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The
Ranthambore National Park encompasses nearly 400 sq. kms. of dry
deciduous forest in south western Rajasthan. The Park derives its name
form the fortress of Ranthambore which sits on a rocky outcrop in the
forest. Vast in size , it encompasses an area of nearly 7 kms. in
circumference. Its history dates back to the 11th century when Rana
Hamir ruled from its ramparts. Its massive battlements enclose one of
India's most ancient forts. The was a vital citadel for the control of
central India and over the centuries many wars were fought for its
possession.
The
Ranthambore park is open only during the day time and accommodations
are available only outside the park. There are many site seeing spots
adjoining the park. The Mansarover lake lies just on the outskirts of
the National Park approx. 20 kms from from the park and is known for
its scenic beauty and various kinds of migratory bird. Surwal lake
which is just 8 kms is another heaven for bird lovers, since it
attracts many kinds of migratory birds also a beautiful site for
camping. Devpura which is 15 kms is a unique place where black bucks
and antelopes are found. Pali ghat on the banks of river chambal is an
excellent spot for boating and camping. Indergarh a 15th century fort
which is located in the middle of a forested valley infested with
wildlife is again a place to camp.
Today man is sowing the seeds of his own destruction. Numerous forms
of life are slowly disappearing from this planet of which they are an
integral part. Man and every living organism that makes up this world
are interlocked in a complex and delicate matrix of life. If one
strand breaks, the matrix is weakened and man draws closer to the
disintegration of his habitat and therefore himself. Man must
therefore find his own balance with nature so that wilderness areas
like Ranthambore can survive into the future.
The forests are very colorful, with the passage of each season the
forest changes color. During the monsoons everything turns a vibrant
and lush green and the prevailing sound is that of gurgling streams
and waterfalls. AT the onset of the summer the contrast is sharp and
the forest seems to shrivel under the scorching sun. The wide
grasslands burn with the heat, the rocks reflect back t you and you
feel the forest is melting. Two river systems, the Chambal and the
Banas, cut around the forest on the border of Madhya Pradesh, nature
has showered its treasures on this tiny paradise. In the dry and semi
dry areas wildlife is invariably concentrated near water which is why
sighting animals is so easy in Ranthambore.
Every evening a large population of sambar, chital and wild boar
frequent rajbagh and often tigers walk through the grass at the edge
of this lake in anticipation of a kill.
The best and the only way to see the natures exuberance is through a
two hundred kilometers of jeep able, fair weather road which provide
excellent access to remote areas. Several sanctums have been left
untouched and isolated with no roads and thus no human intrusion. This
allows the animals the peace and privacy so necessary to their well
being, for if they were constantly disturbed they would find it
difficult to to procreate and rear their young.
In the last 10 years the tiger population has increases here
considerably, there has been no human encroachments since 1979. The
mother was no longer teaching them to avoid man, hence tiger sighting
is easy. Today Ranthambore is not only the finest paradise for the
tiger, but also the sambhar and it is only place in India where
sambhar are seen so easily and in such large numbers.
Leopards, the Indian sloth bear and the innumerable crocodiles make it
a vital pulsating ecological system. Dotted with lakes and streams it
is a bird watchers dream.
Save Tiger Like oil lamps flickering in the wind, the world's
tiger population is unhurriedly being snuffed out. Several books and
literature have been produced to describe the most intriguing, the
most powerful and the most majestic of all animals. The Hindu
tradition and culture have a place of honor and worship for tiger. In
India people had added Singh, Sher and Nahar on their names to upgrade
their class. Yet people have been incredibly scant to the cause of the
tiger. This web site aims in graphics, pictures and prose to advance
the level of wakefulness and concern for this mythical and secretive
striped beauty that placidly roams the jungles.
Tiger Moments
There is enormous pressure on the habitat of the tigers, the
Ranthambhore Foundations hopes to strike an ecological balance and
complete harmony between man and the beast
The
Fort: Steep crags embrace a network of lakes and rivers, and atop
one of these hills, is the impressive Ranthambhore Fort. Built in the
10th century, the fort is considered to be one of the oldest forts in
the state. Strategically built on the border of Rajasthan and Malwa,
the fort houses some splendid monuments, within its precincts. The
terrain fluctuates between impregnable forests and open bush land. The
forest is the typically dry deciduous type, with Dhok, being the most
prominent tree.
The Jogi Mahal: The entry point to the park, goes straight to
the foot of the fort and the forest rest house, Jogi Mahal. The latter
boasts of the second-largest Banyan tree in India.
The Badal Mahal: The “palace of the clouds”, situated in the
fort has a very interesting location and seems as if hanging out in
space. The famous 84-column 'chhatri' of King Hammir stands out
magnificently where he used to hold an audience. The Padam Talab, the
Raj Bagh Talab and the Milak Talab are some of the lakes in the area
worth seeing |
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