Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary, one of the largest and most popular national parks in North India, is the perfect synonym for wildlife tourism in Rajasthan. The Park is known for the largest tiger populations in India. The sanctuary has the Chambal River to the south and the Banas River to the north bordering it. Another dominant characteristic of the Tiger Reserve is the Ranthambore Fort, dating back to the 10th century. There are three large lakes in the sanctuary, Padam Talab (Lake), Malik Talab and Raj Bagh.
Ranthambore Tiger Reserve is home to the dry deciduous forest that makes the sight of tiger more common. The dry deciduous forests were once a part of the magnificent jungles of Central India. The Ranthambore Park is situated on the edge of a plateau and is bounded on the north by the Banas River and on the south by the Chambal River. There are many historical monuments and waterbodies. The Ranthambhore Fort & Jogi Mahal are prominent monuments. Ranthambore is also the site for one of the largest banyan trees in India.
Besides tigers, the major wild animals include leopard, blue bull, wild boar, sambar, hyena, bear and gazelle. It is also home to the wide variety of trees, plants, birds and reptiles. The reserve also has the thriving bird population with hundreds of different species of birds. Leopards catch early sun on ledges. Golden Jackals and Jungle Cats prowl for rodents. Peacocks are everywhere around and in the forests, some of which are remnants of the great virgin jungles which once covered most of central India. Woodland covers much of this well-watered 410 sq km reserve which also includes a lush system of lakes and streams hemmed in by step up high crags of the Vindhyas and Aravalli Hill ranges in southeast Rajasthan with an additional 104 sq km of adjoining forest sanctuary.
The park is foil of ancient fort, temples, mosques, wells and other historic relics dating back to the 10th century where tigers appear dramatically from time to time, wandering among and resting atop the structures. Dominating all from atop a high crag is a magnificent fort, former center of a Hindu kingdom. At its feet is India's second largest banyan tree where troupes of ‘langur monkeys’ spend their days— old ones holding council, young mothers nursing babies.
Among more than 270 bird species are crested serpent eagles, great Indian horned owls, painted partridges, paradise flycatchers, pheasant-tailed jacanas, painted storks, green pigeons and, sighted occasionally, great Indian bustards. Migrant ducks come in winter. More than 300 tree species are among a rich and diverse flora, including more than 100 of medicinal importance and several used for scent. Common Indian mongoose, legendary opponents of snakes, have a risky challenge with the reptiles here — huge cobras, common kraits, saw-scaled and Russel's vipers, rock pythons, large monitor lizards, and lovely starred tortoises.