Does the adventurer in you want to go on a jungle safari ride? Well, We can tell you that the best place in Rajasthan to do so is Ranthambore National Park. It is located about 13.5 kilometers away from the city of Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan. Due to its placement being at the intersection of the Aravali and Vindhya hill ranges, it is the best place to see wild animals in their natural habitat. 

BAKAULA

Bakaula is one of the cooler regions of the park. All around, it has several water holes, so it provides a great opportunity to spot the Royal Bengal tiger and other wild animals. During the summer season, visitors often find tigresses and their cubs, drinking water, at the ponds. Bakaula is cooler compared to other areas, due to the thick vegetation present that emits moisture on the land, at all times. If you pack a pair of binoculars with you, then you can explore the depths of the Ranthambore wildlife, at Bakaula. 

FAUNA

Ranthambore is home to multiple species of wildlife because of its unique climate and vegetation. This park has more than 320 species of birds, 40 species of mammals, and 35 species of reptiles. The greatest attraction of the park is the Royal Bengal tiger. Apart from the tigers, there are four other types of big cats species in the park, which include leopards, caracals, jungle cats, and rusty-spotted cats. There are various other wildlife species, which include the sloth bear, jackal, striped hyena, Indian Palm Civet, Common mongoose, Ruddy mongoose, Long-eared hedgehogs, Five-striped palm squirrel, Indian porcupine, Indian hare, Indian mole-rat, Honeybadger, Indian flying fox, Greater false vampire bat, and Indian gerbil. Additionally, there are a great number of reptiles in the national park, such as the Snout marsh crocodile, Common Indian monitor lizard, Indian rock python, Indian bullfrog, etc. 

FLORA

Ranthambore National Park has a wide array of flora. The variation comes from the assorted climatic regions present in the park, through the existence of lakes, hills, slopes, plateaus, valleys, and its proximity to the Thar desert. The most prominent tree in the national park, the ‘Dhok,’ caters to the diet of deer, antelope, and nilgai. Other eminent trees of the park include the Banyan and Pipal trees. In fact, the largest Banyan tree in India is found behind Jogi Mahal, the hunting lodge in Ranthambore National Park. Additionally, you will find all sorts of fruit trees, including Mango, Jamun, Ber, and Tamarind trees. Other fauna are Babul, Gurjan, Gum and Khajur. 

RANTHAMBORE FORT

The royal Ranthambore Fort is located within the Ranthambore National Park and holds great importance as a hunting ground for the Maharajas of Jaipur, until India’s independence. This fort was created by the Chauhans and was captured by the Delhi Sultanate. Today, it stands as a great tourist attraction in the world-famous park. Within the fort, resides the Trinetra Ganesh Temple, one of the oldest temples in Rajasthan. Also, the uniqueness of this temple remains in the fact that this is the only temple in the entire world that houses the complete family of Lord Ganesha, in which Ganeshji has three eyes. This temple holds great significance as it is believed to bring peace from war for King Hameer of Ranthambore. 

RAJ BAGH RUINS

The Raj Bagh Ruins of Ranthambore are ancient ruins and stone structures in the form of arches, palaces, domes, and outhouses. They are placed between the Padam Talao and Raj Bagh Talao. A compact jungle surrounds these ruins, where Royal Bengal Tigers like to lay low. You could explore the breathtaking scenery of these ruins from afar, during your wildlife jeep safari.

PADAM TALAO

Padam Talao is one of the largest lakes in Ranthambore. The alluring Jogi Mahal is very close to this special lake. Many animals drink water from this lake, including the Chinkara deer in the mornings. You can even spot the hidden crocodiles which come out during the summers. This makes for great wildlife viewing and photography. People are not allowed to walk near the lake but can get glimpses of its naturalistic beauty through the jeep safari or Ranthambore fort.

KACHIDA VALLEY

A remarkable locale to check out during your Ranthambore trip is the Kachida Valley. This area is very close to the outskirts of the Ranthambore National Park and is home to countless leopards. These leopards have migrated to this region to avoid clashes with the Royal Bengal tigers. Apart from these, sloths, bees, and large ants have made Kachida Valley their residence. However, one must keep in mind that they can only sight-see this mesmerizing natural valley, through a safari. 

LAKARDA AND ANANTPURA

 Another tourist attraction at Ranthambore National Park is Lakarda and Anantpura. These natural landscapes can be found in the northern regions of the park. People often find sloths, ant hills and even Indian striped Hyenas in this area.

With all that Ranthambore National Park has to offer, with their Raj Bagh ruins, lakes, diverse wildlife, it is a great place to go for the adventurer in you. It is the perfect place for the royal traveler in you. The best time to visit the park is the winters, due to the pleasant weather and multiple opportunities of spotting the wild animals that come out to bask in the sun’s warm rays. Otherwise, it is suggested that you could go during the summers because the chances of spotting tigers and other animals are quite high, due to them coming out from hiding to quench their thirst. Do make it a point to come out to visit India’s most popular national park of all- the Ranthambore National Park.