Ranthambhore National Park

Ranthambhore, hailed as one of India’s finest wildlife destinations, is located near the town of Sawai Madhopur, which is around 180 km south east of Jaipur in Rajasthan.

It was established as a sanctuary in 1959 and included in the very first phase of Project Tiger in 1972. In 1981, Ranthambhore was awarded the status of a National Park. The park derives its name from the 11th century fort of Ranthambhore, which sits on a rocky outcrop in the forest. The fort was a vital citadel for the control of central India. Though overrun by vegetation, remnants of the summer palaces, temples and guard stones within the fort still remain.

Earlier the hunting reserve of the Maharajas of Jaipur, the park at Ranthambhore was once the scene of royal hunting parties. Today, it is famous for its tigers and is one of the best places in the country to see these majestic predators in the wild. The tigers can be spotted quite often even during the day, busy in their normal pursuits – especially stalking or hunting and taking care of their young. With the strict measures that have been taken for their conservation, they seem quite accustomed to human presence and are not disturbed by it.