Ranthambore National Park,
Sawai Madhopur
Ranthambhore 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
Aravalis. A thousand year old fort also blends amicably
with the background. Pure sands of Dhok interspersed with
grasslands at the plateaus, meadows in valleys and
luxuriant foliage around the canals make-up the jungle.
Three big lakes – Padam Talab (meaning Lake), Malik Talab
and Raj Bagh – are similar turquoises studded in the vast
forest.
The forest
is of tropical dry deciduous type; it is further
classified as Dhok forest. The lakes abound with aquatic
vegetation including duckweeds, lilies and lotus.
Ranthambhore
before a princely game conserve is the scene where the
celebrated Indian Tiger barely stays alive from human
assault and disregard, the denuding of the forest by
timber mafia. At least 10,000 square kilometers of forest
give way every year to the politician-businessman nexus on
the ploy of “development”. A density of 11 to 17 Tigers
can dwell in an area of 100 square kilometers find
themselves dreadfully out of place of abode. This site
tells in words and pictures about the resist of this king
of jungle and the handful who fiercely picket to safeguard
this natural legacy for the planet and its children.
Park Population :
The tigers are the prized attractions of the park. Other
inmates of the park are the Antelopes, Nilgai, Sambhar and
Chital, which are easy to spot. Those who are lucky enough
get to see the Sloth Bear, Wild Boar, Chinkara, Porcupines
and Jackals, Leopard, Jungle Cat and Marsh Crocodile.
The lakes and water holes in the Ranthambore national park
are the best places to sight the animals. These water
bodies are full of lotus and water lilies. Ranthambore
also has a sizeable bird population, both resident and
migratory. There are about 264 species of birds found
within the park. Indian Hare, Mongoose and Monitor Lizards
can also spotted.
Nearby Attractions :
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.
Park Trips :
The park is toured by a jeep or a lorry. The reservation
of these can be done at the Project Tiger Office at Sawai
Madhopur. The tour is accompanied by a guide. In the park,
one must stick to the allocated route. Entry is relatively
expensive, with fees for entrance, vehicle hired, guide
and camera being charged separately.
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