DARJEELING - JEWEL OF EAST
Darjeeling still resembles an old Victorian town, complete with cobbled roads, old-world bungalows and endless tea estates. It attracts tourists with its oak and pine forests, orchid blooms and its stunning views of the Mount Kanchenjunga. Also known as a trekker's paradise, Darjeeling's adventure challenges draw many travellers. Darjeeling's charming villages, waterfalls and 'toy-train' are some of the attractions that shouldn't be missed.
Must Visit: The Observatory Hill is the oldest site in Darjeeling. The Rangeet Valley Passenger Ropeway - the first passenger ropeway in India - is located at North Point, about 3-km from the town. Ghoom Monastery, located at 8000 ft, is one of Darjeeling's most renowned monasteries. Visit Tiger Hill, the area's highest point in the early morning for the dramatic effect the first rays of the sun create on distant Himalayan peaks.
Travelguru Recommends: Take a ride on the Darjeeling Toy Train between Kurseong & Ghoom. It takes almost an entire day, but is worth it!
Travelguru Tips: Walk through lush tea gardens. Watch tea-pickers at work or even get a lesson in tea-picking. One of the most famous is Badamtam Estate.
Getting There: Airport - Bagdogra (10 Kms from Siliguri), Rail Station - New Jalpaiguri Junction and Siliguri.
SHIMLA - THE SUMMER CAPITAL
The capital of Himachal Pradesh was the summer capital under British rule. Rich in tradition and natural beauty, Shimla, is surrounded by pine, deodar, oak and rhododendron forests. It's well developed facilities, easy accessibility and many attractions make it one of India's most popular hill-stations.
Must Visit: Enjoy a majestic view of Choor Chandni Peak on the tourist trains - the Shivalik Palace and the Shivalik Deluxe between Kalka and Shimla stations. Visit the Jakhoo Hills, the tallest of the seven hills in Shimla crowned by the Hanuman Temple. For shopping visit the Mall Road. Also include a trip to Kufri (22 km from Shimla) for yak rides and fine ski slopes. Naldehra (23 kms from Shimla) has one of the oldest golf courses in India.
Travelguru Recommends: Best season is summer, but we recommend you go there during spring and autumn, when the views are spectacular.
Travelguru Tips: Hand-made khukri by Gorkha's make a good souvenir from Shimla.
Getting There: Airport - Shimla. Rail Station - Shimla and Kalka.
MANALI - THE VALLEY OF THE GODS
Located at an altitude of 6,398 ft in the Beas River valley, Manali is one of the most popular hill stations in Himachal Pradesh. Its charm as the perfect honeymoon spot hasn't dissipated over the years. It's also where many flock to experience their first contact with snow. This small town marked the origin of ancient trade route to Ladakh and was once the home of the Saptarshi or seven sages.
Must Visit: Enjoy a visit to the Great Himalayan National Park. Popular picnic spots featuring gushing waterfalls include Rahla Fall and Palani Fall near Manali. Kheerganga at Manikaran is among the most visited Hot Water Spring. A dip here is believed to cure gastric problems and rheumatic pains.
Adventure Sports: Try White Water Rafting, Canoeing and Kayaking at River Beas. The river is an angler's delight as well and tourists are allowed a session of trout fishing. Also try paragliding at Solang Nullah and skiing at Rohtang Pass which is the highest point on the National Highway.
Travelguru Recommends: Manali is known for its splendid bargains. The region's woolen shawls, Tibetan carpets, fur caps and mufflers are famous.
Travelguru Tips: Kullu-Manali is best explored on a motorbike, which can be hired at reasonable charges. Taxis and local buses are also available.
Getting There: Airport - Bhuntar, Rail Station - Jogindar Station.
OOTY - A WALK IN THE CLOUDS
Located in Nilgiris, or 'Blue Mountains', Ooty, otherwise known as Udhagamandalam, derives its name from "othakal-mund" which means "house in mountains". Its year-round pleasant weather makes it a haven for vacationers.
