home to a variety of flora, fauna, flora, fauna and diversity of birds. India’s largest banyan tree in Ranthambore is also a popular site. The botanical species of Ranthambore National Park mainly include Dhok, Banyan, Peepal, Neem, Mango, Tamarind, Jamun, Ber, Chilla, Acacia, Gum, Gurjan, Kadam, Khair, Dates, Kakera, Karel, Khimi, Kikar, Mahua and Salars are found.
There are a total of 10 safari zones in Ranthambore National Park, each of which has a different beauty and specialty. Different types of wildlife or birds can be seen in each zone. But when it comes to tigers, there are only certain zones where the chances of seeing these tigers increase. There are 5 zones present in the core area of Ranthambore National Park. It is believed that tigers are most likely to be seen in these 5 zone areas only. Zones 1 to 3 of the forest have the densest forests, water ponds and rocky areas, making them ideal places for tigers to live and hide. Tourists and jungle safari guides believe that tigers are most visible at Gate No. 3, also known as Sultanpur Gate. Zones 6 to 10 exist in the buffer zone of Ranthambore National Park.
Today there are about 84 tigers and tigresses in the 17 hundred square kilometers of Ranthambore National Park, out of which there are 25 tigers, 25 tigresses and 34 cubs. Ranthambore has been home to many famous tigers, including the world’s most famous tigress, King Salman of Ranthambore, Nora known for her maternal spirit and hunting skills, Tiger T73, known for her huge size and powerful roar, Romeo, Includes Laila, Dollar, Ustad, Mala, Junglee, Beena One, Beena Two and Sitara.
The most famous tigress of Ranthambore National Park is known as Machli. Machli is the most photographed tigress in the world, and also holds the record for being the world’s richest tigress and the world’s most popular tigress. Machli was born in 1997. This tigress had a fish-shaped mark on the left side of her face, due to which it was named Fish. The fish started hunting at the age of 2 and took over its mother’s territory. She also has some world records in her name, like a tiger can occupy an area for an average of 7-8 years, but Machli was the only tigress in the world who ruled the entire Ranthambore National Park for 15 years. The fish once killed a 13 feet long crocodile in a fight, after which it was given various nicknames around the world like The Lady of the Lake and Crocodile Killer. Machli has also received the Life Time Achievement Award.
If you have come to visit Ranthambore Century, then you can also visit the Ranthambore Fort located inside this park. This fort was the former hunting ground of the Maharajas of Jaipur. Apart from this, you can also visit Ganesh Trinetra Temple, one of the most famous temples of Lord Ganesha located near this park. Along with this, the people who come here for darshan build small stone houses near the temple, so that their wish of building a real house can be fulfilled.
All tourist zones of Ranthambore National Park are open for jungle safari from 1 October to 30 June. In the remaining months of the year, i.e. July to September, Zones 1 to 5 of the park remain closed to tourists due to the monsoon season, while Zones 6 to 10 are open for safari in the monsoon. Although the park is open for safari during the monsoon season, the period from November to April is considered to be the best time to visit Ranthambore National Park. Because the chances of seeing a tiger are highest at this time.
There are two types of jungle safaris available in Ranthambore National Park and Tiger Reserve, jeep safari and canter safari. For both types of safaris, you will have to book your seat in advance which can be booked both online and offline. Tourists can book morning and evening jungle safaris. Generally morning safari is from 06:30 am to 10:00 am and evening safari is from 02:30 pm to 06:00 pm. However, safari timings may vary depending on the season. For jeep safari, Indian citizens have to spend Rs 1350 per person and foreign citizens have to spend Rs 2500 per person. Whereas for Canter Safari, Indian citizens have to spend Rs 815 per person and foreign citizens have to spend Rs 2000 per person.
Ranthambore National Park is well connected to all parts of the country, if you want to travel to Ranthambore National Park by air, then the nearest airport is Jaipur. Which is located just 180 km away from the park. The nearest railway station to visit Ranthambore National Park by rail is Sawai Madhopur Railway Station. Ranthambore National Park is located at a distance of about 12 kilometers from here. The nearest bus stand to reach Ranthambore National Park by road is Sawai Madhopur. Which is situated at a distance of just 11 km from the park. From the airport, railway station and bus stand you can take the help of taxi or cab to reach the tiger reserve.
