Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve

Ranthambhore in Rajasthan is one of the smallest Project Tiger reserves. The name is derived from the fort that stands majestically in the middle of the jungle. The name Ranthambhore is taken from two hills Ran and Thanbhor located in the region. Another legend says that Ranthambhore was once called Ranastambhapura or City of the Pillars of War.

Homestay in Ranthambore :KHEM VILLAS

In the early 19th century the Ranthambhore forests were private hunting reserves of the Maharajas of Jaipur. In 1960 Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II of England and H.R.H Duke of Edinburgh visited Ranthambhore as guests of the Maharajas on a royal hunt. Hunting was banned in 1970 when less than 2000 tigers remained of the 19th century population of 50,000 and few years later started Project Tiger.

History of Ranthambhor Tiger Reserve

Pre-Independence:

The area of Ranthambhore was the hunting reserve of the Jaipur State and continued to be so till 1970 even after it was declared a sanctuary.

• 1955:Declared as Sawai Madhopur Wildlife sanctuary
• 1973: Included in Project Tiger for which special areas were selected across India to save tigers.
• 1980: The Park was notified and 300 sq. km areas were prohibited for human activity.
• 1984: The adjoining forests declared as Sawai Man Singh Sanctuary and Keladevi Sanctuary.
• 1991: Project Tiger extended to 1334 sq km to cover all the protected areas of Sawai Man Singh Sanctuary,Keladevi Sanctuary and Kualji Game Reserve.

Facts and Figures about Ranthambhore National Park:

Area: 1334 sq. km
Core Area: 300 sq. km
Latitudes: 25 46'N to 21 12'N
Longitudes: 76 17'E to 77 13'E
Elevation: 350 mts. above mean sea level.

Getting to Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve:

By Air:

The nearest airport is at Jaipur.

By Rail:

Sawai Madhopur is on the main line between Delhi and Mumbai.All major trains stops here.

By Road:

Sawai Madhopur is well connected by road to the major cities of Rajasthan.

Best time to visit Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve:

October to November:

A most beautiful time of the year with greenery all around but sightings are not so good.

December to February:

These are cold months of winter and ideal for tiger sightings. Tigers enjoy walking long distances and there is very little rain, skies are clear and enough light in the morning and evening.