Ranthambore Travel Guide
A tiny village that derives its name from two hills – Ran and Thambor, Ranthambore is in the Indian state of Rajasthan which is endowed with the magnificent environment. Its deciduous forests are rich in flora and fauna that inhabits a wide span of all species.
A land, which boasts of a legendary history, was the stronghold of the Yadavas in the 8th century. Later in the 10th century, it came under rule of the mighty Chauhans, which continued as such till the Mughals acquired its possession.
Rathambore is a dream destination for wildlife enthusiasts. Famed for its avid wildlife, Rathambore proffers a picturesque ambiance with rocky smudges, lovely hills, pretty lakes, ponds and beautiful ravines. Its rugged terrain and strategic location in the midst of Vindhya and Aravalli ranges makes it a perfect asylum for those estranged and exotic breeds in the Animal Kingdom. Rathambhore is famous for the Wildlife Sanctuary by the same name where one can witness the juxtaposition of wildlife, history and nature.
Dotted with so many structures of the past, Ranthambore offers the fabulous mixture of a heritage site as well as the magical charm of a rich wild life. The ruins of the past, which are spotted throughout the length and breadth of the forests. It gives the place a unique and invigorating appeal.
A pictorial place with extensive range of dazzling landscapes, Rathambore offers something unusual to its visitors. The mesmerizing ride through the undulating grasslands, gushing streams, open scrubs, densely wooded valleys, deep ravines flanked by steep peaks would definitely provide one with a rejuvenating vigor. Ranthambore would be the best place to squander if the traveler in you is quite proud of the rich legacy of an ancient township. Its majestic relics like the ruined pavilions, crumbling walls, wells, and other glittering edifices of kingships quench your thirst to be in the midst of a glorious past.
How to Reach Ranthambore
- By Air – Then nearest airport to the park is Jaipur. The airport is only a four hours drive away. One can take a taxi or a bus to reach the city.
- By Rail – Sawai Madhopur (10 km) is the nearest railhead to Ranthambore. From here one has to take a bus or taxi.
- By Road – It is well connected by bus route with all other major cities.
Distance of Ranthambore from Below Places:
| Place | Distance (KM) |
|---|---|
|
Sawai Madhopur |
10 |
|
Jaipur |
155 |
|
Agra |
261 |
|
Delhi |
410 |
Weather
Ranthambore Temperature
- Summer (Mar to Jun) – Temperatures are high and range between (16°C) to (40°C). Its a good time to see the tigers if you can bear the heat.
- Monsoon – (Jul to Sep) – Temperatures are moderate. Monsoon is not a recommended time for tourists.
- Winter – (Oct to Feb) – Temperatures are low and range between (4°C) to (30°C).
- Best Time to Visit – Oct to Apr is the best season for tourism
What to See In Ranthambore
Standing out remarkably in an extensive denuded tract, the Ranthambhore National Park reflects a unique juxtaposition of historical and natural richness. It proffers a winding terrain with slopes, hills, steep ridges, hillocks, pebbly ravines and flat valleys. The park spreads over a vast expansion of 392 sq km and it happens to be the finest example for conservation of Tigers.
It is not just the tigers that make the park so special. The park is an exceptional place where history and the Mother Nature intertwined together to present a stunning spectacle. One cannot witness the splendor of the past. The remnant of the old fort inside the park has been reclaimed by the inhabitants of the park. In 1955 this park was declared as a wildlife sanctuary and later in the year 1980 it got the status of a National Park. During 1984, the northeast and southern forests were declared as Keladevi and Sawai Man Singh sanctuaries.
Ranthambore National Park is renowned as the perfect asylum for the tigers. The sheer joy of spotting the tigers in the daylight could not be sketched through words. One can even see the tigers hunt in front of the visitors. Apart from the royal inhabitants, the park exposes the visitors in to a world of natural beauty with a wide variety of vegetation. The thick woody forests of the park are a hub of so many estranged wild animals.
The park also houses the colorful inhabitants of the world, both exotic and migratory. In short, the Rathambore National park encompasses almost all the species in the animal and plant kingdom. An ideal location to photograph the wildlife in its natural charm, Ranthambore is considered as a dream destination of wild life freaks.
Located on the top of a hill, the Rathambore fort holds a bloody but brave history of the legendary Rajputs. Constructed in 994 AD, this fort encompasses massive gate, lofty walls, tanks and temples. Its strategic location and finest structural designs with safety measures makes it an impregnable one.
This mighty fortress of the Rajputs holds an amazing legend that says that the fort was constructed as a token of gratitude to Lord Shiva. However, Ranthambore fort is famed as the first ever place where the women practiced Juhar in order to protect themselves from the intruding army of the Persians. The fort is constructed in such a way that even though the enemies besieged the fort, they could not make an easy access. Its four colossal gateways are so strong that it could not be crammed with herds of elephants.
The only entry to the fort is through this lofty gateway that encompasses so many defense mechanisms. Now the interior of the fort is almost empty except that of the two temples in the name of Lord Shiva and Ganesh.
Other Details
What to Do
Go on Safaris. You can go for multiple safaris if you wish. There are two options for going on Safaris
- A gypsy
- A canter
It’s better to go for a canter for it’s a bit quieter. The park area is divided into 5 parts and as only a limited number of vehicles are allowed entry are can move around one of the selected paths only.
Where to Eat
There are ordinary restaurants available in the town offering traditional foods. Better option is to try the in house restaurants of the hotel where you are staying
What to Buy
Rajasthani clothing, local paintings, handicrafts etc. are the shopping options in Ranthambore.
Get Around
Auto and jeeps are best option for moving around and safaris.
Popular Tour Plans - Rajasthan
1-3 Days
1. Jaipur (2N/3D)
4-6 Days
1. Delhi-Agra-Jaipur (6N/7D)
7-10 Days
1. Jodhpur-Jaisalmer-Bikaner-Jaipur (9N/10D)
2. Delhi-Agra-Jaipur-Udaipur (8N/9D)
3. Delhi-Agra-Ranthambhore-Jaipur (9N/10D)
> 10 Days
1. Jodhpur-Jaisalmer-Mount Abu-Udaipur-Pushkar-Jaipur (12N/13D)
2. Delhi-Corbett National Park-Agra-Bharatpur-Ranthambhore-Jaipur (12N/13D)