Must Visit: The Botanical Gardens are well laid-out with shady tree-lined avenues and innumerable ornamental plants and flowers. One of the main attractions is a fossilised tree trunk. A visit to the Rose Garden is a worthwhile experience. Ooty Lake is a long and beautifully constructed artificial lake. Other lakes include Glenmorgan and Pykara Lake. Visit the magnificent Union Church and Trinity Church. Snowden Peak and Cairn Hill offer spectacular views.
Travelguru Tips: Take a hang gliding course. There are many lakes and streams where you can enjoy fishing.
Travelguru Recommends: Visit during the summer festival, which happens in May. Don't miss the Flower Show. Pick up tea, aromatic oils spices and hand made chocolates. One of the best known places is the King Star Confectionery.
Getting There: Airport - Coimbatore, Rail Station - Coimbatore.
MUNNAR - GOD'S OWN COUNTRY
Away from the din of flocking tourists, in the green hills of Kerala, Munnar is one of the best-kept secrets of this God's Own Country. Deriving its name from the three rivers which flow through it, Munnar is also the site of the Neelakurinji, a blue flower which blooms only once every twelve years and covers the entire hillside in its hue.
Must Visit: Eravikulam (Rajamalai) National Park is located 45 mins from Munnar. This National Park is home to the endangered species of mountain goat, Nilgiri Thar. Anamudi Peak is located within the Eravikulam National Park is the highest peak in South India. It is an ideal spot for trekking; it is an easy walk to the peak. The Tea Museum showcases the history of tea plantations in Munnar and the process of making tea.
Travelguru Recommends: Don't miss the speed boat ride at Madupatty Dam.
Travelguru Tips: Try traditional Kerala cuisine served on plankton leaves at Sarvana Bhavan situated in the city center.
Getting There: Airport - Cochin, Rail Station - Ernakulum Junction.
GOA - LAND OF SUN-SOAKED BEACHES
With 131 km of coastline, Goa is a sun-soaked paradise. Known for its delicious seafood, cashew feni and beautiful beaches, Goa offers something for everyone. Goa's beaches are a great place to indulge in water-sports like snorkeling, jet skis, paragliding or simply beach relax at a shack. The real essence of Goa lies in its winding lanes, with a church at every corner.
Must Visit: North Goa's beaches, from Arambol to Candolim, are the most frequented and hip beaches of Goa and offer more adventure activities. South Goa beaches from Velsao to Palolem are more laid back. Rarely visited, but amongst the most peaceful, are Agonda Beach, Cola Beach and Canaguinim Beach.
Amongst the most popular churches are the Basilica of Bom Jesus, Sé Cathedral, Church & Convent of St Francis of Assisi, Chapel of St Catherine, Church of Our Lady of the Rosary, Royal Chapel of St Anthony and more to visit.
Travelguru Recommends: Visit Camelot, a restored Goan mansion, which has been turned into an eclectic store for household articles.
Travelguru Tips: Hire a bike and explore the paradise on your own. The locals will help you with directions.
Getting There: Airport - Dabolim, Rail Station - Madgao (South) and Karmali (North).
Friday, May 16, 2008
Thursday, May 15, 2008
US Top Summer Destination 2008
Portland, Maine
That changes May 23rd, when low-fare carrier JetBlue begins service to Portland with fares up to 70 percent lower or $59 to $129 each way. JetBlue starts its Maine service with four flights a day from New York and offers connections from 30 of JetBlue's 34 destinations.
Portland is Maine's largest city and noted by Frommer's as a "culinary mecca." It's also got numerous cultural attractions such as the Portland Museum of Art with works from Degas, Picasso and Renoir and a vibrant music scene that includes the Portland Symphony and jazz, blues and rock clubs.
The city is also a draw for outdoor enthusiasts who can hike along the ocean in Two Lights State Park, kayak in Casco Bay or lounge on secluded beaches just a ferry ride away.
St. Lucia
Heading to the Caribbean in the islands' off-season - when the weather is just 5 to 10 degrees warmer than winter - is one of the best ways to save on a summer vacation. And St. Lucia, one of the southern most islands in the Caribbean, is a particularly good deal this summer because a slew of hotels are opening, bringing low introductory rates.
