Ranthambore

Ranthambore National Park is a national park and tiger reserve in the Sawai Madhopur district of Rajasthan, northern India. It lies about 180 kilometers from Jaipur and comprises a core area of approximately 392 square kilometers, with the larger Ranthambore Tiger Reserve extending to about 1,334 square kilometers including buffer zones. The park features rocky hills and dry deciduous forest, and contains several lakes that sustain wildlife. Within the park sits Ranthambore Fort, a hilltop fortress dating from the 10th to the 16th centuries.

The park is famous for its tiger population and is considered one of the best places in India to observe Bengal tigers in their natural habitat. In addition to tigers, it hosts leopards, deer such as sambar and chital, nilgai, wild boar, and sloth bears, along with a variety of birds including waterfowl and raptors. The landscape supports diverse ecosystems and is popular for wildlife photography and birdwatching.

Ranthambore was established as a wildlife sanctuary in 1955 and designated a national park in 1980. It is part of India's Project Tiger conservation program. Tourism is organized around guided safaris in designated zones, with peak activity from October to June. Access is via Sawai Madhopur, which has rail connections to major cities.