Ranthambore National Park Then & Now | Tigerwalah

Ranthambore National Park is located in the desert state of Rajasthan. It is a remarkable expanse of dry deciduous Anogeissus pendula Forest. This wildlife sanctuary boasts an impressive array of biodiversity, including over 40 mammal species, 320 bird species, over 40 reptile species, and more than 300 plant species. The iconic inhabitants are 60 plus adult tigers and 16 cubs. Ranthambore Forest is a habitat for the iconic Indian or Bengal tiger, known as Panthera Tigris Tigris. With a dry spell lasting over eight months each year, Ranthambore Wildlife offers excellent opportunities to spot these elusive felines. Explore this majestic park to witness the rich tapestry of wildlife.

History

Ranthambore National Park has a fascinating history as a private hunting reserve for the Jaipur royal family. In 1955, the forest was declared the Sawai Madhopur Sanctuary. This put an end to the practice of issuing game permits. However, it was not until 1973 that Ranthambore Sanctuary became part of the Project Tiger initiative to protect the area. As part of this effort, 12 villages inside Ranthambore Jungle were relocated. In 1980, a portion of 282.03 sq. km within the Sawai Madhopur Sanctuary was designated as Ranthambore National Park. Over the years, additional areas were included in the Tiger Project. It included Kaila Devi Sanctuary (1983) and the Sawai Mansingh Sanctuary (1984). Today, this remarkable Project Tiger reserve encompasses 1334 sq. km, with Ranthambore National Park covering 282 sq. km.

Location

Nestled at the meeting point of the mighty Aravali and Vindhya hill ranges, Ranthambore National Park is a tapestry of wildlife. This enchanting confluence is the secret behind the park's rich biodiversity. Picture this: the Vindhyan with its flat tabletops, which we knew as Dang in the local language, and the Aravallis with sharp ridges and majestic conical hilltops. This geological marvel unfolds before your eyes when you plan to go on a Ranthambore Jungle Safari.

Sighting at Ranthambore

As you enter Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, you'll encounter more than just extraordinary landscapes and wildlife. The park is dotted with ancient structures that tell the tales of bygone eras. The park's abundant water bodies provide respite to the park's inhabitants during the sweltering summer heat. And high above, you will notice a magnificent fort perched on a hill. It adds a touch of grandeur to the park.

Ranthambore is a realm where nature, history, and wildlife merge in a symphony. And here's an amazing fact: Ranthambore's majestic tigers have a reputation for fearless hunting, even in the presence of human visitors. Unlike other elusive animals, these tigers boldly roam during the day, unbothered by people's curious gazes.

Safari Tracks in Ranthambore

This Tiger Reserve boasts an exceptional network of forest tracks. These safari tracks in Ranthambore are originally well-trodden animal pathways. This holds especially true for tigers. Their paws have incredibly soft pads that allow them to move silently. It is an important adaptation for successful hunting. As a result, these majestic creatures choose the safari tracks since they have soft sand, minimal thorns, rocks, and dry leaves.

Later, these are thoughtfully widened to accommodate safari vehicles. As a result, you'll witness an abundance of magnificent wildlife, with mega-fauna generally spotted along or near these forest tracks. Witnessing a tiger's graceful stride along these tracks will really give you chills during the Tiger Safari in Ranthambore.

Contact Tigerwalah to Better Your Chances for Tiger Sightings

Spotting tigers in the wild is a thrilling game of chance. But don't worry! There are ways to improve your odds. Before embarking on Forest Safari in Ranthambore, it's essential to gather insights on recent tiger movements. In this case, Tigerwalah's local guides and expert drivers are an invaluable source of information. They have great observation skills and exchange with fellow guides to stay updated. By understanding the recent patterns, the chances are higher for tiger sightings.

For example, if a tiger has made a kill near a specific spot, chances are it will roam in the vicinity. So, with a little strategic planning and the guidance of knowledgeable naturalists, you make the most out of the Tiger Safari in Ranthambore. To know more about the movements of tigers, refer to daily Ranthambore sighting updates.

Climate

Ranthambore Jungle has three seasons: summer, winter, and monsoon.

Summer sets in from March, lasting through April, May, and June. Daytime temperatures can soar past 40 degrees Celsius. Nights remain a balmy 30 degrees Celsius. May and June witness blistering highs above 45 degrees Celsius. The climate is mostly accompanied by minimal humidity. Monsoons arrive in July with refreshing rains that last till September. The lush greenery springs to life while the air is thick with anticipation.

Winter envelops Ranthambore from November to February. Nights are chilly, with temperatures dipping below 10 degrees Celsius. The temperature for daytime hovers around a pleasant 20 degrees Celsius. December and January witness the coldest nights. During this time, temperatures may plummet to 2 degrees Celsius.

Safari

The forest department conducts Ranthambore Tiger Reserve safaris twice a day. You can enjoy explorations across 10 designated tourism zones within the park. You can choose between a 6-seater jeep or a 20-seater open bus (cantor). It's important to note that Zones 1-6 are premium zones. It allows a maximum of 50 vehicles. Each route accommodates up to 8 vehicles at a time comprising three gypsies and five cantors.

The forest department allows pre-booking of safari routes. During the booking process, you can reserve your preferred route. You can also request a route change at the time of issuance of the boarding pass by paying an additional fee subject to availability. Please note that route change is at the discretion of the forest department.

Vehicle and guide assignments operate on a roster system. However, if you prefer to have the same vehicle and guide throughout your safari, you have to pay an additional fee of INR 6800 and INR 1600 per Jungle Safari in Ranthambore.

A typical Tiger Safari in Ranthambore shift lasts approximately 3.30 hours. The timing is adjusted to align with the changing seasons. Safaris usually commence half an hour after sunrise and are completed half an hour before sunset.

Ranthambore Jungle Safari Timings

Period	Morning	Evening
From 1st Oct to 31st Oct	06:30 am - 10:00 am	02:30 pm - 06:00 pm
From 1st Nov to 31st Jan	07:00 am - 10:30 am	02:00 pm - 05:30 pm
From 1st Feb to 31st Mar	06:30 am - 10:00 am	02:30 pm - 06:00 pm
From 1st April to 15th May	06:00 am - 09:30 am	03:00 pm - 06:30 pm
From 16th May to 30th June	06:00 am - 09:30 am	03:30 pm - 07:00 pm

Zones 1-5 of Ranthambore National Park are closed on Wednesday (full day) and zones 6-10 are closed on Tuesday (full day)

Seasonal closure: 1st July to 30th September. Zones 6-10 remain open during this period as well.

About Ranthambore Fort

Ranthambore Fort is situated within Ranthambore National Park. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Rajasthan. Its origins date back to 944 AD. It stands as the second-largest fort in the state. Once a stronghold of the Chauhan dynasty, the fort became a symbol of resistance against the Sultanate of Delhi. Today, visitors can explore its ancient walls and discover Hindu temples. These temples are dedicated to Ganesh, Shiva, and Ramlala ji. You can also find a Jain temple. The famous Trinetra Ganesh temple attracts millions of visitors each year. From the entry gate at Jogi Mahal is a leisurely walk of 1.5 km that leads to the fort's summit. It provides panoramic views of the surroundings.