A Tour of Ranthambore

by Uday Patel Seo Professional & Content Writer India

The vast Aravalli Landscape nurtured by Chambal & Banas Rivers is the enchanting setting for Ranthambore Tiger Reserve. Situated in the State of Rajasthan in India it is home to fabulous tigers which have gained much popularity by their unique character. Yes true these big cats have learned to make a kill in the water in numerous lakes and waterbodies that are lifeline of the ecosystem.

Films and documentaries have been made on these big cats and countless wildlife photographers have earned name and fame all over the World. The ancient historical structures are an added attraction in this abode of the tiger. Temples, fort, ramparts, haveli's and chhatri can be seen all along the drive in the park.

Most of the structures are out of bound being in the core or critical tiger habitat but they do remind that the destination was a hunting reserve of erstwhile Maharajas of Jaipur. A capital Jaipur is also known as pink city of Rajasthan.

The park is open from 1st October to end of June every year but some tourism zones in the buffer or outer area may be open for safari. The core area tiger safari is most popular and you need a permit to enter the tourism zone. There are ten zones in the core and the excursions take place in an open jeep or a twenty seat canter. It is your choice between the two as private vehicles are not allowed inside. The canter is shade cheaper but the jeep ride accords more privacy and you can share it between family and friends.

A permit or gate pass is a prerequisite which you should book through a tour operator or on a Government website. If you are planning to stay at a resort than do ask them to book the rides for you. This has to be done as soon as you finalise the plan for travel to Ranthambore. At the last moment the permits are often exhausted.

During the festivals like Diwali, week ends and New Year tr here is a rush and you should avoid the holiday crowd. Hence plan the tiger safari in a period whence Ranthambore is not crowded.

To reach the destination you can drive to Jaipur from New Delhi or board a train. From Jaipur City the Sawai Madhopur town is a three hour drive. Most of the resorts are situated at Sawai Madhopur.