RANTHAMBORE 

The town is an aide memoir of the city's royal past the numerous stories of encounter with the majestic tiger. It is situated near Sawai Madhopur town in Rajasthan about 130 km from Jaipur, which is also the nearest airport. The nearest town and railway station is at Sawai Madhopur, 11 km away. The 392 sq. km. park comprises of dry deciduous forests sprawling over an undulating terrain of the Aravalli and Vindhya ranges. The park is one of the finest Tiger Reserve of India. A system of three artificial lakes enhances beauty of the park.

ATTRACTIONS

Wildlife in the Park -

The main attraction is Ranthambore National Park - formerly the hunting grounds for the Maharajahs of Jaipur before Indian independence. The Park is one of the finest tiger reserve in the country under the Project Tiger. The majestic predators, assured of protection, roam freely during the daytime and can be seen at close quarters. Ranthambhor sanctuary has a large number of fauna, significant among those being sambhar, chital, nilgai, chinkara, langur, wild boar, peafowl and of course the King of the Jungle- the Great Indian Tiger. A system of three pretty artificial lakes-Padam Talab, Rajbagh and Milak Talab, alongwith a number of anicuts are part of the biosphere. Besides enhancing the scenic beauty of the Park, they are an important source of water for the inhabitants of the park.

Ranthambore Fort -

Ranthambhor's royal past manifests itself in the well-preserved imposing fort, built in 994 A.D. by the Chauhan rulers atop a steep high creek 200 meters above sea level and regarded as one of the oldest forts of Rajasthan. Ruined pavilions, walls, chhatris and splendid monuments are interspersed within the majestic fort. A visit to Ranthambore means a visit to the noteworthy Ranthambore fort too. Due to its strategic location, the fort was ideal to keep the enemy at bay. The fort is also related to the historical legend of the royal women performing jauhar (self immolation) when the Muslim invader Ala-ud-din Khilji laid siege on this fort in 1303. The fort is characterized by temples, tanks, massive gates and huge walls.