One of the erstwhile hunting grounds of the Maharajas of Jaipur, Ranthambore National Park is presently one of the biggest and world reputed national parks of India. It also has an international status due to the Project Tiger declaration in 1973. The adjacent jungle is also included to enlarge the encompassed area and share borders with the Sawai Man Singh Sanctuary and Kailadevi Sanctuary.

Ranthambore National Park is situated near the town of Sawai Madhopur and is as far as 145 km from Jaipur. It sprawls over an area of 1,334 km2. Surrounded with the hills of Aravali and Vindya ranges, the park excites the senses with offering some rare and lucky sightings of the tigers living there. The ‘King of Jungle’ in its natural surroundings looks majestic. The complete experience of the pictorial ruins in the park with lush greenery and other species of birds and animals is actually wonderful. Spending time in this wildlife park is like one-time experience to be cherished forever.

The primary animal population consists of animal species like Chinkara, Common Palm Civets or Toddy Cat, Common Yellow Bats, Desert Cats, Macaques, Jackals, Jungle Cats, Caracals, Sloth Bears and many more to find out. There are some fierce looking marsh croc reptiles such as Snub Nosed Marsh Crocodiles, Desert Monitor Lizards, Tortoise, Banded Kraits, Cobras, Rat Snakes, Saw-scaled Vipers, and Russel's Vipers etc. A beautiful range of migrating birds can also be seen along with the resident birds. Variety of storks, black eagle, crashed hawk eagle, parakeets, peafowl’s, doves, etc .,are some resident birds whereas Grey Lag Goose, Ruddy Shelduck and Pintails are few varieties of migratory birds. A wildlife lover can feel mesmerized by being a part of such natural beauty.

Other than tapping the abundance of fauna, Ranthambore has a fort named as Ranthambore Fort which is situated on the hilltop. An ideal location for photography, Jogi Mahal is also a wonderful place to visit.

There are some scenic lakes to explore as well. Named as Malik Talao, Rajbagh Talao, Padam Talao, there are other spots like Bakaula, Kachida Valley, Kachida Valley and Raj Bagh ruins which are ruins of some royal occupancy once.

Reaching Jaipur through flights always allow tourists to be quick. Roadways or to book train tickets to Ranthambore can either be chosen feasibly. Visiting season is from 1st October to 30th June and the park remains closed for the rest of the year. This year in 2010, the sanctuary is going to remain closed from 01 July till 30 Sep due to some reasons. The Forest Department has announced the Census for Ranthambore National Park due to which 28th April-29th April Afternoon Drives will remain closed.

Tempting the senses, Ranthambore always calls tourists to spend their vacations in such a natural paradise. To stay, there are various hotels and resorts ranging from luxurious to budgeted ones.