The Ranthambore National Park stretches across an area of 1,334 sq km on the eastern edge of the Thar Desert. Once the hunting grounds of the erstwhile ruling family of Jaipur, today it is one of the last sanctuaries of the big cat, the Royal Bengal Tiger. Ranthambore actually consist of not one, but three, wildlife preserves: the Ranthambore National Park itself, the Sawai Man Singh Sanctuary and the Keladevi Sanctuary.
Ranthambore, hailed as one of India's finest wildlife locations, is located near Sawai Mad Hour Township about 100 kms south east of Ajmer in Rajasthan. It was established as a sanctuary in 1959 and included in the very first phase of Project Tiger in 1972. In 1981 Ranthambore was awarded National Park status. The park derives its name from the fort of Ranthambore which sits on a rocky outcrop in the forest. The fort dates back to the 11th century when it was a vital citadel for the control of central India.

The Ranthambore National Park is 145 km from Jaipur though the nearest railhead is at Sawai Madhopur, 12 km away. Sawai Madhopur, which lies on the main Delhi-Mumbai railway route, is connected by train to a number of cities and towns across India, including Delhi, Mumbai and Jaipur. The nearest airports are at Kota and Jaipur, from where a bus or train can be taken to Sawai Madhopur, where a taxi may be hired to get to Ranthambhore; alternatively, you can take the bus which goes to the park.

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. Tigers can be spotted quit often even during the day, at their normal pursuits - hunting and taking care of their young. With the strict measures that have been taken for their accustomed to human activity and are not disturbed by it.

A good time to visit is between November and April when the nature of the dry deciduous forests makes sightings common. Ranthambore has large numbers of sambar, chital and nilgai. Sounders of boar and an occasional gazelle - the chinkara can be seen, as also the Indian hare, mongoose and monitor lizards.

The lakes and pools at the Park are where the deer congregate and where it is easiest to see the animals. Among the other local fauna are the leopard, hyena, jackal, jungle cats, sloth bear and marsh crocodile. Jacanas. Painted  sto-k. Hiaci-. Stork and white necked stork are seen along the water bodies. Peafowl are found in abundance and other birds include Bonelli's eagle, crested serpent eagle, the great Indian horned owl, quail, partridge, spur fowl and the paradise flycatcher.

Best time to visit : October to June
Nearest Town : Sawai Madhopur
How to get there : Rail-Sawai Madhopur (11 km) Air-Jaipur (145 km)