Places to see in Ranthambore National Park
Ranthambore National Park has thick forest, 3 lakes, rivers, streams, ruins of the historic Ranthambore fort and other monuments and scenic viewpoints. There are many interesting places to see in Ranthambore National Park.
Some of the fascinating places to see in Ranthambore National Park are:
Padam Talao: The Padam Talao is a large lake in Ranthambore National Park. It gets its name from the lotus flowers that bloom in the lake. The Padam Talao is a favorite watering hole of the animals of Ranthambore. Tigers, leopards, deer, monkeys and peacocks can be seen drinking at the lakes edge. Machans or huts on observation posts near the Padam Talo are an excellent platform from where you can see the animals in Ranthambore National Park. The hunting lodge called Jogi Mahal is situated on the banks of the Padam Talao.
Rajbagh Talao: The second of the three lakes in Ranthambore in size, the Rajbagh Talao has ruins that extend to the edge of the lake. The lake is often ringed with animals drinking from its banks. The water plants in the lake provide the swamp deer or Sambhar with vegetation to graze on. Cattle egrets often accompany the Sambhar feed on insects and frogs displaced by the Sambhars movement through the water. Tigers can often be seen near the Rajbagh Talao.
Malik Talao: The Malik Talao is the littlest in surface area of the three lakes in Ranthambore National Park. It is best known for its many species of birds seen on its banks and within the lake. Kingfishers, egrets, herons, ibis, storks and cranes can be seen around the Malik Talao. Watch out for the crocodiles in the Malik Talao.
Ranthambore Fort: Ranthambore Fort in Ranthambore National Park is a historic monument. Unlike most other monuments in India there is no entry fee and you won't be bothered by touts or guides near the fort. Constructed by the Chauhans, its actual builder is uncertain. The Ranthambore Fort is mentioned in a ballad called the Hamirraso which details the life of Raja Hamir Deva who was crowned King in 1283 A.D. The Fort changed hands from the Rajputs to the Mughals several times over the next centuries. The Maharaja of Jaipur finally gained control over the fort in the 17th century and it was controlled by the ruling family of Jaipur till India gained independence and all the princely states were merged into the new nation of India. The Ranthambore Fort is located on a high plateau of over 700 feet, in the center of Ranthambore National Park. You can see panoramic views of the park from its high walls. Its steep fortified walls run for 7 Km and encircle a group of buildings that include palatial rooms, temples, mosques and barracks. The Padam Talao is visible from the living quarters of the Ranthambore Fort. The Guptaganga, a perennial spring provides the fort with a source of clean water. You can spend an entire day exploring the fascinating Ranthambore Fort.
Raj Bagh Ruins: The Raj Bagh Ruins are situated between the Raj Bagh Talao and the Padam Talao. The ruins of a palace these structures consist of broken down rooms and outhouses, with arches, partly standing walls and domes. The majestic tigers of Ranthambore can be seen relaxing in the shade of these structures in Ranthambore National Park.
Other interesting places to see in Ranthambore National Park are the Kachida Valley known for its leopard population, Lakarda and Anantpura known for being home to sloth bears and the Bakaula region where tigresses can be seen with their cubs emerging from the dense foliage.
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