Friday, March 27, 2009

Ranthambhore Forest Resort

Ranthambhore Forest Resort is the ultimate in comfort and hospitality. Spread over five acres, the Resort borders the lush green forest, behind which mountains provide a unique backdrop. On all sides it offers a spectacular view of untamed nature in all its manifestations of flora and fauna. Migratory and local birds can be both seen and heard around the Resort. The unsurpassed diversity of the wildlife consists of a number of animals such as deer, hyenas, foxes, sloth bears, jungle cats and many others. And, of course, the major attraction-the tiger. Enjoy the spectacle of the wildlife sanctuary and, back at the Resort, go around our 5-hole mini golf course, play volleyball, tennis, badminton and lawn tennis on our immaculately prepared courts or go swimming (separate pools for adults and children). And there's even a shooting range. Or just laze in the sun or under the shady trees in our elegant lawns, depending on the weather.

In the evening, go ethnic in our specially organized cultural programmes of folk music, dances and puppet shows. Wildlife talks and shows can also be arranged on request.For children, besides swimming and a variety of indoor games, the unique natural ambience of the Resort urges children to give full rein to their imagination.

RANTHAMBORE NATIONAL PARK


District : Sawai Madhopur Region in Dhundhar
Location : At the junction of Aravallis and Vindhyas, SE of Rajasthan
Famous As : Tiger Reserve
What To Look For : Indian Gazelle, Black Buck, Elephants



Ranthambhore - The Only Place Where The King Stays Calm

Tyger, Tyger, burning bright
In the forest of the night,
What immortal hand or eye
Could frame thy fearful symmetry?

- William Blake (1757-1827)

It is hard to imagine. A massive tiger, his muscles rippling, his teeth all bared, his eyes with a brilliant bluish- grey tint, his body kept really low and his roar sounding like a million thunderbolts going off at the same time would come and greet you. Reputed to be among of India's first rated, people have been known to complain that the tigers at Ranthambhore National Park are almost tame! On the flip side, sightings are high. These tigers of Ranthambhore are so accustomed to human presence that they are known to even hunt in broad daylight in full view of gaping tourists. A significant geological feature within the terrain is the 'Great Boundary Fault' where the Vindhaya plateau meets the Aravali range. The Rivers Chambal in the South and Banas in the North hug the National Park. Take a tour of the Ranthambore national park which is dotted with steep rocky hills and the dominating architecture of Ranthambhor Fort (built in the 10th century), adds to its landscape. The rugged park scape alternates between dry deciduous forest, open grassy meadow, dotted by several lakes and rivers that are only made passable by rough roads built and maintained by the Forest Service.

Once at Sawai Madhopur, the Gateway to famous Ranthambhore wildlife sanctuary, is an important railhead to reach the famous national park. Situated at a distance of 145 km from Jaipur, this place can be easily accessed from both Agra and Delhi. The short drive from the station to the park is exciting, apart from the busy market place at the start of the journey. Remember to adorn your hands with traditional Rajasthani bangles made of glass and lac and knick knacks that can be good souvenirs for your near and dear ones.


The Royal Den

As Ranthambore park is a major tiger reserve now, it becomes an inevitable fact that prior to Independence, the park was the hunting grounds of Jaipur's maharajahs, who mounted elaborate big game shoots or shikars here. The game was a king's favorite and the token was a crowd pleaser. A leisure walk through the deciduous forest augments one's level of adrenaline to acme, when one comes to know that wind is the only harbinger for a tiger phenomenon. The reserve is peppered with hardy dhok trees whose leaves are used for animal fodder. In April, when the brilliant flowers of the forest blooms, it creates a eye-catching fiesta of fiery red across the park precincts. The reserve with its large domain of flora and fauna, fabricates a jungle book every time it is haunted by a traveler. The vicious animals, though they hunt for their hors d'oeuvre, candidly maintain a universal cult of brotherhood amidst the green bushes; birds chirp, monkeys jump and deers dart across the creepers, clearly bespeaking the propinquity of the jungle king. The scenic landscape of Ranthambhore is also an athletic arena for chital (spotted deer) and the sambar, India's largest deer. The main food source for the tiger is the swamp deer and chinkara (Indian gazelle); on occasion the wild buffalo and also wild boar etc. Enjoy a stay near the Ranthambore National park, the facilities on offer are superb. The park gates open a half hour before sunrise and close half hour after sunset. The timings are vigorously imposed and no exceptions are made to this rule

Tiger strolls past truckload of tourists, Ranthambhore wildlife park

Safari in Ranthambhore



Safaris - An Endeavor For a Rendezvous With the Jungle

Rides in to the park are precisely regulated at Ranthambhore and private vehicles are not allowed. You need to make a reservation with the Forest Department. There's a reasonable chance of spotting a tiger, but you should plan on two or three safaris. Even if you don't see a tiger, it's worth being there for the scenery alone; in India its not often you get the chance to visit such a large area of virgin bush. While on Rantambore wildlife tourism daily 3 hr trips, every morning and afternoon, begin from the Forest Department along four different trails. A good network of four gravel path intersects the arena of the park and on each safari 2-3 jeeps take a trail. There are also large open-topped trucks (canters) which seat 20 people.

