Ranthambhor National Park

The name Ranthambore is derived from two hills in the area, Ran and Thanbhor. Another version says that Ranthambore was once called Rana Stambhapura or City of the Pillars of War. It is located near Sawai Madhour township about 100 kms south east of Ajmer in Rajasthan, where the Vindhayas and the Aravalli Hills meet, the Ranthambore National Park is bound by the rivers Chambal, in the south, and Banas, in the north. It was established as a sanctuary in 1959 and included in the very first phase of Project Tiger in 1972. In 1981 Ranthambore was awarded National Park status. Characterized by rocky plains, flat hilltops, gentle slopes and precipitous cliffs, covered by dry deciduous forests. Ranthambore is virtually an island rich in flora and fauna in an ocean of villages, farmland and over grazed arid land.

A heaven for a multitude of wild animals, the park boasts of playing host to tigers, leopards, the elusive caracals, striped hyenas, sloth bears, jungle cats, wild boars, crocodiles and so on. Besides, there are over 300 species of birds, from the rare Indian Courser to the beautiful Painted Sand Grouse.
You can go for National Park rides, jeep safaris, camel rides, bird watching excursions and nature walks.

Location and Geographical Details
165 km from Jaipur which is the nearest airport. Nearest railhead is Sawai Madhopur (12 km).

Longitude: From 76-23-00 E to 76-39-00 E

Latitude: From 25-54-00 N to 26-12-00 N

Average rainfall: 800mm

Temperature: Min 4, Max 47 (deg. cel. )

Opening Time
The park is open from 1st October till 30th June.

Best time to visit
October to March. The park is closed from June to October. While May and June are hot, the increasing scarcity of water as summer approaches makes wildlife sighting easier as the animals flock to the water holes.