Ranthambhor was established as a santuary in 1955, came under the administration of Project Tiger in 1973 and was declared a national park in 1980 . It emcompasses an area of 1334 sq. km in eastern Rajasthan, on the eastern Rajasthan, on the eastern edge of the Thar Desert, and within its precincts is an ancient fort.Surrounded by the Vindhyas and the Aravalis, amidst vast, and and denuded tracts of the desert ecology of Rajasthan, lies the oasis of biomass the Ranthambhor
National Park, spread over an area of 392 sq. kms. of thick forest with nullahs and waterfalls.

The herbivorous population includes chital, sambar, blue bull and chinkara. Sambar deer is the pride of the park. There is no other park in Asia, where these largest of all Asiatic deer can be seen so frequently during day~time. Wild boars and langurs are a common sight. Among the reptiles, crocodiles can be seen basking in the sun near the lakes.

The tiger is the biggest attraction of this park. According to naturalists, Ranthambhor is one of the best parks in the country for observing and photographing the activities of the tiger. Other carnivores in the park include leopard, hyena, jackal,- fox, caracal, jungle cat and ratel. Around 80 sloth bears are known to exist in the park.

The park has more than 300 varieties of birds. Common birds seen in the reserve are peackoks, parakeets, doves, partridges, storks, flycatchers, eagles and owls.

During the winter months, migratory birds such as greylag goose, ruddy sheiduck and pintails are. also seen. Some rare birds like the black eagle and the crested hawk eagle have also been sighted in the park recently.

Wildlife-rich, Ranthambhor is equally rich in archaeological monuments. The fort of Ranthambhor, situated on a large hill, is inaccessible even today except for its gate. it has been declared a protected Monument by the Archaeological Survey of India.

Recently, the Kaila Devi Sanctuary which is also famous for its tiger, has been included in the park and is now a part of Ranthambhor National Pa rk. The dry deciduous forest of Kaila Devi is spread over 676 sq. kms. Besides the tiger, visitors can also see the leopard, hyena, sarnbar, chital, blue bull, fox, jungle cat, jackal, crocodile, gavial and a variety of birds.

How to Reach :

The closest town Sawai Madhopur is easily accessible by rail, being on the Jaipur Kota line.Sawai Madhopur, the railhead is connected with Delhi, Bombay and Jaipur.Nearest airport is Jaipur.

Best Season :

The best time for visiting Ranthambore depends on the special interest of the visitor. The park opens from October to June. November to March are the best months.