Introduction
A journey into the Ranthambore (also known as Ranthambhore) Sanctuary is an elating experience especially if you are lucky enough to sight the Big Cat. The greatest pulling factor about Ranthambore is the Tiger. The big cat is totally nonchalant about staring humans and there have been enough wildlife movies shot in the place to advertise the fact. But tigers have their moments of privacy and these seem to outweigh those moments when they don't mind being watched. Ranthambore was among one of the very first sanctuaries to come under the aegis of Project Tiger and from a few dozens the number of tigers have increased to a little over a hundred. Now a national park, it has an area of over 400 square kilometers. Most of the big cats are so secure and protected that they can be seen hunting during the day particularly around the two lakes.

Ranthambore - Important Information

Altitude 500 meters above sea level Area 1,334 sq. km (gross area) Language Hindi, Rajasthani, English Best time to visit October- February STD Code 07462

RANTHAMBHORE WILDLIFE SANCTUARY - SIGHTSEEING
Ranthambore offers many exciting options for a wildlife enthusiast as well as a regular traveler. The park itself is considered as the most photo friendly wildlife sanctuary in the world. Tigers of Ranthambore can be captured in their various moods and moments. Apart from the Ranthambore Park, there are historical attractions such as Jogi Mahal and Ranthambore Fort. Flora and fauna of the park is of mixed variety and needs a good look. Topping it all is the cultural traditions of the region that makes the visit all the more exciting. While in the park, don't forget to go for a jeep safari and enjoy the ethnic flavor of local cuisine.

Tigers of Ranthambore
The tiger reigns supreme in Ranthambore. Ranthambore is among the few places in the world where this super-predator, symbol of power, strength and magnificence, can be observed at close quarters. There are about 25 tigers and 40 leopards in the reserve. These are supported by a large population of healthy herbivores. On can never have enough of tigers. One may have seen a tiger a hundred times, yet each sighting is greeted with the same high-pitched intensity. The stomach tightens; voices drop to a whisper and no one can take their eyes off this magnificent creature.

Tigers can be spotted quite often in their natural habitat even during daytime. They have been frequently seen at the edges of three lakes-Padam Talab, Raj Bagh Talab and Milak Talab. The park also has panthers in sizable numbers, though they have been spotted generally at the outskirts of the park perhaps due to the inevitable conflict with the tiger population, which command the 'superior' position amidst the predatory cats. For spotting panthers, Kachida Valley is regarded as the ideal place

Ranthambore Fort
Ranthambore Fort is another noteworthy site for excursion in Ranthambore. The fort was built by the Chauhan rulers in the 10th century and it was the envy of many rulers because of its strategic location. Women of the royal household performed jauhar (self immolation) when the Muslim invader Alauddin Khilji laid siege to this fort in 1303. There are many temples, tanks, massive gates, and curtain walls inside the fort.

Jogi Mahal
Another important sightseeing is Jogi Mahal, now a forest rest house overlooking the pretty Padam Talab. The palace has all the facilities for a comfortable stay and it attracts large number of tourists every year. The main attraction of the palace is an ancient banyan tree that is considered as the second oldest in India.

RANTHAMBORE - EXCURSIONS
An excursion to the nearby area can be a great idea if you wish to known about the historical and cultural importance of the region. Apart from the historical witnesses of time, these places have much more to offer to make your visit a complete one. Sawai Madhopur village, which is the entry point to many of the nearby important destination, is one of its kind. The village is known for its many historical monuments and related legends that you can find in these small and big structures. Karauli is another place famous for its temples and architectural marvels. Bundi (66 km) is famous for its monuments and especially its fort, which preserves the glorious legacy of its erstwhile Rajput rulers. Kota (100 km) has number of important sites like the City Fort and Palace, Kota Barrage, the Kishore Sagar Tank, the Jagmandir Palace, the Brij Vilas Palace Museum, etc. Tonk (100 km) is an old town dating to the middle of the 17th century.