Ranthambhore

Ranthambhore forest is of tropical dry deciduous type further classified as Dhok climax forest because of the predominance of Dhok (Anogeissus pendulla) found nearly everywhere. Dhok is an extremely hardy tree, capable of withstanding prolonged droughts. The leaf of this tree is good fodder and they are browsed by herbivores, and form a significant part of their diet. Even the dry, fallen leaves, eaten by them, are rich source of nutrition.

RANTHAMBOR NATIONAL PARK :

Earlier the hunting preserve of the Maharajas of Jaipur, the Park at Ranthambore 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, at their normal pursuits-hunting and taking care of their young. With the strict measures that have been taken for their conservation, they seem quite accustomed to human activity and are not disturbed by it.

Ranthambore has large no of sambar, chital and nilgai. Sounders of boar and an occassional gazelle- the chinkara can be seen, as also the Indian hare, mongoose and monitor lizards. The lakes and pools at the park are where the deer congregate and where it is easiest to see the animals. Among the other local fauna are the leopard, hyena, jackal, jungle cats, sloth bear and marsh crocodile.

Jacanas, painted storkblack stork and white necked stork are seen along the water bodies. Peafowl are found in abundance and other birds include Bonelli's eagle, crested serpent eagle, the great Indian horned owl, quail, partridge, spur fowl and the paradise flycatcher.

The park which covers an area of 392 sq. km is set between the Aravalli and Vindhya ranges. Its decidous forests were once a part of the magnificent jungles of Central India.The terrain is rugged and there are rocky ridges, hills and open valleys with lakes and pools.

Ranthambore's royal past manifests itself in the picturesque ruins that dot the Park. There are lake palaces, chhatris, old fortifications and a majestic thousand year old fort on a height overlooking the Park. The forest rest house at the foot of the Ranthambore fort is located in the lovely Jogi Mahal. It overlooks a tank-the pretty Padam Talao, afloat with water lilies.

The lakes abound with aquatic vegetation including Duckweed, lilies and lotus. A haven for a multitude of wild animals, the Park boasts of playing host to tigers, leopards, the elusive hyenas, sloth bears, wild boars, crocodiles and so on. Besides, there are over 300 species of birds, from the majestic Crested Serpent Eagle to the exotic Golden Oriole.

Tiger, at the apex of the food chain, lord over the kingdom in a subtle way. Solitary by nature, it operates in stealth. Therefore tiger sightings, frequent as they are, are always a matter of chance. However, even evidences of tiger's activities are very exciting.

Ranthambhore is also very rich in bird life with over 300 species of birds. In fact, for a keen bird-watcher Ranthambhore and its surrounding areas are paradise. Birds like Greylag geese, Bar headed geese, Painted stork, Pochards, Gadwall, Mallard, Tawny Eagle, Greater and Lesser Spotted Eagle, the rare Black Eagle, Greater and Lesser Flamingos and many more are regular winter migrants which come from their nesting grounds north of Himalayas to Ranthambhore and surrounding areas.

During summers also there are many migratory species of birds that come to this region from southern parts of India and Srilanka. Such species include Indian Pitta, Asian Paradise Flycatcher, Painted Snipe, Common Hawk Cuckoo (or Brain Fever Bird) and Golden Oriole.

Besides Tiger, there are many other animals to observe, understand and enjoy, Elegant and graceful Spotted Deer, huge Sambar, Crocodiles basking around the banks of the lakes, Vultures soaring in the sky, Crested Serpent Eagle scanning the ground from its perch or the kaleidoscope of waterfowls at the pools are all the interest for a visitor with sensitivity.

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