Ranthambore National Park:

The Ranthambore National Park, at the junction of the Aravallis and the Vindhyas, is a unique juxtaposition of natural and historical richness, standing out conspicuously in a vast arid and denuded tract of eastern Rajasthan, barely 14 km. from the town of Sawai Madhopur. It is spread over a highly undulating topography, varying from gentle to steep slopes, from flat-topped hills (Indala, Doodh-Bhat and Chiroli) of the Vindhyas to the conical hillocks and sharp ridges of the Aravallis, from wide and flat valleys (Lahpur, Nalghati, Khachida, Anantpur etc.) to narrow rocky gorges. An important geological feature, the "Great Boundary fault" where the Vindhyas were brought against the ancient Aravallis, passes from here.

The Ranthambore National Park encompasses nearly 404 sq. kms. of dry deciduous forest in south western Rajasthan. The Park derives its name form the fortress of Ranthambore which sits on a rocky outcrop in the forest. Vast in size , it encompasses an area of nearly 7 kms. in circumference. Its history dates back to the 11th century when Rana Hamir ruled from its ramparts. Its massive battlements enclose one of India's most ancient forts. The was a vital citadel for the control of central India and over the centuries many wars were fought for its possession.

Nature overflows here with her bounty and variety. The area has preponderance of dhok trees but there is an abundance of ancient banyan and peepal trees with their spreading roots adding to the general luxuriance of the area. Very now and again one stumbles upon massive rock formation, steep scarps, perennial lakes and streams. Ranthambore has a remarkable rich and diverse flora and fauna. The species lists for the area include nearly 300 trees, 50 aquatic plants and more than 100 species of herbs, grasses, climbers and seasonal plants. The bird list for the National Park contains 272 species and the mammal list has 30. There are at least a dozen species of reptiles and amphibians, perhaps a dozen fishes and profusion of insect life that has still to be catalogued. No wonder that the U.S. president Bill Clinton visited this place in early 2000, and was fortunate to see two wild tigers on the same day.

The forests are very colorful, with the passage of each season the forest changes color. During the monsoons everything turns a vibrant and lush green and the prevailing sound is that of gurgling streams and waterfalls. AT the onset of the summer the contrast is sharp and the forest seems to shrivel under the scorching sun. The wide grasslands burn with the heat, the rocks reflect back t you and you feel the forest is melting. Two river systems, the Chambal and the Banas, cut around the forest on the border of Madhya Pradesh, nature has showered its treasures on this tiny paradise. In the dry and semi dry areas wildlife is invariably concentrated near water which is why sighting animals is so easy in Ranthambore.

Every evening a large population of sambar, chital and wild boar frequent rajbagh and often tigers walk through the grass at the edge of this lake in anticipation of a kill.
The best and the only way to see the natures exuberance is through a two hundred kilometers of jeep able, fair weather road which provide excellent access to remote areas. Several sanctums have been left untouched and isolated with no roads and thus no human intrusion. This allows the animals the peace and privacy so necessary to their well being, for if they were constantly disturbed they would find it difficult to to procreate and rear their young.

Nearest Rail Head : Sawaimadhopur 5 kms Several trains a day from Delhi, Mumbai, Agra & Jaipur.
Nearest Airport : Jaipur - 170 kms, Delhi - 350 kms.
Weather : April - June (very warm), July-September park closed, October-March ( very cold)
Area : 404 Sq. kms.
Location : The district of Sawai Madhopur in South Western Rajasthan.
Max. Temp : 48* C ( June )
Min. Temp : 15* C (January)
Rainfall : 900 mm per year

Spotting a Tiger in the Wild

The first thing you realize is that you seldom watch an animal satisfactorily just by luck. This certainly applies to mammals. An animal detects your present long before you know it is there. In every case it is a contest of wits you are pitting your knowledge against the instincts of self preservation of a wild animal, instincts that are helped by acute senses, particularly those of smell and hearing.
In general, wild animals are shy and elusive. Many times visitors to a national Park are disappointed on not spotting any wild animals especially big game like the tiger and leopard.
Tracks or pugmarks provide important clues. Not only do they tell us of the presence of wild animals but they can also indicate the size, sex, and sometimes even the age of an animal.
The marks of animal feet on the roads of the Park reveal their presence and the freshness of the tiger's pugmark reveals its whereabouts.
Tracks on the road can also reveal the presence of cubs with a tigress.
Looks on the road can also trees where tigers leave territorial signals that demarcate their home range.
These trees are also marked by their scent.
Alarm and scare calls of animals like sambar, chital, bluebull, chinkara, langur monkey or even Peacock, provide clues to the exact location of the tiger.
Understanding and interpreting visual signs and sounds ins an art in itself. And one of the most enjoyable to learn while you drive through the forest.

Ranthambore's 300 km of roads have been superbly planned and tigers that are soft padded animals walk them frequently. As long as you don't get too close or intrude and disturb them they will pad along the road and have even been known to block traffic for long periods of time as they did with president Clinton's convoy in 2000.

Always pause, listen and assess the clues that the forest provides about the tigers presence. Remember that the edges of the roads will have scats (droppings )of tigers and their scrape marks, which are also indicators of the freshness of their presence.
Crows on a tree are also good indicators of meat nearby and provide clues to a kill. Tree pies do much the same by either calling incessantly or flying over a specific spot. Remember to look for low circling vultures, especially if the are dropping down at a spot they are excellent indicators of a kill. King vultures and Egyptian vultures sitting patiently on a branch of a tree can also indicate a kill nearby. All these scavenging birds can lead you to tigers, leopards of jackals.