Near the township of Sawai Madhopur, in the state of Rajasthan, Ranthambore National Park is an outstanding example of Project Tiger's efforts at conservationin the country. The forests around the Ranthambore Fort were once, the private hunting grounds of the Maharajas of Jaipur. The desire to preserve the game in these forests for sport, was responsible for their conservation, and subsequent rescue by Project Tiger. The Park sprawls over an estimated area of 400 sq kms. Steep crags embracea network of lakes and rivers, and a top one of these hills, is the impressive Ranthambore Fort, built in the 10th century. The terrain fluctuates between impregnable forests and open bushland. The forest is the typically dry deciduous type, with dhok, being the most prominent tree. The entry point to the Park, goes straight to the foot of the fort and the forest rest house, Jogi Mahal. The latter boasts of the second-largest banyan tree in India. The Padam Talab, the Raj Bagh Talab and the Milak Talab are some of the lakes in the area, that attract the tiger population . They have been spotted at the edges of these lakes, and Jogi Mahal itself. Old crumbling walls, ruined pavilions, wells, and other ancient structures stand witness to the region's glorious past. The entire forest is peppered with the battlements and spillovers of the Ranthambore Fort - tigers are said to frequent these ruins, too. As a result of stringent efforts in conservation, tigers, the prime assets of the Park, have become more and more active during the day. More than in any other park or sanctuary in India, tigers are easily spotted here in daylight. They can be seen lolling around lazily in the sun, or feverishly hunting down sambar around the lakes.

The best time to visit the park is between October and April. The parkis closed during the monsoon, from June 1 to October 1.

By air: Jaipur (165 km) is the nearest airport.

By rail: The Park is around 12 km away from Sawai Madhopur railway station, that lies on the Delhi to Bombay trunk route.

By road: A good network of buses connect Sawai Madhopur with quite a few areas around.

RTDC Hotel Jhoomar Baari, RTDC Hotel Kamdhenu, Sawai Madhopur Lodge, PWD Rest House, and Jogi Mahal which lies within the park premises, are some of the available means of accomodation.

Wildlife in India :-

East :-

Kaziranga National Park:: Simplipal Tiger Reserve :: Manas National Park :: Bhitarkanika Sanctuary :: Namdhapa National Park :: Chilika Lake :: Satkosia Basipalli Sanctuary :: Sunderban National Park :: Chandka Elephant Reserve :: Nandan Kanan

South :-

Srisailam Sanctuary :: Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary :: Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary :: Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary :: Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary :: Thattekad Bird Sanctuary :: Bandipur Wildlife Sanctuary :: Eravikulam Wildlife Sanctuary :: Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary :: Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary :: Silent Valley National Park :: Bannerghata National Park

West :-

Gir :: Kanha :: Bandharvgarh National Park