Ranthambore Wildlife

Ranthambhore, in the state of Rajasthan, is one of the
smallest Project Tiger reserves. It's name comes from the vast fort that
stands in the middle of the forest. 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!
The Ranthambhore National Park at the junction of the Aravalis and the
Vindhayas is a unique juxtaposition of the natural and historical richness,
standing out conspicuously in the vast, arid and denuded tract of eastern
Rajasthan, barely 14 kms. from Sawai Madhopur. The elegant Ranthambhore fort
called the Jogi Mahal is now the forest rest house.

It spreads over a highly undulating topography varying from the gentle to
the steep slopes; from flat topped hills of the Vindhayas to the conical
hillocks and the sharp ridges of the Aravalis. An important geological
feature the 'Great Boundary Fault' where the Vindhaya plateaus meet the
Aravali hill ranges, meanders through the reserve. The National Park is
bounded by the rivers Chambal in the South and the Banas in the North. Pure
stands of the Dhok interspersed with open grasslands of the plateaus, six
large lakes - Gilai Sagar, Mansarovar, Malik talao, Raj Bagh and Padam Talao
with in the National Park.
Geographical
Details 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. )
Area details Total
Area : 392.5 sq. kms.
Ranthambhore National Park ( core ) 274.50
sq. kms.
Buffer area to R.N.P. 118.00 sq. kms.
Opening
Time The park is open from 1st October till 30th June.
Seasons and Climate
Cold: October to March ( Min less than 10 degrees Celsius) good
animal sightings. Best time for bird watching.
Warm: April to
June ( Max 40 degrees Celsius ) excellent animal sightings.
Wet: July
to September ( National Park is closed ) Happy hours.
Gear
Light cotton clothes in warm weather. Raincoat in wet weather. Woolens and
jackets in cold weather.
Preferably wear neutral and earthy
coloured clothes.
Opening time 1st October to 30th
June.
Advisable to carry camera and binoculars.