At the recently opened Almond Bay Resort, they're offering an early summer booking special for $300 a night for an ocean-view room including all meals and drinks. Typically, that rate is $400 a night. Prices at even the most luxurious resorts are half of what you'd pay in the winter. At Ladera, a resort nestled between St. Lucia's famous Piton Mountains and recently named the Best Hotel in the Caribbean, a one-bedroom suite with your own plunge pool is $280 a night vs. $500 in the winter. Just be sure to make it an early summer getaway - May through July - before hurricane season kicks in.
Banff
At Banff in the Canadian Rockies, a 90-minute drive from Calgary, summer temps are in the mid 60s and if you book a hotel stay by June 30, you can save up to 40 percent on your lodging at resorts such as the Banff Caribou Lodge and the Rimrock Resort Hotel.
Richmond, VA
Richmond is less than two hours from Washington, DC but the former capital of the Confederacy is just as steeped in history, making it a great family destination. Sites include Edgar Allen Poe's boyhood home and the Paramount King's Dominion amusement park with 200 rides. And it's the only U.S. city to boast Class IV white water rafting in an urban setting on the James River in downtown Richmond.JetBlue begins service to Richmond April 4th, the first time this destination has had any low-fare competition. Fares are up to 50% lower: $138 to $268 roundtrip from New York and $158 from $288 roundtrip to Boston.
Denver, Colorado
Ski resorts are a great vacation value in the summer and there's even more to do outside of ski season, from hiking to horseback riding. And now it's even cheaper to get to Denver since low-fare king Southwest Airlines began flying to in Denver in January.Though low-fare airline Frontier has been battling it out with United there for several years, even Frontier has been forced to cut its low-fares to match Southwest prices, which are as low as $23 each way. Visitors can head to the nearby Rocky Mountains or stay in the Mile High City to visit free or reasonably priced attractions such as the Denver Zoo and the U.S. Mint.
Greenville, South Carolina
Surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, Greenville has a big city feel in a small town setting with boutiques, art galleries and outdoor cafes. It was voted a "best value" destination in Hotwire's Travel Value Index thanks to bargain priced accommodations including high end properties like the Westin Poinsett, a lavishly restored 1920s landmark where rooms are as low as $135 a night.Greenville, at the gateway to South Carolina's mountain wilderness areas, is also fun for outdoor enthusiasts who want to enjoy nearby lakes and mountain trails.
Knoxville, Tennessee
The former capital of Tennessee is full of cultural and family fun attractions, from the Knoxville Symphony and the Knoxville Zoo to the Knoxville Opera and the Candy Factory, a 19th century building that now houses art galleries and a chocolate shop.While there are plenty of low-priced hotels and motels, there are noteworthy new accommodations, such as the Cumberland House, a small luxury boutique hotel walking distance to downtown and overlooking World's Fair Park. Rates are as low as $119 a night on the weekend and even a suite with a balcony and sitting room is just $179 a night.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Ladakh the Cold Desert
A land of freezing winds and burning hot sunlight, a cold desert in the rain shadow of the awe inspiring Great Himalayas ---welcome to Ladakh. Little Tibet' or, 'the moonland' or 'the last Shangri La' these are all names that have been given to the cold dry and harsh land of Ladhak. Slight rain and snow reaches this dry area, where nature has created an improbable landscape. Ladakh is bounded by two of the world's most impressive mountain ranges, the Great Himalaya and the Karokaram, Surrounded by rugged mountains this land is utterly different from the green landscape of many parts of the Himalayas, a.
Ladakh which forms a part of the state of Jammu and Kashmir in India is made up of two administrative districts - Leh and Kargil. It covers a total area of about 59,000 square kilometers and is allied ethnologically and geologically with the Tibet region of China, the area has a predominantly Lamaist Buddhist population as it was nominally a dependency of Tibet. After 1531 it was invaded periodically by Muslims from Kashmir; it was annexed to Kashmir in the mid-19th cent. With a population of 10,000 people, mainly Buddhist, some Argoos (Muslim descendants of Yarkandi traders) and a small Christian community, Ladakh bears the distinct stamp of its mixed heritage.
