This reserve in Rajasthan derives its name from the hill top fortress which stands 700 feet above the park. The fort dates back over 700 years and was conquered by Akbar in 1569. The mixture of ancient temples and summer palaces, alongside abundant Indian wildlife provide magical photographic opportunities unique to Ranthambhore. This former hunting ground was infamously visited by Queen Elizabeth II on a 'sporting' trip. It was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1957 and in 1974 under Indira Ghandi's Project Tiger initiative became one of the protected sites.

The ancient mountain ranges of the Aravali and Vindhya meet here producing a mixture of flat tablelands and steep cliffs criss-crossing the park. The varied topography of the 400 sq.km park provides habitats for animals like the jackal, mongoose, sloth bear, leopard, lesser cats and caracal, and of course the tiger. There are 200km of tracks in Ranthambhore divided into pre-determined routes which allow large areas to remain undisturbed, since all wildlife requires some solitude.

Water is provided by the parks three man-made lakes, Jogi Mahal, the lodge used by the late Rajiv Ghandi to view wildlife, is set in an idyllic spot on the edge of the main lake. The lakes attract much of the wildlife, especially in the evenings and both Tigers and Marsh Mugger Crocodiles predate on the deer and antelope as they feed in the lake.

Film makers and professional photographers favour the park due to the diurnal behaviour exhibited by the tiger population which adapted to the changes brought about by an inspired park director, Fateh Singh Rathore. The relocation of nine villages from the core area to new land outside the park boundaries proved to be a resounding success, especially for the wildlife in the core area, and in particular the tiger. With far less human encroachment in the park the tigers shed their nocturnal cloaks and tiger encounters rose dramatically during the eighties.

With over 300 types of trees, 272 species of birds and approximately 30 different types of mammals, Ranthambhore is packed full with life. The park is home to India's smallest and largest antelopes, Chinkara and Nilgai ('blue bull'). We can also take you outside of the park for the chance to see Black Buck Antelope in nearby tribal villages and vast numbers of migratory birds around tranquil lakes.

Ranthambhore is approximately 350km from Delhi, and is well connected by rail with Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Bharatpur and Mumbai. The park is open from 1st October to 30th June, the number of jeeps allowed inside the park is strictly limited and must be booked well in advance to ensure availability.