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Places in News: Ranthambore National Park
Ranthambore National Park is one of the biggest and most renowned national parks in Northern India.
- Location: Sawai Madhopur district, southeastern Rajasthan, India.
- Surrounded by the Vindhya and Aravalli mountain ranges.
- It is bounded by Chambal River in the south and Banas River in the north.
- Established as a sanctuary in 1955.
- Declared a Project Tiger Reserve in 1973.
- Became a national park in 1980.
- Expanded in 1991 to include Sawai Man Singh and Keladevi sanctuaries.
- Area: Approximately 1,334 square kilometres including core and buffer areas.
- Historical Significance
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- Ranthambore Fort: A UNESCO World Heritage Site located within the park, dating back to the 10th century.
- Other Structures: Ancient temples, mosques, hunting pavilions, and ruins of palaces.
- Wildlife
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- Bengal Tigers: One of the best places in India to see wild tigers.
- Other Mammals: Leopards, Indian Wild Boar, Sloth Bear, Striped Hyena, Sambar Deer, Chital, Nilgai, and Indian Gazelle.
- Birds: Over 300 species including migratory and resident birds.
- Vegetation and Terrain:
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- Mixture of deciduous forests, grasslands, and rocky hillocks.
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- Features narrow valleys, lakes, canals, and waterfalls.
- Notable lakes: Padam Talab, Raj Bagh Talab, and Malik Talab.
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- Flora: Dhok (Anogeissus pendula) is the most dominant tree species.
- Other trees include Banyan, Peepal, and various types of Acacia.
- Flora: Dhok (Anogeissus pendula) is the most dominant tree species.
- Conservation
- Project Tiger: Key tiger reserve under the national conservation program.
- Challenges: Human-wildlife conflict, poaching, and habitat destruction.
- Nearby Attractions
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- Kachida Valley: Known for its leopard population.
- Lakarda and Anantpura: Areas to spot Sloth Bears and other wildlife.
- Padam Talao: Largest lake in the park, famous for its water lilies.
- Tourism
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- Safari Options: Jeep and canter safaris available for visitors to explore the park.
- Peak tiger sightings usually occur from April to June.
- Safari Options: Jeep and canter safaris available for visitors to explore the park.
- National Parks in Rajasthan
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- Mukundra Hills (Darrah) National Park – Kota
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- Desert National Park – Jaisalmer
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- Keoladeo Ghana National Park – Bharatpur
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- Ranthambore National Park – Sawai Madhopur
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- Sariska National Park – Alwar