Famous Ranthambore Wildlife sanctuary in India provides opportunities of photography is must in these green patches. Get some 400 or 800 ASA films, as the undergrowth is dense and indispensably dark in places. The prime time for catching those optical memories is March and April, and jeeps are better suited to photography than the canters. If you are taking a morning safari, it's better to pack something warm to wear. According to several guides, bright color clothing should be avoided as it apparently irritates the tiger. Be well prepared while on a jungle safari. Carry a mosquito repellent and a bottle of water, particularly in October and November.

Stay Princely Amidst The Green Peace

Travel to this famous national park and see the forest through the eyes of a starry night. Let the darkness droop over the flaming 'uruli' in which a cheery log fire burns, let the moths compete to immolate themselves, while you sit in an armchair and rejoice the solitary ambiance shawled around you. Set amidst the rugged Aravallis outside Ranthambhor National Park, Aman-i-Khas is a perfect place to explore the world around that excites, petrifies and caresses, a place that provides priceless luxuries amid the soothing embrace of the wild. The humongous waterproof tents afford sleeping, bathing and dressing sections, which lead off from the center by cotton drapes. Central heating (and cooling in summers) takes care of the atmosphere. Enjoy a stay in this major tiger reserve in India, in the tents house minimal furniture - an oversized bed, dining table with chairs and an armchair - so that one can experience raw camping without compromising on comfort.

Ranthambhore Fort

Ranthambhore Fort



Ranthambhore Fort - The Jungle Palace

The Ranthambhore National Park certainly is one of the most picturesque forest reserves in the world - the entire terrain being dominated by the silent, ruined bastions of the Ranthambhore Fort, which is inside the sanctuary. Long before these jungles were downgraded to a ' sanctuary', before the tiger became a refugee in its own home, at a time when man was a side-dish in Ranthambhore, king Sapaldaksha built a fort deep inside this forest. The first tremors of a truly wild species had begun in the heart of these formidable jungles.

Inside the famous Ranthambore wildlife sanctuary in India, there is a fort that was built, according to ancient architectural norms, to be the perfect vanadurga (forest fort); designed to utilize all the elements of the wild to its advantage. It was situated on a convenient plateau surrounded by intractable forests, cliffs and gorges. The wild animals were also employed, without being told, as another ring of protection. But what man usurped so many centuries ago has now been reclaimed. Ever climbing trees grow persistently over the deserted pavilions and temple spires, and today the fort best serves as a picturesque seasoning for those who come looking for a dinner party anecdotes about close encounters with the tiger. The fort's outer walls has a circumference of 7 km. You will need to drive up to the fort and, once you are up there, the views from the ramparts are simply amazing.

A very interesting thing about the Ranthambhor Fort; atop the rocky cliff, there is a post office and a temple of the Hindu god, Ganesha. Invitation card of every Hindu wedding is first sent to this temple and the post office is there because of the overload.

When To Go

Travel to this tiger reserve in Rajasthan, whic opens during the first week of October and closes end June. November to February is recommended for those who cannot deal with the heat. For tiger lovers, the 'hot' months are October, March and April, when the watering holes have been replenished by the monsoon, birds come visiting and tigers are more easily sighted close to water bodies. While moving, bear in mind that early morning and late afternoon are the best times to view wildlife.

Tiger at Ranthambhore

See You Again At Ranthambhore

If you fly into Jaipur, you can hire a car and drive a couple of hours (145 km) to Ranthambhore. The drive from Jaipur vis Tonk and Sawai Madhopur to Ranthambhore is 10 km longer than an alternative route via Kanota, Dausa and Lalsot, which is a bad road. However, you can enjoy a night stay in Dausa, which is promoted by the Rajasthan Government as a pad for village tourism. A direct train from Delhi or Mumbai to Sawai Madhopur is always advisable. It is a lot cheaper and also less complicated and a much more interesting journey.

Three Famous Lakes

Padam Talao

padam-talao_112711.jpgThis is the largest of the lakes present in the park. The Padam Talao gets its name from the lotus flowers that bloom in the lake. The Padam Talao is a favorite watering hole of the animals of Ranthambore. Tigers, leopards, deer, monkeys and peacocks can be seen drinking at the lakes edge. It is also along this lake’s edges that the rare sighting of the chinkara is most probable.


Rajbagh Talao

rajbagh.jpgThe second of the three lakes in Ranthambore in size, the Rajbagh Talao has ruins that extend to the edge of the lake. This is probably the most picturesque of the three lakes. The lake is often ringed with animals drinking from its banks. The water plants in the lake provide the swamp deer or Sambhar with vegetation to graze on. Cattle egrets often accompany the Sambhar feed on insects and frogs displaced by the Sambhars movement through the water. Tigers can often be seen near the Rajbagh Talao.

