Ranthambhore, in the state of Rajasthan, is one of the smallest Project Tiger reserves. It's name comes from the vast fort that stands in the middle of the forest. The name Ranthambore is derived from two hills in the area, Ran and Thanbhor. Another version says that Ranthambhore was once called Rana Stambhapura or City of the Pillars of War!

The Ranthambhore National Park at the junction of the Aravalis and the Vindhayas is a unique juxtaposition of the natural and historical richness, standing out conspicuously in the vast, arid and denuded tract of eastern Rajasthan, barely 14 kms. from Sawai Madhopur. The elegant Ranthambhore fort called the Jogi Mahal is now the forest rest house.

It spreads over a highly undulating topography varying from the gentle to the steep slopes; from flat topped hills of the Vindhayas to the conical hillocks and the sharp ridges of the Aravalis. An important geological feature the 'Great Boundary Fault' where the Vindhaya plateaus meet the Aravali hill ranges, meanders through the reserve. The National Park is bounded by the rivers Chambal in the South and the Banas in the North. Pure stands of the Dhok interspersed with open grasslands of the plateaus, six large lakes - Gilai Sagar, Mansarovar, Malik talao, Raj Bagh and Padam Talao with in the National Park.

Geographical Details
Longitude: From 76-23-00 E to 76-39-00 E
Latitude: From 25-54-00 N to 26-12-00 N
Average Rainfall: 800mm
Temperature: Min 4, Max 47 (deg. cel. )

Area details
Total Area : 392.5 sq. kms.
Ranthambhore National Park ( core ) 274.50 sq. kms.
Buffer area to R.N.P. 118.00 sq. kms.

Opening Time
The park is open from 1st October till 30th June.

Seasons and Climate
Cold: October to March ( Min less than 10 degrees Celsius) good animal sightings. Best time for bird watching.
Warm: April to June ( Max 40 degrees Celsius ) excellent animal sightings.
Wet: July to September ( National Park is closed ) Happy hours.

Gear
Light cotton clothes in warm weather. Raincoat in wet weather. Woolens and jackets in cold weather.

Preferably wear neutral and earthy coloured clothes.

Opening time
1st October to 30th June.

Advisable to carry camera and binoculars.