Ranthambore

Ranthambore India - Located near Sawai Madhopur, Ranthambore was once the hunting ground for the Maharaja of Jodhpur. It became a National Park in 1980. Located between the Aravalli and Vindhya ranges, Ranthambore is thickly forested with deciduous trees. Ranthambore is a heritage site owing to the number of ruins that are scattered in the park. There are lake palaces, chhatris, old fortifications and a majestic 1,000-year-old fort overlooking the Ranthambore National park.

The places of interest in Ranthambore are:

Ranthambore National Park :
Ranthambore National Park is one of the finest tiger reserves in the country under the Project Tiger conservation initiative. The majestic predators, assured of protection, roam freely during the daytime and can be seen at close quarters. Ranthambore also has a large number of sambhar, chital, nilgai, chinkara, langur, wild boar and peafowl. There are three artificial lakes in the park. Besides enhancing the scenic beauty of the Park, they are an important source of water for the inhabitants of the park. While deer congregate here to drink water, fresh water crocodiles can be seen basking in the winter sun to regulate their body temperature. The lake also attracts a large number of migratory and local birds. The local fauna of the park includes leopard, hyena, jackal, jungle cat, sloth bear and a little population of pythons. The lovely Jogi Mahal overlooking the pretty Padam Talab at the foot of the fort has a Forest Rest House.

The Fort : Ranthambhore's royal past manifests itself in the well-preserved imposing fort, built in 994 A.D. atop a steep high creek 200 metres above sea level. Ruined pavilions, walls, chhatris and splendid monuments are interspersed within the majestic fort. An 8th century A.D. Ganesh temple on an open patch of land attracts thousands of devotees and is the venue for an annual fair held on Ganesh Chaturthi, in Ranthambore.