Ranthambore is primarily scores its point on the list of tourist attractions because of its tiger reserve. However, the place offers you much more for sightseeing and going on excursions. Situated on the border of the Thar Desert, Ranthambore is surrounded by the Vindhya Hills and the Aravali Hills. Its very location gives it an advantage of possessing the treasure of mysterious desert lands as well as plain area near the hills. The vegetation primarily comprises of deciduous forests.
Ranthambore was the erstwhile hunting grounds of the Maharaja of Jaipur until 1955 when it was declared as a game sanctuary. With the emergence of Project Tiger, it was declared a national park and listed among its protected reserves in 1980. With time, it emerged as the wildlife photographers' delight as it offers them a chance to photograph the tiger in its natural environment. A Jeep Safari in the national park, a cultural and traditional experience with the Meena tribes, and for the more adventurous, a night-out in the hideouts of the park makes Ranthambore a good choice to visit.
CLIMATE
Ranthambore has extreme desert climate having dry and hot summers and cool to chilly winters. The temperature in summer (from April to June) is around 40ºC. In winters (from October to March), days are sunny and pleasant days but during nights, temperature can be pretty low.
WHERE TO EAT
Ranthambore has quite a few restaurants and hotels and ones that are there are spread across over a vast area. Though Sawai Madhopur has few good eat-out points, it is much advisable to stuff yourself before you leave your hotel to ensure a good meal.
 Climate : Ranthambore has an extreme desert climate, having dry and hot summers and chilly winters. The temperature in summers (April to June), reaches to a maximum of 40ºC. In winters (October to March) days are sunny but night temperature can be pretty low. Monsoon arrives in the town in July and continues by mid- September.
Ranthambore Tiger Reserve
Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve located at the junction of the Aravalis and the Vindhyas, is a unique example of natural and historical legacy, standing out wondrously in the vast, arid and denuded tract of eastern Rajasthan, barely 14 kilometers from Sawai Madhopur.
It spreads over a highly undulating topography varying from gentle to steep slopes; from flat topped hills of the Vindhyas to the conical hillocks and sharp ridges of the Aravalis, from wide and flat valleys to narrow rocky gorges. An important geological feature the ‘Great Boundary Fault' where the Vindhya plateaus meet the Aravali hill ranges, meanders through theReserve. the national Park is bound by the rivers Chambal in the south and Banas in the north.
The Name: The name Ranthambore is derived from two hills in the area, Ran and Thanbhor. Another version says that Ranthambhore was once called Rana Stambhapura or City of the Pillars of War.
Geographical Details:
- Longitude - From 76-23-00 E To 76-39-00 E
- Latitude - From 25-54-00 N To 26-12-00 N
- Topography Code - B
- Altitudinal Range - N.A.
- Average Rainfall - 800 mm
- Temperature - Min 4, Max 47 (deg.Cel)
Tiger Population: 
- 1979 - 25
- 1984 - 38
- 1989 - 44
- 1993 - 36
- 1995 - 38
- 2001 - 20
In the wild zone !!!
With over 300 types of trees, 272 species of birds and approximately 30 different types of mammals, Ranthambhore is packed full with life. The park is home to India's smallest and largest antelopes, Chinkara and Nilgai ('blue bull'). We can also take you outside of the park for the chance to see Black Buck Antelope in nearby tribal villages and vast numbers of migratory birds around tranquil lakes.
The other kinds of cats found in Ranthambhore are Leopard (Panthera pardus), Caracal (Felis caracal), Leopard Cat (Felis bengalensis), Fishing Cat ( Felis viverrina) and the Jungle Cat (Felis chaus). Besides the big cats, the other large predators found in Ranthambhore include Sloth Bear, Striped Hyena, Wolf, Wild dog (or Dhole), Jackal, Indian Fox, Palm Civet, Small Indian Civet, Common Indian Mongoose, small Indian Mongoose, Ratel (or Honey Badger), Crocodile and the Indian Python. There are two species of Antlers, namely the Spotted Deer (or Chital) and the Sambhar Deer, and, two kinds of Antelopes, namely the Indian Gazelle (or Chinkara) and the Bluebull (or Neelgai). Black Buck (another kind of antelope), which is rarely found in the National Park is common in Devpura area, in the outskirts of the park. |
Best Time to Travel : The best time to travel Ranthambore is between September and March.
Ranthambore - Wildlife At Its Best 
Ranthambore, one of the most famous tourist destinations in Rajasthan, is renowned for its Tiger Reserve. Located very close to the outer fringes of the Thar Desert, Ranthambore is surrounded by the majestic Vindhya and Aravalli hills. Due to its very location, Ranthambore possesses the treasure of mysterious desert lands and the plain area near the hills. Bounded by the rivers Chambal, in the south, and Banas, in the north, the vegetation of the area mainly comprises of deciduous forests. Ranthambore used to be the hunting ground of the erstwhile Maharaja of Jaipur. In the year 1955, Ranthambore was declared a game sanctuary and became a national park in 1980. Ranthambore was also listed among the protected reserves under the Project Tiger. Considered as the best place in the world to photograph the tiger in its natural habitat, Ranthambore offers adventure activities as well. Some of the good adventure options include Jeep safari, a cultural and traditional experience of the Meena tribes and a night out in the hideouts of the park.
FAIRS AND FESTIVALS
Ganesh Chaturthi holds a special place in Ranthambore and Sawai Madhopur and is celebrated to commemorate the origin of Lord Ganesh, who is said to have been born on this day. The Ganesha temple in the fort of Ranthambore is one of the most eminent Ganesha temples of Rajasthan. On this day, thousands of devotees visit the temple. There are songs and 'bhajans' praising Lord Ganesha. The area has its own share of markets where you can find general merchandise and small trinkets to shop for.
SHOPPING ATTRACTIONS 
Tourists who wish to go on a shopping spree may take a ride to the nearest town of Ranthambore National Park. Along with other typical Rajasthani memorabilia such as tie and dye and batik fabrics and traditional ethnic silver jewellery, the paintings in the style of Ranthambore School of Art is the hot picks among the tourists. The paintings typically portray tigers, inspired by the Project tiger, which aims to conserve the species.
How to Reach
By Air : Jaipur Airport is the nearest airport, which is located at a distance of 140 kms from Ranthambore. Domestic flights are availbale from Jaipur to importnant towns and cities of India.
By Rail : Sawai Madhopur (11 kms) is the major rail head near Ranthambore. The station is connected by regular trains from the cities of Rajasthan and India.
By Road : Ranthambore is connected by good roads with towns and cities of Rajasthan. Buses of Rajasthan Tourims Department and many private operators ply to Ranthambore. |
