The park, set against the backdrop of the historic 1000-year-old Ranthambhore Fort, lies in the area where the ancient ranges of the Vindhyas' flat-topped hills merge with the sharp ridges of the Aravalis. The park's uniqueness lies in its man-made lakes and ancient reservoirs, which have merged into the natural system as vital sources of water.
Ranthambhore also has a large populaton of panthers, the second largest predators of the forest. Marsh Crocodiles abound in the lakes and Gharial can be spotted close by in the Chambal River, which also harbours the Gangetic Dolphin. An open jeep safari also affords a glimpse of the spectacular ruins of mosques, tombs, watchtowers and palaces scattered within the park.I visited Ranthambore National Park in winter of Nov.2005 It was a great experience. Ranthambore is well connected to meager city in India. I started my journey from Mumbai (Bombay). By western rail we catch a JAIPUR SUPERFAS from BANDRA TERMINUS Next day morning I reached at Sawai Madhopur nearest town just 3-4 km. from Ranthambore. Then took a tanga for hotel (horse cart) for hotel, we stay at Hotel Hamir. Hotel was good but I advice to prefers RTDC Hotels “Hotel Jhoomar Baori” or “Tourist Complex Vinayak”. Vinayak has on restaurant they served good Indian food.
The next day, after a wholesome breakfast, we were greeted by the sounds of a large 'canter' or open sided mini truck with no roof, which would take around 20 of us into the National reserve. These can be booked up to twenty-four hours in advance and can also pick you up in groups from your hotel or resort if it is between the Project Tiger office and the Park entrance.
There are fixed charges for the jeeps which have to be booked up to two months in advance. Private vehicles are not allowed into the Park. Each safari lasts about three hours and there are only two trips a day, in the morning and in the afternoon. One has to pay a certain amount for entry into the Park each time.
Park has two entries we enter from temple gate. A Very tiny rock gate hardly canter can pass. The entire area we could see was rocky and rugged and seemed a delight for wildlife photographers. Endangered cinkara, nilgai and sambhar could be seen grazing lazily around and a wild boar of two stood calmly as we passed by in total silence. My first site was a crocodile on the stone.
LOCATION:
Nearest Town- Sawai Madhopur, situated on the Delhi-Bombay railway-line and also linked with Jaipur and Agra by rails.
Near by Airports - Jaipur and Kota
Distance by rail:Delhi - 362 km, Agra - 227 km, Bombay 1027 km, Kota - 108 km, Jaipur - 132 km
Distance by road:Delhi - 480 km (via Dausa), Jaipur - 180 km (via Tonk)
Park Winter Timings:
Entry: Exit:
Morning Safari: 07:30 hrs Morning Safari: 10:30 hrs
Evening Safari: 15:00 hrs Evening Safari: 17:30 hrs
Park Summer Timings:
Entry: Exit:
Morning Safari: 06:30 hrs Morning Safari: 09:30 hrs
Evening Safari: 16:00 hrs Evening Safari: 18:30 hrs
RTDE Hotels
Hotel Jhoomar Baori 220495
Tourist Complex Vinayak 221333, 21169
Other Hotels
Hotel Anurag 220451
Hotel City Hearts 223402
Hotel Ganesh Ranth 224124
Hotel Hamir 221842,
Hotel Ranthambhore Regency 223456, 221176
Hotel Tiger Den 252070, 252085
Ranthombor national park remains copyright of the author yatinrane, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.
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