Ranthambhore actually consists of not one, but three, wildlife preserves: the Ranthambhore National Park itself, the Sawai Mansingh Sanctuary and the Ke,ladevi Sanctuary. 

Ranthambhore is an oasis of dense dry deciduous forests amidst a vast tract of semi arid scrub and thorny desert vegetation surrounded by the hills of the Vindhyas and the Aravalis. Ravines, nallahs, water bodies and waterfalls lie scattered about the park and offer many natural hideouts for tigers and the other wildlife endemic to this park. An ancient fort also lies within the park boundaries of Ranthambhore, adding to its charm . 

Part of Project Tiger (one of Asia's most important conservation efforts), Ranthambhore is a favourite haunt for wildlife buffs and professional wildlife photographers 
from around the world. The park's many resident animals include tigers, panthers, wild cats, hyena, jackal, marsh crocodile, wild boar, bears, many species of deer and a rich birdlife of over 300 species, including the great Indian homed owl. Ranthambhore encompasses three lakes: Raj Bagh, Malik Talab and Pad am Talab, where aquatic birds such as jacanas, painted storks, egrets and migratory birds (during the winter) can be seen. 

Although latest reports show that the tiger population of Rantham- bhore is on the decline, the park remains one of India's best places to see the great cat in all its glory. 

Entry Requirements 
Entry to the Ranthambore National Park is limited; all visitors must obtain a permit at the entrance to Ranthambhore before they are allowed to enter. Foreigners pay an entrance fee of Rs 200; for Indians, the fee is Rs 25, while Indian students pay Rs 5. Additional charges are levied for cameras. 

The Ranthambore National Park is 145 km from Jaipur though the nearest railhead is at Sawai Madhopur, 12 km away. Sawai Madhopur, which lies on the main 
Delhi-Mumbai railway route is connected by train to a number of cities and towns across India, including Delhi, Mumbai and Jaipur. 

The nearest airports are at Kota and Jaipur, from where a bus or train can be taken to Sawai Madhopur, where a taxi may be hired to get to Ranthambhore; 
alternatively, travellers can take the bus that goes to the park. 

Within the park, hired vehicles- mainly jeeps - can be hired at the entrance to Ranthambhore. The RTDC (Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation) organizes jeep and truck safaris for tourists, besides which travellers may bring their own vehicles into the park. 

Best time to visit 
Ranthambhore is open for visitors between October and June. Summers are very hot in this part of the country, and temperatures rise so high that visitors will probably end up being utterly uncomfortable. On the other hand, the summer heat attracts animals to the waterholes, so there is greater chance of seeing wildlife in Mayor June. The best time for a trip remains between December and April, when the weather is great and there is plenty of opportunity for doing some hardcore wildlife watching. March and April, especially, are months when tiger-spotting is more common.