Excursions
Bakaula: The bakaula area is an area dotted
with little water holes and thick foliage. Even in peak summers it feels
like an air-conditioned room. The density of wildlife present in the
area is also excellent. One feels it is possible to come across a tiger
around every bend, even though it might be easier to actually do so
near the edges of the lakes. This area is also a favourite with tigresses
with cubs as it provides them with ample water and food supply along
with excellent cover.
Kachida Valley: This valley,
which consists of many rocky outcrops and low hills, is located close
to the outskirts of the park. A jeep would be the ideal mode of transport
when trying to visit this area. This area contains a majority of the Panther
population of the park. The panthers avoid venturing into the main jungle
to avoid conflicts with tigers, who are known to kill them. This area
also has a good population of bears.
Lakarda and Anantpura: These
areas located in the North-Western and Northern regions of the park are
ideal locations to visit if looking for Sloth Bears. These areas have
a lot of ant hills, which are a favourite of the beers. Although very
rarely seen themselves, the pugmarks of the Indian striped Hyenas are
often seen here. Their numbers are not very large in the park.
Raj Bagh Ruins: These ruins
are located between the Padam Talao (lake) and the Raj Bagh Talao. These
ancient stone structures like arches, palace outhouses, domes and steps
give the area an aura that is not possible to find anywhere else in the
world. Especially if you include the jungle surroundings and are one of
the lucky few who come across one of the resident tigers. These ruins
are what give the Ranthambore National Park such a unique mixture of a
wildlife reserve and a reminder of the past, which together make it one
of the most picturesque parks in the entire world.
Padam Talao: This is the
largest of the lakes present in the park. The famous and beautiful Jogi
Mahal is located at the very edge of this lake. When in season, the water
lilies that give the lake it's name, can be seen in plenty. In the early
hours of the morning and just before sunset, animals can be seen in large
numbers on the lake side. It is in the shallow waters of this lake that
the famous "lake hunters" of Ranthambore operate, the most legendary
of which was the tiger, Genghis. It is also along this lake's edges that
the rare sighting of the chinkara is most probable.
Ranthambore Fort: This fort
stands majestically atop a hill overlooking the entire park. The walk
up, one of the only places this mode of transport is possible, is a very
refreshing and exciting one as even the big cats have been spotted up
there! The view of the surrounding keeps getting better and better as
you go up but the view from the fort itself can only be described as breathtaking.
It is advisable to take along a good pair of binoculars and if possible
a camera with a very powerful lens when visiting the fort.
The soaring Serpent eagles, vultures and other birds
can be seen at eye level. Many animals can also be seen along the edges
of all the water bodies, which are all visible from here. The fort itself
also offers many interesting architectural and historical sights worth
viewing and photographing. A trip to the fort is a must if you are a first
time visitor to the park. A guide with a good knowledge of the fort's
history would always be a good idea.
Rajbagh Talao: This is probably
the most picturesque of the three lakes. This mostly due to the ruins
that can be seen along it's edges. Yet, it owes some of it's beauty to
the animals that seem to always flock to it's waters. It always has a
large population of animals and birds feeding in it. The sambhar deer
at Ranthambore have adapted to eating plants from the lake floor and nowhere
is it more evident than at the Rajbagh Talao. Many birds, like egrets,
can be seen riding on these deer while they feed. The areas around the
Rajbagh Talao are also prime tiger spotting areas due to the kind of forest
and it's accessibility to water sources.
Malik Talao: This is the
smallest of the three lakes in Ranthambore National Park. But, as they
say, all the best things come in small packages. This definitely holds
true for Malik Talao. It is an area full of concentrated action all the
time. It always seems to have a healthy population of birds of all kinds.
Also seen at the lake very clearly and from a reasonably close distance
and handsome specimens of the Indian Marsh Crocodiles. It is quite common
here to be able to watch a kingfisher on a hunt for small fish.
Ranthambore Tourism
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