Ranthambore park
The Park was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1955 and as a National
Park in 1980, seven years after the launch of Project Tiger. These forests were the favorite hunting grounds of Prithviraj Chauhana, a Rajput ruler whose hunting zeal took him into other rulers lands and consequently into battle! In recent times, Britain's Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip were Maharaja Man Singhs special guests in 1960.
Flora & Fauna
Main Flora: Dhok Anogeissus pendula mixed with khair Acacia catechu, raunj, goya, chhela, pipal Ficus religiousa, vad, amaltas Cassia fistula, gurjan, siris saintha, gular, tendu.
Main Fauna: Mammals: Tiger, leopard, caracal, ratel, jungle cat, chital, sambar, nilgai, chinkara, sloth bear, wild boar, jackal, hyaena, common langur, common fox.
Birds: 250 species of birds, some commonly seen are; Bonnelli's Eagle, Sandgrouse, Pheasant tailed Jacana, Quail, Paradise Fly catcher etc.
Safaris
The most exciting aspect of a visit to a wildlife sanctuary is the
safari into the jungles, of meeting the unexpected and completely
missing the expected. Animals can be seen in a zoo also, but the
dangerous thrill of actually encountering a wild beast in its natural
habitat is a sure method of testing ones patience and bravado. Each safari takes about three hours.