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The Ranthambore National Park
Near the town of Sawai Madhopur, midway between Bharatpur and Kota, Ranthambore National Park is one of the prime examples of
Project Tiger's conservation efforts in Rajasthan. Sadly, it also demonstrates the gram's overall failure, for it was in this park that government officials were implicated in the poaching of tigers for the Chinese folk medicine trade. According to the 1996 census, the park has a total of 28 tigers (several cubs have apparently been born since then). There's a reasonable chance of seeing one, but you should plan on two or three safaris. Other wildlife, especially the larger and smaller herbivores, are more numerous, and there's also a considerable bird population here. Even if you don't see a tiger, it's worth the effort for the scenery alone: in India it's not often you get the chance to visit such a large area of virgin bush.
The park itself covers some 1334 sq km and its scenery is very beautiful. A system of lakes and rivers is hemmed in by steep, high crags and on top of one of these is the Ranthambore Fort, built is the 10th century. The lower ground alternates between open bush land and fairly dense forest and is peppered with ruined pavilions,
chhatris and 'hides' - the area was formerly a hunting preserve of the maharajas.
Orientation & Information
It's 10 km from Sawai Madhopur to the first park gate, where you pay the entry fees, and a farther 3 km to the main gate and the Ranthambore Fort. The accommodation is strung out all the way along the road from the town to the park.
The Tourist Reception Centre (# 20808) is in the grounds of the RTDC's Vinayak Tourist Complex. It's open daily except Sunday 10am to 1.30 pm and 2 to 5 pm. You can change
travelers cheques (not currency) at the state Bank of Bikaner &
Jaipur, in Sawai Madhopur.
The Project Tiger office ( #20223) is 500m from the train station; however, at the time of writing, there were plans to shift it to the Tourist Reception Centre.
More on
Ranthambore National Park:
Wildlife Safaris
Places to Stay & Eat
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