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Ranthambore
National Park
Situated in the eastern Rajasthan at the confluence of the Aravali
Hill Ranges and the Vindhyan Plateau, Ranthambore’s terrain
is an amalgam of massive rock formations, steep scarps, perennial
lakes and streams, dense deciduous forests, and open bush land. Though
bound by the rivers Chambal in the south and Banas in the north, the
Ranthambore National Park has no connection with any river system,
and has internal drainage system. Six man-made lakes are the central
focus of Ranthambore along with many streams meandering through the
park.
Once the hunting ground of the Maharajas of Jaipur, Ranthambore is
also a heritage site due to the lake palaces, ‘chhatris’,
old fortifications, and a majestic fort dating back to 1,000 years,
which overlook the park. It was declared a wildlife sanctuary in year
1957, and gained the protection of “Project Tiger” in
year 1974. In year 1981, Ranthambore was titled as a “National
Park”.
Wildlife Attraction in the Ranthambore National Park
The Flora :
The Ranthambore National Park is a dry deciduous forest with Dhok
being the most common tree found throughout the region. Other species
found here are Mango (Magnifera indica), Tamarind (Tamarindicus ibndica),
Babul (Accasia nilotica), Banyan (Ficus benghalensis), Ber (Zizyphus
mauritania), Dhak or Chila (flame of the forest), Jamun (Syzygium
cumini), Kadam (Authocephalus cadamba), Khajur (Phoenix sylvestris),
Khair (Accacia catechu), Karel (Capparis decidua), Khejda (Prosopis
specigera), Kakera (Flacourtia indica), Mohua (Madhuca indica), Neem
(Azadirachta indica), etc.
The Fauna :
Royal
Bengal Tigers are the USP of Ranthambore National Park. Apart from
these predators, other species include Leopards, Striped Hyenas, Sambar
Deer, Chital, Nilgai, Common or Hanuman Langurs, Macaques, Jackals,
Jungle Cats, Caracals, Sloth Bears, Black Bucks, Rufoustailed Hare,
Indian Wild Boar, Chinkara, Common Palm Civets or Toddy Cat, Common
Yellow Bats, Desert Cats, Fivestriped Palm Squirrels, Indian False
Vampires, Indian Flying Foxes, Indian Foxes, Indian Gerbilles, Indian
Mole Rats, Indian Porcupines, Longeared Hedgehogs, Ratels, Small Indian
Mongoose, Small Indian Civets, and Common Mongoose.
The Birds :
Due
to its varied terrain and abundance of water bodies , Ranthambore
is one of the richest reserves in bird species with both resident
and migratory birds. India’s national bird, Peacock is the most
commonly seen bird here. There are about 272 different species of
birds in Ranthambore, which include the Great Indian Horned Owl, various
species of eagles such as Bonelli’s Eagle and the Crested Serpent,
Spoonbills, Partridge, Quail, Parakeets, Kingfishers, Owls and Storks,
Geese, and Ducks.
The Reptiles:
Reptiles such as Snub-nosed Marsh Crocodiles, Desert Monitor Lizards,
Tortoise, Banded Kraits, Cobras, Common Kraits, Ganga Soft-shelled
Turtles, Indian Pythons, North Indian Flap-shelled Turtles, Rat Snakes,
Russel's Vipers, Saw-scaled Vipers, and Indian Chameleon are found
here.
The Fish :
Ranthambore also boasts of having a large variety of fish due to its
numerous water bodies. Some of the species are Bita (Labio rohita),
Catla (Catla catla), Greyei (Chhana matulion), Lanchi (Walago auto),
Mahseer (Tor tor), Mirgal (Cirrchinus mrigala), Rohu (Labio rohita),
Savank (Chhana punctatus), and Seenghari (Mystus seenghala).
In & Around Ranthambhore :
Apart from the wildlife of Ranthambore National Park, some other attractions
here are Ranthambore Fort (the 10th century fort) and Jogi Mahal in
the park complex. Some must-see destinations close to the park are
Bakaula, Kachida Valley, Lakarda, and Anantpura. You can even extend
your trip to discover the multi-faceted and picturesque Rajasthan

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