Established by the Indian government in 1955 as the Sawai Madhopur Gaming Sanctuary, Ranthambore National Park has a rich history.
In 1973, it gained recognition as one of India's Project Tiger Reserves, marking its commitment to the conservation of this majestic species.
The park earned its designation as a national park in 1980 and witnessed further expansion in 1991, incorporating the neighboring Keladevi Sanctuary in the north and Sawai Mansingh Sanctuary in the south, along with additional forests.
Notably, Ranthambore is renowned for its tiger population, offering visitors a unique opportunity to witness these magnificent predators in their natural habitat. It stands out as the sole reserve in the region where spotting tigers is almost guaranteed, making it a prime destination for tiger tours.
The nearest airport is Sanganer Airport in Jaipur, approximately 180 km away. With regular flights from major cities across India, reaching Ranthambore from Jaipur is convenient, with taxis readily available for the 180 km journey.
Sawai Madhopur, located 10 km away, serves as the nearest railway station. Well-connected to major cities, travelers can easily take a train to Sawai Madhopur and then use taxis or cabs to reach Ranthambore National Park.
Ranthambore enjoys excellent road connectivity with state bus services connecting it to major cities. Travelers also have the option of using private or luxury cars. Cities like Jaipur (157 km), Delhi (417 km), Ahmedabad (657 km), Ajmer (274 km), and Jodhpur (450 km) are accessible by road. However, road conditions from the Agra/Bharatpur side are challenging, whereas the route from Tonk is in decent condition.
Ranthambore National Park is renowned for its thriving Bengal tiger population, drawing in thousands of visitors annually. Among the notable tigers that have contributed to Ranthambore's fame, a few have left an indelible mark. Here are their stories:
Machli: Known as the Queen of Ranthambore, Machli held a prominent place among the park's tigers. Born in 1997, she lived an impressive life until 2016. Machli was celebrated for her exceptional hunting skills, highlighted by her remarkable feat of taking down a sizable crocodile in one of the park's lakes. Additionally, she proved to be a nurturing mother, successfully raising multiple litters of cubs.
Ustad: Also recognized as T-24, Ustad was a formidable tiger in Ranthambore, notable for his imposing size and dominant demeanor. However, his interactions with humans, marked by a series of attacks, led to his relocation to a zoo in 2015.
Sultan: Referred to as T-72, Sultan stood out as one of the largest tigers in Ranthambore. His impressive size and strength were often on display as he patrolled his territory. Unfortunately, in 2018, he engaged in a territorial fight with another tiger, resulting in severe injuries that led to his demise a few days later.
Broken Tail: Identified as T-17, Broken Tail was a male tiger known for his distinctive tail, broken in an accident. A popular attraction in the park, he could often be spotted lounging on rocks or strolling along the road. However, in 2010, he mysteriously disappeared from the park and was later discovered lifeless in a nearby village.
These tigers represent just a fraction of the captivating stories that have contributed to Ranthambore's acclaim. Each one possessed a unique personality and narrative, forever etched in the park's history as symbols of its natural beauty and wildlife legacy.