
Location & Attractions

Ranthambore National Park
The Park is one of the prime examples of Project Tiger's conservation efforts in
Rajasthan. It covers an area of over 400 sq km with many steep crags embracing a
network of lakes and rivers. Atop one of these hills, the 10th century Ranthambhore
Fort stands like a silent sentinel. The terrain is a blend of impregnable forests
and open bush land. The forest is the typically dry deciduous type with dhokbeing
the most prominent tree.
Ranthambhore is best known for its tiger population. Experts reckon that the tiger population here may now be as low as 15, although the official figures put it at 22, down from 44 a few years back. Apart from tigers, the park has its share of panthers, too. Kachida Valley is believed to be the place to sight these rather elusive cats. One can also find marsh crocodiles, hyenas, jungle cats and sloth bears apart from Chital, Nilgai, and Chinkara. The avian population comprises of black storks, quails, Bonelli's eagles, spur fowls, crested serpent eagles and painted storks. During the winter months, the park attracts a lot of migratory birds, including a variety of ducks. The best time of visit the park is between October and April. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to view game. It is the ideal park for wildlife photography.
Please note that the safari tour to Ranthambhore National Park by jeep/canter needs to be booked exclusively by logging on to www.rajasthanwildlife.in The hotel will not be responsible for arranging the same.
Ranthambore Fort
The fort is definitely worth visiting as it offers a panoramic view of the park,
from its ramparts. From the fort, one can see open bush land and fairly dense forest,
dotted with ruined pavilions/chatris and hideouts. The area was formerly the hunting
preserve of the Maharajas. A good network of four gravel tracks criss-crosses the
park and safaris are undertaken in open-sided jeeps driven by a ranger.

Jogi Mahal
The entry point to the Park goes straight to the foot of the fort and the forest
rest house, Jogi Mahal. The latter boasts of the second largest Banyan tree in India.
Here Tigers can be seen lolling around in daylight itself.
Lakes
The Padam Talab, the Raj Bagh Talab and the Milak Talab are some of the lakes in
the area that attract tiger population. Tigers have been spotted at the edges of
these lakes. Old crumbling walls, ruined pavilions, wells, and other ancient structures
stand witness to the region's glorious past. Tigers can be seen lolling around
lazily in the sun, or feverishly hunting down Sambar around the lakes. Even if you
do not see a tiger, it is worth the effort for the scenery alone. In India, one
won't often get the chance to visit such a large area of relatively unexplored
bush. Other game, especially the larger and smaller herbivores, can be easily spotted.
Festivals
Kaila Devi Festival in April is an important festival here.



