One of the finest examples of Project Tiger's conservation efforts in India, Ranthambore National Park occupies an area of over 400 sq km. Replete with many steep crags the park is dotted with lakes and rivers. Adding to the beauty and grandeur of the Park is the 10th century Fort parched on one of the hills. The topography is a blend of impenetrable forests and open bush land. The forest is the typically dry deciduous type with dhok being the most well known tree.

Well known in the world for its tigers, Ranthambore has, by one estimate, has a tiger population of 22. In addition to tigers, the park is also home to panthers. You can view these animals in the Kachida Valley. Apart from these, the park has its share of Chital, Nilgai, hyenas, marsh crocodiles, jungle cats and sloth bears and Chinkara. A good number of birds can also be sighted here. These include quails, black storks, painted storks, spur fowls, Bonelli's eagles and crested serpent eagles. The park is the natural habitat of migratory birds during the winter season. The best time of visit the park is between October and April. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to view game. It is the ideal park for wildlife photography. Formerly the hunting preserve of the Maharajas, the park has a good network of four tracks crisscrossing the park and safaris can be undertaken in open-sided jeeps driven by a ranger.

Ranthambore Fort

The fort is a must visit attraction. You can have a panoramic view of the park from its ramparts. From the fort, one can have a glimpse of open bush land and fairly dense forest, replete with ruined pavilions/ chatris and hideouts.

Jogi Mahal

Located at the foot of the Ranthambore Fort, the lovely forest rest house Jogi Mahal gives magnificent view of the Padam Talao. It boasts of the second largest Banyan tree in India. You can see tigers roaming around in daylight itself.

Lakes

The Raj Bagh Talab, the Padam Talab and the Milak Talab are some of the beautiful lakes in the area that attract tiger population. You can track the tigers at the edges of these lakes. Ruined ramparts, pavilions, crumbling walls, and wells bear testimony to the region's past glory. Tigers can be spotted roaming around in the sunny surroundings, or feverishly hunting down Sambar around the lakes. Even if you do not get an opportunity to see a tiger, it is worth visiting for its scenic grandeur alone.

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