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Earlier, the hunting preserve of the Maharajas of Jaipur,
the Park at Ranthambore was once the scene of royal hunting
parties. Today, it is famous for its tigers and is one of
the best places in the country to see these majestic predators
in the wild. The tigers can be spotted quite often even during
the day, at their normal pursuits - hunting and taking care
of their young. With the strict measures that have been taken
for their conservation, they seem quite accustomed to human
activity and are not disturbed by it. A good time to visit
is between November and April when the nature of the dry deciduous
forest makes sightings common. Visit "Ranthambhore National
Park"
Ranthambhore has large numbers of Sambar, chital and nilgai.
Sounders of boar and an occasional gazelle - the chinkara
can be seen, as also the Indian hare, mongoose and monitor
lizards. The lakes and pools at the Park are where the deer
congregate and where it is easiest to see the animals. Among
the other local fauna are the leopard, hyena, jackal, jungle
cats, sloth bear and marsh crocodile.
Jacanas, painted stork, black stork, and white necked stork
are seen along the water bodies. Peafowl are found in abundance
and other birds include Bonelli's eagle, crested serpent eagle,
the great Indian horned owl, quail, partridge, spur fowl and
the paradise flycatcher.
The Park which covers an area of 392 sq. km is set between
the Aravalli and Vindhya ranges. Its deciduous forests were
once a part of the magnificent jungles of Central India. The
terrain is rugged and there are rocky ridges, hills and open
valleys with lakes and pools.
Ranthambhore's royal past manifests itself in the picturesque
ruins that dot the Park. There are lake palaces, chhatris,
old fortifications and a majestic thousand year old fort on
a height overlooking the park. The forest rest house at the
foot of the Ranthambhore fort is located in the lovely Jogi
Mahal. It overlooks a tank -the pretty Padam Talao, afloat
with water lilies.
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