The Tourist Destination
The Ladakh Festival is a regular tourist event on the tourist calendar. Along with the Ladakh festival, adventure tourism figures prominently in Ladakh. A white water river rafting expedition along the 26-kilometre stretch from Fhey to Nimo along the mighty Indus River is the highest point where river rafting is possible in the world. The high altitude and mountains make it an ideal spot for paragliding, mountaineering, trekking and even skiing. Ladakhis are keen sportsmen polo and archery contests are frequently arranged at the village level, which draws all aspiring marksmen. Polo, is played with great gusto reminiscent of the Mongol horsemen, this robust game is far removed from the watered down version seen in today's polo circuits.
Drass, Kargil, Zanskar, Padum, Sanku, Nubra valleys etc are beautiful places and must be visited when in Ladakh. The sleepy pastoral countryside of Nubra which has recently been thrown open to tourism is located on the Indo-Pak border. In Nubra one sees the co-existence of water, mountain and desert-a rare and thrilling sight.
Leh the Roof
Amidst starkly beautiful and majestic mountains, is Leh, the capital of Ladakh, the roof of the world. It is located in the Indus river valley at a crossroads of the old trading routes from Kashgar, Tibet, and Kashmir situated on the banks of the Indus, at a height of 11,000 feet. It is a stunning and magnificent region, watered by the Zanskar River, which flows into the Indus River just below and surrounded by snow-capped peaks.
Leh is a truly beautiful milieu with many attractions and gorgeous surroundings. It is the center of Tibeto-Buddhist Culture for ages. Its colorful gompas have attracted the devout Buddhists from all over the globe. Besides, it is also a favorite hiking place, known for some of the best hikes in the country.
A miniature version of the Potala in Lhasa, the Leh Palace is one of the major attractions in ladakh. The nine-storeyed palace was built by the 17th century illustrious ruler of Ladakh, Sengge Namgyal. It is an imposing structure, now in ruins; it is situated on a hill and commands a grand view of the Leh town. Within the palace are Buddhist wall paintings, centuries old 'tankas' or painted scrolls and other artefacts. Above the palace, at the top of the Namgyal hill, is the Victory Tower, built to commemorate Ladakh's victory over the Balti Kashmir armies in the early 16th century. This palace built for King Singge Namgyal, now houses the Ladakhi branch of the Indian Government's archaeological conservation organisation. Namgyal Tsemo, the peak overlooking the town, is the ruins of the fortbuilt, by the king Tashi namgyal in the 16th century, as a royal residence.
The mosque, city palace, the bazar and the gompas, are all within walking distance. A memorable sight of the Leh bazar is the group of women, traditionally attired, selling fruits, vegetables and household articles, spinning and knitting, and exchanging gentle banter between themselves and with passers-by.
Shey, Spituk and Phyang monasteries are quite close while Stok, Matho, Thiksey, Stakna, Chernrey, Hemis, Likir, Basgo and Alchi monasteries are all a day's touring distance. Rumbak and Markha offer exciting treks, while Stok Kangri is the best for a climb. Boating and river running too are possible on the Indus.
Traveling To Ladakh
Air
Leh, the principal town of Ladakh has now become gateway to the world, one can fly in to Leh from Delhi, Chandigarh, Jammu and Srinagar as well as abroad all through the year.
Road
There are two land ways to Ladakh. The main overland approach to Ladakh is from the Kashmir valley via the 434-km. Srinagar-Leh road, which remains open for traffic from early June to November. The J&K State Road Transport Corporation (J&KSRTC) operates regular Deluxe and Ordinary bus services between Srinagar and Leh on this route with an overnight halt at Kargil.Taxis. cars and jeeps are also available at Srinagar for the journey. Groups can charter Deluxe and A-class buses for Leh, Kargil or Padum (Zanskar) from the J&K SRTC at Srinagar.
Manali-Leh roads is the second land approach to Ladakh, open for traffic from around mid-June to early October, this high road traverses the upland desert plateaux of Rupsho. A number of high passes fall enroute among which the highest one, known as Taglang-la, is the world’s second highest motorable Himachal Pradesh Tourism, H.P. SRTC and J&K SRTC operate Deluxe and Ordinary bus services between Manali and Leh. The bus journey between Leh and Manali takes about 19 hours or two days with an overnight halt in camps at Serchu and Pang. Gypsy and jeep taxis are also available, both at Manali and Leh.
