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Ranthambore, one of the most famous tourist destinations in Rajasthan, is renowned for its Tiger Reserve. Located very close to the outer fringes of the Thar Desert, Ranthambore is surrounded by the majestic Vindhya and Aravalli hills. Due to its very location, Ranthambore possesses the treasure of mysterious desert lands and the plain area near the hills. Bounded by the rivers Chambal, in the south, and Banas, in the north, the vegetation of the area mainly comprises of deciduous forests. Ranthambore used to be the hunting ground of the erstwhile Maharaja of Jaipur. In the year 1955, Ranthambore was declared a game sanctuary and became a national park in 1980. Ranthambore was also listed among the protected reserves under the Project Tiger. Considered as the best place in the world to photograph the tiger in its natural habitat, Ranthambore offers adventure activities as well. Some of the good adventure options include Jeep safari, a cultural and traditional experience of the Meena tribes and a night out in the hideouts of the park.

Ranthambore National Park :
The park which provided recognition to Ranthambore, is a haven for wild animals. The park boasts of tiger, leopard, caracal, striped hyena, sloth bear, jungle cat, wild boar, crocodile and over 300 species of birds. One can go for park rides, Jeep safaris, elephant safaris, camel rides, bird watching excursions etc.

Ranthambore Fort :
Built in 994, the well-preserved imposing fort is perched atop a steep high creek 200 m above sea level. Rantambore's royal past manifests itself in ruined walls, pavilions, chhatris and splendid monuments within the massive fort. The fort offers breathtaking views of the Lake Padam Talab and the nearby areas.

Ganesh Chaturthi :
Perched on the Ranthambore Fort, there is an 8th century temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha. Thousands of devotees gather at the temple in August/ September to commemorate Lord Ganesha's birthday.

Excursions

Sawai Madhopur :
Situated 11 kms away from Ranthambore, Sawai Madhopur village is the entry point to the national park. Once the major centre of the Rajpur rulers, Sawai Madhopur is famous for its historical monuments and related legends.

Karauli :
Founded in 1348 A.D, Karauli is known for its magnificent temples and architectural jewels. Karauli houses a famous historical monument, which has red sandstone walls, bastions, peripheral wall, six gates and eleven posters.

Bundi :
The place renowned for its splendid monuments and massive fort is 66 Kms from Ranthambore. Major attractions of Bundi include the Taragarh fort (built in 1354), Bundi Palace, the Bhim Burj and a huge water reservoir.

How to Reach

By Air :
Jaipur Airport is the nearest airport, which is located at a distance of 140 kms from Ranthambore. Domestic flights are availbale from Jaipur to importnant towns and cities of India.

By Rail :
Sawai Madhopur (11 kms) is the major rail head near Ranthambore. The station is connected by regular trains from the cities of Rajasthan and India.

By Road :
Ranthambore is connected by good roads with towns and cities of Rajasthan. Buses of Rajasthan Tourims Department and many private operators ply to Ranthambore.

Sariska

Sariska Tiger Reserve is well nestled in the Aravali Hills covering 800 sq km area divided into the grasslands, dry deciduous forests, sheer cliffs and rocky landscape. Whether you want to have camel safaris, go out for shopping in the surrounding places, visit medieval palaces or wildlife watching; Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary is the best place for you.

Nearly 90% of the area in the sanctuary is covered with dhok trees accommodating various wildlife species. A variety of other wild animals like the leopard, sambhar, chital, nilgai, four-horned antelope, wild boar, rhesus macaque, langur, hyena and jungle cats are found in the Sariska Tiger Reserve apart from the tiger. The Sariska National Park is home to India's largest population of peafowl, and harbours quail, sand grouse, golden- backed woodpeckers and crested serpent eagles, among other species. Also the Siliserh Lake on the edge of the park has a large number of crocodiles.

The Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary houses the ruins of medieval temples of Garh-Rajor that date back to the 10th and 11th centuries. Also a 17th century castle on a hilltop at Kankwari provides a panoramic view of flying vultures and eagles. The Sariska was declared a sanctuary in 1955 and attained the status of a National Park in 1979.

Sariska park is home to numerous carnivores including Leopard, Wild Dog, Jungle Cat, Hyena, Jackal, and Tiger. These feed on an abundance of prey species such as Sambar, Chitel, Nilgai, Chausingha, Wild Boar and Langur.

Sharp cliffs of hills and narrow valleys of the Aravallis dominate the landscape of Sariska, whose forests are dry and deciduous. Within the Sariska wildlife sanctuary there are the ruins of medieval temples of Garh-Rajor, belonging to the 10th and 11th centuries.

A 17th century castle on a sharp hilltop at Kankwari, provides a panoramic view of flying Egyptian vultures and eagles. The area was declared a sanctuary in 1955 and became a National Park in 1979.

Major Attractions

Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary :
Sariska park is home to numerous carnivores including Leopard, Wild Dog, Jungle Cat, Hyena, Jackal, and Tiger. These feed on an abundance of prey species such as Sambar, Chitel, Nilgai, Chausingha, Wild Boar and Langur. Sariska is also well known for its large population of Rhesus Monkeys, which are found in large numbers around Talvriksh.

The avian world is also well represented with a rich and varied birdlife. These include Peafowl, Grey Partridge, Bush Quail, Sand Grouse, Tree Pie, Golden backed Wood Pecker, Crested Serpent Eagle and the Great Indian Horned Owl.

How to Reach

Air :
Jaipur is the nearest airport from Sariska at a distance 107-kms.

Rail :
The nearest railway station is at Alwar (37-kms).

Road :
Sariska wildlife sanctuary is situated off the Delhi-Alwar-Jaipur Road. Jaipur is located at a distance of 107-kms and Delhi at 200-kms from Sariska. Sariska is well connected with Alwar, which is further directly connected with bus services from Delhi and Jaipur.