Ranthambore National Park, National park in Sawai Madhopur district, India
Ranthambore National Park is a protected area in northeastern Rajasthan covering roughly 392 square kilometers where dry deciduous forest, open grassland and several lakes shape the terrain. The lakes draw tigers, leopards and numerous waterbirds, while rocky hills and the old fort break the skyline.
The area served for centuries as hunting grounds for the kings of Jaipur until the Indian government declared it a tiger reserve in 1973. Seven years later it gained national park status and became part of a nationwide program to save threatened big cats.
The name comes from Ranthambhore Fort, which rises on a hill inside the protected area and once served as a stronghold for Chauhan rulers. Today visitors explore the ruins between safaris and see temple complexes and old gates emerging from the trees.
Safaris run from October through April when temperatures are tolerable and animals appear more often at water sources. Sawai Madhopur railway station lies around eleven kilometers from the entrance and offers connections to larger cities across Rajasthan.
More than 270 bird species live in the park, including vultures, eagles and rare waterbirds that gather at the lakes. The Bengal tigers often show themselves during the day near the ruins and drink from the shallow waters, making sightings easier.
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