Malik Talao

maliktalao1.jpgThis 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. It is best known for its many species of birds seen on its banks and within the lake. Kingfishers, egrets, herons, ibis, storks and cranes can be seen around the Malik Talao. Watch out for the crocodiles in the Malik Talao.

Hotels In Ranthambore

Sherbagh Resort

This one is meant to spoil you silly! Tents that seem out of an exotic movie with treasure chests and antique marvels. The beds are actually specially designed to give your body the perfect support and relax you almost instantly. Move a little further into the tent and you enter the washroom. Brilliant! That's the only way to describe them.

They look more suited for a five star hotel honeymoon suite. Overall, the tents are extremely aesthetic in appearance and as a bonus are also practically functional. The tents cater to aesthetic as well as practicality The fun doesn't end here! Step out for your first meal and get prepared for the spread you'd never have expected in these wild surroundings. Simply put, the meals are excellent and individual preferences are catered to and that too with a smile.

The resort has a reading section with a sizable collection of books on wildlife.

Now here comes the best part. As the owners are related to some of oldest names associated with Ranthambore, you'll get to hear the best stories from the past and the best advise for the present at the park.

The drive to the resort, which is located a little beyond the turn off to the park entrance, is a bit of an adventure in itself but once you're there you'll definitely feel it's worth the effort and probably find that it adds to the required atmosphere.


Tiger Den Resort


Tiger Den Resort is situated on the edge of Ranthambore National Park, over an area of 5 acres, it is a place which refreshes your scenic senses. surrounded among the majestic Aravali Hills, covered with lavish flora and fauna, it provides a soothing warmth and relaxation to the mind.The resort is just five minutes drive to the main entrance of the park, just next to the Helipad. it have 18 air conditioned cottages and 2 special suits. Each cottage features all modern amenities and luxury equipments.

The air conditioned cottages offer an atmosphere of comfort and care and are tastefully decorated to compliment the picturesque beauty outside. Each cottage with its large window overlooks the nature cuddled Aravali Range, evoking the myriad wild images associated with the Ranthambore National Park.

Tiger Den Resort24 hrs power back up is there to deal with the erratic power supply and to ensure you maximum comfort with round the clock hot and cold running water and other essential equipments. Hence you enjoy all modern luxuries coupled with the idyllic natural surroundings.

Tiger Den Resort makes your holiday a memorable one, serving Indian, Continental and Chinese cuisine.The mouth watering bar-be-que with bonfire and traditional folk dances makes the evenings colourful and lively for the esteemed guests.

Tiger den resort also provide you a jungle safari to the park on an open jeep or on a safari bus, accompanied by an expert naturalist. This will surely be a rare experience to hold. Tiger Den Resort enables leisure interaction with nature. You can enjoy the full natural glory, with activities like long walks, excursions to nearby Mansarovar lake, Surwal lake, fishing at the bank of Chambal river, visit the historical Ranthambhore Fort.


Tiger moon resort

Tiger Moon Resort give you all the excitement and exhilaration of holidaying in the heart of the Indian wildlife. Right where all the action is. In the lap of Nature at its most raw. Where the law of the jungle prevails. Predators prowl the wild pathways. Birds shriek in the skies and reptiles slither across the earth. It is into this wild that Indian Adventures offers you ringside seats to the ultimate show.

Tiger Moon resort, situated on the edge of the Ranthambor National Park amidst the Aravali hills in Rajasthan, is the ideal resort if you want to hit the tiger trail.

Rustic Rajasthan in the lap of luxury, cosy cottages with gently sloping tiled roofs give you all the modern amenities you need. Complete with swimming pool. Dining hall serving Indian, Continental and Chinese cuisine.

A well stocked bar and library. Nights of folk dances and cultural programmes under moonlight skies with a barbecue sizzling temptingly nearby.

Facilities Offered (Tiger Moon Resort)

. All rooms all self contained with all modern amenities.
. Swimming pool
. Wildlife library
. Restaurant offering Indian , Chinese ,& Continental cuisine
. Jungle safaris in Jeeps / Canters alongwith professional guides
. Nature trails
. Camel cart rides
. Birdwatching Walks
. Sizzling barbecues around bonfires with cultural shows. Visit to Ranthambhore fort, devpura black buck sanctuary, chambal river, mansarovarlake organized.(At an Extra Cost)


Vanya Vilas Resort

Hotel Vanya Vilas is perhaps the first luxury guide camp in India.

The Reserve is recognized for its variety of wildlife. The wildlife includes tigers, leopards, crocodiles, a variety of deer, bear and other similar animals. The park has a number of water bodies which attract a variety of migratory birds.

No Of Rooms : Vanya Vilas has 25 spacious air-conditioned tents

Faclities at Vanya Vilas:
Personal Bar Satellite Television Laser disc player

Hotel Category : Vanya Vilas is a five star category Hotel.

Travel Information:
Delhi: 485 km.,
Ranthambore National park: 5 Km.,
Sawai madhopur Railway station: 5 Km.,
Jaipur Airport : 180 km.

Features : Check-in Time is: 12:00 AM / Check-Out Time is: 12:00 AM