Maharajas' Express Blog

Ranthambore: A must visit destination for wildlife lovers

Ranthambore National Park, situated in Sawai Madhopur district of southeast Rajasthan, is nothing less than a dream destination for all wildlife admirers, adventure freaks, and travel photographers. Covering an area of approximately 400 square kilometers, the park is covered with tropical dry forest and rocky terrain that is beautifully interspersed with several streams and lakes.  Ranthambore is located in picturesque locales surrounded by the Chambal and Banas River that gives it a unique setting.

Ranthambore National Park was originally established as Sawai Madhopur Game Sanctuary in the year 1955, and was later declared a national park in 1980.  In 1991, the national park was further enlarged to also include adjacent forests that included Sawai Man Singh Sanctuary and Keladevi Sanctuary.

Ranthambore National Park is famous for its majestic Bengal tigers.  In this park, tigers can be seen easily even during the daytime, which is one of the highlights for tourists visiting the park.

In addition to tigers, Ranthambore National Park has a wide range of animals, and visitors can easily get a sneak peek of how different types of animals (carnivorous and herbivorous) coexist.  The park is inhabited by leopards, jungle Cats, desert cats, India wild boars, nilgais, chinkaras, amongst others.  Apart from these, the jungle also has flying foxes, yellow bats, mole rats, Indian porcupines, mongooses, Indian civets, false vampires, Indian toads, frogs, and a wide species of marsh crocs reptiles.  These wild animals can be easily seen during the day time.  The view of numerous wild animals quenching their thirst at riverbanks is quite enthralling for all the nature lovers.

Ranthambore National Park is also home to a rich variety of flora and fauna.  Because of its lush green terrain and various water bodies, Ranthambore offers the most comfortable habitat for a wide range of birds, including migratory birds as well.  The park is famous amongst bird watchers, and some of the most famous locations to watch birds in Ranthambore are Rajbagh Talao, Padam Talao, Malik Talao, and the Ranthambore fort.  Some of the most commonly seen birds in the Ranthambore are Indian grey hornbills, woodpeckers, kingfishers, owls, nightjars, crows, doves, crakes, darters, graylag goose, wagtails, flamingos, pigeons, parakeets etc.

The park offers visitors an adventurous jungle safari amidst its picturesque ecosystem that comprises of lush green landscape, grassy meadows, pebbly terrains, thick jungle, parched lands, and numerous natural water streams.
A visit to the Ranthambore National Park is included in all the six itineraries of the Maharajas’ Express. It is a must visit destination for travelers visiting India and wishing to explore its rich and varied wildlife.

You can cover Ranthambore National Park in Gems of India Itinerary