Once the area of Ranthambhore was the hunting reserve of the Maharaja of Jaipur and now a Project Tiger Reserve. Ranthambhore is on the world map as the most picturesque place to see the most famous predator Tiger. The national park encompasses an area of 1334 sq. km. in Rajasthan running from the eastern most spur of the Aravalis to the Vidhya range with approach along an long valley, about 14 km from the city of Sawai Madhopur of which in an area of 300 sq. km. human activity is prohibited. This is where the elusive Tiger can be viewed roaming about. It has carefully planned 7 routes to cover almost the entire park area on 4 wheel drive jeeps or canters. The Park is open from October to April, after which the monsoons make it impossible to enter forests as the muddy trails are washed away. The best times to view wildlife are the early mornings and evenings, as fixed by the forest department, and in Ranthambhore there is a fairly good chance of spotting a tiger. A network of four tracks crisscross the park. A maximum of three open jeeps are allowed on each trail at a time. There are open roofed canters (small trucks) but these are not very good for viewing wildlife as they seat 20 people who can get really excited on seeing an animal and scare it away. Also, canters are shaky vehicles and photography is nearly impossible from them because their drivers stop and start on their own whims and without warning. Rides into the jungle in open jeeps are pretty safe as most of the wild animals are accustomed to human presence. Because of its aquatic habitat, Ranthambhore also supports a wide variety of birdlife some 250 species of birds including some migratory birds are drawn here by wide variety of flora and placid water lakes of Rajbagh, Milak Talab and Padam Birds include owl, quail, patridge, stork, etc. Marsh crocodiles can also be seen by the banks of the lakes. The second largest banyan tree near the Jogi Mahal is another interesting feature of the park. Jungle Safari is the best way to explore the forests of Ranthambore.
The most exciting aspect of a visit to a wildlife sanctuary is the safari into the jungles, of meeting the unexpected and completely missing the expected. Animals can be seen in a zoo also, but the dangerous thrill of actually encountering a wild beast in its natural habitat is a sure method of testing ones patience and bravado.