Ladakh which forms a part of the state of Jammu and Kashmir in India is made up of two administrative districts - Leh and Kargil. It covers a total area of about 59,000 square kilometers and is allied ethnologically and geologically with the Tibet region of China, the area has a predominantly Lamaist Buddhist population as it was nominally a dependency of Tibet. After 1531 it was invaded periodically by Muslims from Kashmir; it was annexed to Kashmir in the mid-19th cent. With a population of 10,000 people, mainly Buddhist, some Argoos (Muslim descendants of Yarkandi traders) and a small Christian community, Ladakh bears the distinct stamp of its mixed heritage.
The Tourist Destination
The Ladakh Festival is a regular tourist event on the tourist calendar. Along with the Ladakh festival, adventure tourism figures prominently in Ladakh. A white water river rafting expedition along the 26-kilometre stretch from Fhey to Nimo along the mighty Indus River is the highest point where river rafting is possible in the world. The high altitude and mountains make it an ideal spot for paragliding, mountaineering, trekking and even skiing. Ladakhis are keen sportsmen polo and archery contests are frequently arranged at the village level, which draws all aspiring marksmen. Polo, is played with great gusto reminiscent of the Mongol horsemen, this robust game is far removed from the watered down version seen in today's polo circuits.
Drass, Kargil, Zanskar, Padum, Sanku, Nubra valleys etc are beautiful places and must be visited when in Ladakh. The sleepy pastoral countryside of Nubra which has recently been thrown open to tourism is located on the Indo-Pak border. In Nubra one sees the co-existence of water, mountain and desert-a rare and thrilling sight.
Leh the Roof
Amidst starkly beautiful and majestic mountains, is Leh, the capital of Ladakh, the roof of the world. It is located in the Indus river valley at a crossroads of the old trading routes from Kashgar, Tibet, and Kashmir situated on the banks of the Indus, at a height of 11,000 feet. It is a stunning and magnificent region, watered by the Zanskar River, which flows into the Indus River just below and surrounded by snow-capped peaks.
Leh is a truly beautiful milieu with many attractions and gorgeous surroundings. It is the center of Tibeto-Buddhist Culture for ages. Its colorful gompas have attracted the devout Buddhists from all over the globe. Besides, it is also a favorite hiking place, known for some of the best hikes in the country.
A miniature version of the Potala in Lhasa, the Leh Palace is one of the major attractions in ladakh. The nine-storeyed palace was built by the 17th century illustrious ruler of Ladakh, Sengge Namgyal. It is an imposing structure, now in ruins; it is situated on a hill and commands a grand view of the Leh town. Within the palace are Buddhist wall paintings, centuries old 'tankas' or painted scrolls and other artefacts. Above the palace, at the top of the Namgyal hill, is the Victory Tower, built to commemorate Ladakh's victory over the Balti Kashmir armies in the early 16th century. This palace built for King Singge Namgyal, now houses the Ladakhi branch of the Indian Government's archaeological conservation organisation. Namgyal Tsemo, the peak overlooking the town, is the ruins of the fortbuilt, by the king Tashi namgyal in the 16th century, as a royal residence.
The mosque, city palace, the bazar and the gompas, are all within walking distance. A memorable sight of the Leh bazar is the group of women, traditionally attired, selling fruits, vegetables and household articles, spinning and knitting, and exchanging gentle banter between themselves and with passers-by.
Shey, Spituk and Phyang monasteries are quite close while Stok, Matho, Thiksey, Stakna, Chernrey, Hemis, Likir, Basgo and Alchi monasteries are all a day's touring distance. Rumbak and Markha offer exciting treks, while Stok Kangri is the best for a climb. Boating and river running too are possible on the Indus.
Traveling To Ladakh
Air
Leh, the principal town of Ladakh has now become gateway to the world, one can fly in to Leh from Delhi, Chandigarh, Jammu and Srinagar as well as abroad all through the year.
