About Ranthambore
A Legacy of Wildlife Conservation
Ranthambore National Park, nestled at the junction of the Aravalli and Vindhya hill ranges in southeastern Rajasthan, is one of India's most celebrated wildlife reserves. Spread across 1,334 square kilometers, this former hunting ground of the Maharajas of Jaipur has been transformed into one of the finest tiger habitats in the world.
Established as the Sawai Madhopur Game Sanctuary in 1955 and later declared a national park in 1980, Ranthambore became part of Project Tiger in 1973. Today, it is home to over 80 Bengal tigers, making it one of the highest tiger-density regions in India.
The park is famous for its bold, daytime-active tigers — a rare phenomenon that makes Ranthambore one of the best places in the world to spot tigers in their natural habitat. The ancient Ranthambore Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back to the 10th century, adds a majestic historical backdrop to every safari.
Ranthambore at a Glance
Wildlife of Ranthambore
Beyond the iconic Bengal tiger, Ranthambore teems with diverse wildlife across its deciduous forests, grasslands, and water bodies.
🐅 Mammals
- Bengal Tiger (80+)
- Indian Leopard
- Sloth Bear
- Striped Hyena
- Sambar Deer
- Chital (Spotted Deer)
- Nilgai (Blue Bull)
- Indian Wild Boar
- Langur Monkey
- Jungle Cat & Indian Fox
🦅 Birds
- Indian Peafowl (Peacock)
- Crested Serpent Eagle
- Painted Stork
- Indian Grey Hornbill
- Kingfisher (3 species)
- Indian Robin
- Owls (5+ species)
- Marsh Crocodile
- Spoonbill
- 300+ species documented
🌿 Flora & Landscape
- Dry Deciduous Forest
- Dhok (Anogeissus pendula)
- Banyan Trees (Ancient)
- Pipal & Neem Trees
- Padam Talao Lake
- Raj Bagh Ruins
- Malik Talao Lake
- Rocky Plateaus
- Seasonal Streams
- Grasslands & Meadows
Ranthambore Fort — A UNESCO Treasure
The imposing Ranthambore Fort, perched atop a steep hill at 700 feet, has witnessed over a millennium of history. Built by the Chauhan Rajputs in the 10th century AD, it was one of the most formidable forts of medieval India.
The fort was besieged multiple times — by Iltutmish in 1226, Alauddin Khalji in 1301 (when the famous Jauhar took place), and later passed between Mughal and Rajput control. Emperor Akbar captured it in 1569, and it eventually became part of the Jaipur State.
In 2013, the fort was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the "Hill Forts of Rajasthan." Today, the fort's three Hindu temples (Ganesh, Shiva & Ramlalji), Jain temples, and ancient ruins within the park offer a unique blend of wildlife and heritage tourism.
Key Milestones
Declared as Sawai Madhopur Game Sanctuary by the Government of Rajasthan.
Included as one of the first reserves under Project Tiger — India's flagship tiger conservation program.
Upgraded to a full National Park status by the Government of India.
Sawai Man Singh Sanctuary and Keladevi Sanctuary added, expanding the tiger reserve.
The legendary tigress Machli (T-16), "Queen of Ranthambore," gains international fame.
Ranthambore Fort declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Tiger population surpasses 80, with successful breeding and tiger translocation programs strengthening the gene pool.
Location & How to Reach
Ranthambore is conveniently located near Sawai Madhopur, well-connected by rail, road, and air.
By Train
Sawai Madhopur Junction is the nearest station — just 11 km from the park gate. Direct trains available from Jaipur (2.5 hrs), Delhi (6 hrs), Mumbai (16 hrs), and Agra (4 hrs).
By Road
Well-connected via NH-12. Jaipur: 180 km (3 hrs), Delhi: 400 km (6.5 hrs), Agra: 260 km (4.5 hrs). Private taxis and state buses available.
By Air
Jaipur International Airport (180 km) is the nearest major airport. Kota Airport (110 km) for domestic flights. Pre-arranged airport transfers available.
