On Tiger’s Trail: Ranthambhore National Park

Reputed to be among of India’s finest, Ranthambore National Park is world famous for its tiger sightings. The park boasts of spectacular drives with the views of the Ranthambhore Fort, the legendary Jogi Mahal, and lotus covered Raj Bagh and the Semli and Berda Valleys. The ruins of summer palaces and hunting lodges dot the landscape at Ranthambhore.A combination of forest and scrubland in which nestle six lakes the River Banas and its tributary Kandoli,make Ranthambhore ideal for spotting tigers hunting, playing with their young or sunning themselves. The tigers almost always make an appearance. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times. Apart from tigers there are plenty of other wildlife to feast the eyes on including langurs,wild boar,sambhar,herds of shy chital,sloths,hyenas,bears can be spotted. Rides into the Park are highly regulated at Ranthambhore and private cars are not allowed. You need to make a booking with the forest dept or if you are staying at a resort you can enter the park in their jeeps. Daily three hours trips each morning and afternoon begin from the forest dept along four different trails. A highlight of Ranthambhore is seeing the legendary Jogi Mahal from the heights and the unbelievable girth of the banyan tree which stands next to it. In front of the palace is the picturesque Padam Talo studded with pink and white water lilies. Tourists cannot stay in Jogi Mahal as it is now a forest guest house. There are several resorts and budget hotels available in Ranthambhore and Swai Madhopur.One can try Vanyavilas, SherBagh and newly opened Khem Vilas. All the hotels in Ranthambhore have restaurants and most serve local Rajasthani cuisine. The nearest railhead is Swai Madhopur. Many trains from Delhi take few hours to reach Swai Madhopur.By car: Highway driving up to Dausa, then state roads to Ranthambhore.Private vehicles are not allowed into the park. The Park opens on October 1 and closes end-June. November to February is recommended for those who like to avoid too much heat. For tiger lovers the hot months are October. March and April when tigers are more easily sighted close to water bodies.