Ranthambore Wildlife 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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