Road
There are two land ways to Ladakh. The main overland approach to Ladakh is from the Kashmir valley via the 434-km. Srinagar-Leh road, which remains open for traffic from early June to November. The J&K State Road Transport Corporation (J&KSRTC) operates regular Deluxe and Ordinary bus services between Srinagar and Leh on this route with an overnight halt at Kargil.Taxis. cars and jeeps are also available at Srinagar for the journey. Groups can charter Deluxe and A-class buses for Leh, Kargil or Padum (Zanskar) from the J&K SRTC at Srinagar.
Manali-Leh roads is the second land approach to Ladakh, open for traffic from around mid-June to early October, this high road traverses the upland desert plateaux of Rupsho. A number of high passes fall enroute among which the highest one, known as Taglang-la, is the world’s second highest motorable Himachal Pradesh Tourism, H.P. SRTC and J&K SRTC operate Deluxe and Ordinary bus services between Manali and Leh. The bus journey between Leh and Manali takes about 19 hours or two days with an overnight halt in camps at Serchu and Pang. Gypsy and jeep taxis are also available, both at Manali and Leh.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
The Wilds of Ranthambore
The Wilds of Ranthambore
Positioned in Eastern Rajasthan, where the Aravali Hill ranges and the Vindhyan plateau meet, lays the silent and mysterious Ranthambhore National Park. Formerly the hunting preserve of the Maharajas of Jaipur, it now preserves the once hunted tigers.
There is a delicious romantic feel to Ranthambore, which make you feel as if you have gone back in time. The landscape is dotted with ancient Banyan trees, criss -crossing streams and abandoned historical forts.
The terrain is made up of massive rock formations, steep scarps, perennial lakes and streams and forest that suddenly open up into large areas of Savannah The impregnable forests and open bush land add an element of ambiguity and allure.
The Tigers of Ranthambore
Ranthambore National Park is best known for its majestic Royal Bengal Tigers. Once found in thousands, their numbers have dwindled to less than fifty. With the initiation of Project Tiger in 1972, Ranthambore National Park was declared as a tiger reserve, providing a haven for the magnificent beasts.
You can catch a glimpse of these beautiful creatures prowling in the forest and drinking on the edge of the lakes and watering holes. Hunting and feeding on the plentiful herds of deer, nilgai and smaller animals of the park.
The best time to visit Ranthambore is from February to April when the weather is mild and you see the animals without any discomfort due to the weather. You can spend hours searching for the elusive tigers; usually concealed in the undergrowth of tall grass, their striped hide provides excellent camouflage.
Flora & Fauna and Birds of Ranthambore
The varied landscape of the national park is home to animals like the jackal, mongoose, sloth bear, leopard, and of course, the tiger. The vegetation in the park is mostly of the dry deciduous type with a large variety consisting of nearly 300 species of trees and bushes.
Due to its six man-made lakes and abundance of perennial rivers Ranthambore national park has a diversity of resident and migrant birds. Around 272 species have been documented so far.
Forts of Ranthambore
Ranthambore has many forts, a few famous ones are:
Ranthambore Fort
This fort stands majestically atop a hill overlooking the entire park bearing witness to man and beast’s eternal struggle. Once inhabited by great kings it is now in ruins, providing shelter to many of Ranthambore’s wildlife.
Raj Bagh
These ruins are located between the Padam Talao (lake) and the Raj Bagh Talao. These ancient stone structures arches, domes and steps create an aura of mystery in the Ranthambore National Park.
Jogi Mahal
The forest rest house is located at the edge of Lake Padam. It houses the second-largest Banyan tree in India.
The Lakes of Ranthambore
There are three famous lakes in Ranthambore National Park
Padam Talao-is the largest .The famous Jogi Mahal is located at the very edge of this lake. It is the watering hole of many rare species of the sanctuary.
Rajabagh Talao- is probably the most picturesque of the lakes with its ruins. It is the most popular watering hole of the animals.
Malik Talao- his is the smallest of the three lakes in Ranthambore National Park. This is the favorite haunt of birds and crocodiles are also found here.
