RANTHAMBORE NATIONAL PARK
The Ranthambore National Park great destination for
adventure seekers and lovers of the tiger. It is a tremendous replica of the
success of the ambitious Project Tiger's . It was established in 1955 as a
sanctuary, 1973 as a tiger reserve and 1981 as a national park. The
vegetation is dry deciduous and the impressive Ranthambore fort is also
located a one of the hill tops. Ranthambore National Park boasts of one of
the maximum population of tigers and they can be easily spotted roaming with
their majestically or hunting sambars, normally across the lakes. Also, the
forest rest house, Jogi Mahal, has the second-largest banyan tree in India
SEASONS TO VISIT: October-June, the best period being
December-April
HOW TO REACH : Fly to Jaipur (the closest airport) and
drive to Ranthambore (165 kms) By train : Ranthambore National Park is
approx. 12 km from the Sawai Madhopur railway station, that lies on the
Delhi to Mumbai trunk route.
SARISKA NATIONAL PARK
Declared in 1979 as a Tiger Reserve, Sariska National Park
is a wide valley with two large plateaus that lies in the Aravalli hills.
The large Siliserh Lake is at the north-eastern corner. The forests are dry
deciduous, with trees of Dhak, Acacia, Ber and Salar. The Tigers of Sariska
are largely nocturnal and are not as easily seen as those of Ranthambore.
The park also has good populations of Nilgai, Sambar and Chital. In the
evenings, Indian Porcupine, Striped Hyena, Indian Palm Civet and even
Leopard are sometimes seen. The forests are lush during and immediately
following the monsoon. Its allows excellent for bird watching and has a very
large population of Indian Peafowl.
MUST VISIT PLACES: The Sariska National Park has many
historical and religious places, including the ruins of the Kankwari Fort,
Neelkanth temples, the Budha Hanumab Temple near Pandupol, the Bharthari
Temple near the park office, and the hot and cold springs of Taalvriksh.
b Open year round, the best period being November-April, especially
March-April.
HOW TO REACH : The nearest airport is at Jaipur (115 km
3 hours ) and the nearest railway station is at Alwar (36 km). It is 5-6
hours drive from Delhi.
ACCOMMODATION AND FACILITIES: The grand Sariska Palace
in the vicinity of the park office has a large complex. The main palace has
been converted into a hotel from a hunting lodge. The facilities offered
include room service, hot and cold running water, swimming pool, health
club, ayurvedic treatment and money changing. Each room is well furnished
with original Louis Quartzes and art deco furniture and has private bathroom
with bath and/or shower and toilet.
Tiger's Den, a tourist bungalow run by the Rajasthan government & a
private budget property called Tiger Heavens are also nice places to stay.
Safaris are by 4-wheel drive motor vehicles.
CORBETT NATIONAL PARK
Established : 1936 as a national park,
India's first (named Hailey National Park;
In 1957 renamed Corbett National Park), 1973 as a tiger reserve.
The historical place of launch of Project Tiger in 1973,
Jim Corbett National Park has a very diverse flora and fauna. It is a
delight for the avid wildlife lovers across the world. This India's finest
National Parks covers an area of 52,082 hectares and has the Tiger, Indian
Elephant and Leopard as its major assets. The Ramganga river drains the
Corbett National Park , which is a large low valley in itself. The river is
rich in the magnificent mahaseer. Along the high banks of Dhangarhi Gate and
Dhikala, several Marsh Crocodile and the Gharial Crocodile can also be seen.
It also ideal for bird watchers as more than 500 species of birds are
recorded in this park.
TIME TO GO: Mid November-Mid June, the best period being
February-April.
HOW TO GO: Corbett lies some 300 km to the North East of
Delhi. From Delhi drive to Corbett (6-7 hours). The nearest airport is
Pantnagar (2.5 hours) and the nearest railway station is Ramnagar (2 hours
from Dhikala).
ACCOMMODATION AND FACILITIES : There are many
accommodation facilities at Ramnagar as well as at the Corbett National
park. Being one of the most frequently visited parks in the country, the
forest department and other agencies have their hotels, lodges, rest houses,
log huts for the visitors.
Forest rest houses, log huts etc at Dhikala, forest rest houses at
Sarapduli, Bijrani, Ghairal offer some of the best stay in the region.. To
stay at the government hotels, rest houses etc make sure that reservations
are done well in advance as the pressure is really high during the tourist
seasons.
