Ranthambore National Park
Ranthambhor National Park, before a princely game conserve is the scene
where the celebrated Indian Tiger is best seen. Ranthambhor Tiger Reserve
lies on the junction of Aravali and Vindhyas just 14 Kms from Sawai Madhopur
in Eastern Rajasthan. It sprawls over a varying and undulating landscape.
The scenery changes dramatically from gentle and steep slopes of the Vindhyas
and sharp and conical hills of the Aravali. A tenth century fort also blends
amicably with the background. Pure sands of Dhok (Anogeissus pendula) interspersed
with grasslands at the plateaus, meadows in valleys and luxuriant foliage
around the canals make the jungle.
Three big lakes – Padam Talab (meaning Lake), Malik Talab and Raj Bagh
– are similar turquoises studded in the vast forest that abounds with
aquatic vegetation including duckweeds, lilies and lotus.
A significant geological feature within the park is the 'Great Boundary
Fault' where the Vindhaya plateau meets the Aravali range. The Rivers Chambal
in the South and the Banas in the North bound the National Park. The park
is dotted with steep rocky hills and the dominating architecture of Ranthambhor
Fort (built in the 10th century), adds to its landscape.
The rugged park terrain alternates between dry deciduous forest, open grassy
meadow, dotted by several lakes and rivers that are only made passable by
rough roads built and maintained by the Forest Service.
The tiger is not the only attraction at Ranthambhor; although it is the
one park resident that people come to see. A variety of birds including
Owlets, the ubiquitous Langur (monkey), Leopard, Caracal, Hyena, Jackal,
Jungle Cat, marsh Crocodiles, Wild Boar, Bears and various species of Deer
are the other attractions.
Ranthambhor is plagued by the typical problems encountered by all game reserves
in India - people living in and around the parks and grazing by livestock!
Between 1976-1979, 12 villages within Ranthambhor National Park were resettled
outside the designated park area with only a few people now residing in
scattered hamlets within the park. Of course poachers continue their activities
with increasing demand from China for Tiger parts. There are no accurate
figures on how many tigers and poachers kill other species, but on occasion
evidence appears in the form of large numbers of skins and other body parts
found on couriers.
The park is well staffed and the folk who man the centres and the mandatory
guides - one for every vehicle, are knowledgeable of the terrain and some
even know the Latin names of most species.
The tiger is not the only attraction at Ranthambhor; although it is the
one park resident people come to see. We were lucky to see several varieties
of birds including these owlets peering through their burrow pictured here
on the right and of course the ubiquitous langur monkey. Other animals in
the reserve include leopard, caracal, hyena, jackal, jungle cat, marsh crocodiles,
wild boar, bears and various species of deer.
The main food source for the tiger is the swamp deer like Barasinsga and
on occasion the wild buffalo and also wild boar etc. If you wish to stay
near the park, the facilities on offer are superb. The park gates open a
half hour before sunrise and close half hour after sunset. The timings are
vigorously imposed and no exceptions are made to this rule.
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