Ranthambore a tourists Delight
With its wildlife, forts and lakes the Ranthambore National Park is a paradise for visitors young and old. Ranthambore National Park has a multitude of resorts, hotels and camps. It is easily reachable by air or road.
Ranthambore National Park has attractions to suit every taste, the adventurous and not so adventurous.
Ø Bird Watching
Ø Jeep tours
Ø Tiger trails
Ø Fishing
Ø Hikes
Ø Wild life safaris
To name a few
The Ranthambore wildlife Sanctuary is one of the best places in India to see a tiger in its natural habitat and to get away from the grind of daily life.
Positioned in Eastern Rajasthan, where the Aravali Hill ranges and the Vindhyan plateau meet, lays the silent and mysterious Ranthambhore National Park. Formerly the hunting preserve of the Maharajas of Jaipur, it now preserves the once hunted tigers.
There is a delicious romantic feel to Ranthambore, which make you feel as if you have gone back in time. The landscape is dotted with ancient Banyan trees, criss -crossing streams and abandoned historical forts.
The terrain is made up of massive rock formations, steep scarps, perennial lakes and streams and forest that suddenly open up into large areas of Savannah The impregnable forests and open bush land add an element of ambiguity and allure.
The Tigers of Ranthambore
Ranthambore National Park is best known for its majestic Royal Bengal Tigers. Once found in thousands, their numbers have dwindled to less than fifty. With the initiation of Project Tiger in 1972, Ranthambore National Park was declared as a tiger reserve, providing a haven for the magnificent beasts.
You can catch a glimpse of these beautiful creatures prowling in the forest and drinking on the edge of the lakes and watering holes. Hunting and feeding on the plentiful herds of deer, nilgai and smaller animals of the park.
The best time to visit Ranthambore is from February to April when the weather is mild and you see the animals without any discomfort due to the weather. You can spend hours searching for the elusive tigers; usually concealed in the undergrowth of tall grass, their striped hide provides excellent camouflage.
Flora & Fauna and Birds of Ranthambore
The varied landscape of the national park is home to animals like the jackal, mongoose, sloth bear, leopard, and of course, the tiger. The vegetation in the park is mostly of the dry deciduous type with a large variety consisting of nearly 300 species of trees and bushes.
Due to its six man-made lakes and abundance of perennial rivers Ranthambore national park has a diversity of resident and migrant birds. Around 272 species have been documented so far.
Forts of Ranthambore
Ranthambore has many forts, a few famous ones are:
Ranthambore Fort
This fort stands majestically atop a hill overlooking the entire park bearing witness to man and beast’s eternal struggle. Once inhabited by great kings it is now in ruins, providing shelter to many of Ranthambore’s wildlife.
Raj Bagh
These ruins are located between the Padam Talao (lake) and the Raj Bagh Talao. These ancient stone structures arches, domes and steps create an aura of mystery in the Ranthambore National Park.
Jogi Mahal
The forest rest house is located at the edge of Lake Padam. It houses the second-largest Banyan tree in India.
The Lakes of Ranthambore
There are three famous lakes in Ranthambore National Park
Padam Talao-is the largest .The famous Jogi Mahal is located at the very edge of this lake. It is the watering hole of many rare species of the sanctuary.
Rajabagh Talao- is probably the most picturesque of the lakes with its ruins. It is the most popular watering hole of the animals.
Malik Talao- his is the smallest of the three lakes in Ranthambore National Park. This is the favorite haunt of birds and crocodiles are also found here.
Ranthambore a tourists Delight
With its wildlife, forts and lakes the Ranthambore National Park is a paradise for visitors young and old. Ranthambore National Park has a multitude of resorts, hotels and camps. It is easily reachable by air or road.
Ranthambore National Park has attractions to suit every taste, the adventurous and not so adventurous.
Ø Bird Watching
Ø Jeep tours
Ø Tiger trails
Ø Fishing
Ø Hikes
Ø Wild life safaris
To name a few
The Ranthambore wildlife Sanctuary is one of the best places in India to see a tiger in its natural habitat and to get away from the grind of daily life.
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