Glimpses of the majestic
CHANDAN SEN
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The Ranthambhore National Park stands as a memorial to the city’s royal past and is home to the majestic tiger.
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A significant geological feature within the park is the “Great Boundary Fault” where the Vindhyas meet the Aravali range.
Photo: Paul Noronha
Burning bright: At home in the Ranthambhore National Park.
Sawai Madhopur in Rajasthan is the gateway to the Ranthambhore Fort and the famous Ranthambhore National Park. It is a memorial to the city’s royal past and a haven for the majestic tiger. Covering areas of the Aravali and Vindhya ranges, the Tiger Reserve is rich in history and legend.
Spot the stripes
A significant geological feature within the park is the “Great Boundary Fault” where the Vindhyas meet the Aravali range. The Chambal in the south and the Banas in the north form the park’s boundaries. The park is dotted with steep rocky hills and the dominating architecture of Ranthambhore Fort (built in the 10th century) adds to its lovely landscape. A variety of birds, langur , leopard, caracal, hyena, jackal, jungle cat, marsh crocodile, wild boar, owl, bear and various species of deer are present. The park has more than 240 varieties of birds.
On a ride within the park we received a wireless message telling us the whereabouts of a tiger. We speeded of and were just in time to see the tiger walking casually out of an old monument. At the foot of the hillock we saw a herd of deer. The lake area had a variety of wildlife. The overall view was amazing. The view from the “Jogi Mahal” was magnificent. A visit to the tiger’s den closeby gave us a glimpse of a tigress with its cub.
While returning our adept driver Ram Singh turned the vehicle suddenly into the open jungle. Just two feet from us stood the tiger. The animal seemed immune to have people gawking at it. It even came near our jeep and after a little sniff sat down a metre away. He did look at us occasionally.
Time stood still. This was a moment to remember.
Distinctly unique
At Ranthambhore, one can spot the celebrated Indian Tiger. The scene changes dramatically from the gentle slopes of the Vindhyas to the sharp hills of the Aravali ranges. The historic fort adds mystery and allure to the forest. The lakes — Padam Talab , Malik Talab and Raj Bagh abound with aquatic vegetation. The park has the distinction of being geographically, historically and biologically important.
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