Ranthambore National Park (रणथंभौर राष्ट्रीय उद्यान) one of the largest national parks in India. It is situated in Sawai Madhopur district of western state of Rajasthan at about 130 km south east of Jaipur city. The forest was declared (घोषित – Ghoshit) as the Tiger reserves back in 1973 by the government of India. Later in 1980, the reserve was declared a national park and was subsequently enlarged by including nearby forests (वन – Van) and sanctuaries.

This national park covers an area of 392 square kilometres, and is known for its tiger (बाघ – Baagh) population, and is one of India’s Project Tiger reserves. The park lies at the edge of a plateau, and is bounded to the north by the Banas River and to the south by the Chambal River. The tourists (पर्यटक – Paryatak) can take a safari to the national park to see tigers and other wildlife animals (जानवर – Jaanvar). It is quite common to spot (देखना – Dekhna) a tiger during the day time safari due to good population (जनसंख्या – Jansankhya) of tigers in the park. The month of November and May are particularly good to visit the national park. Another attraction (आकर्षण – Aakarshan) of the park is the historic Ranthambhore fortress, which lies within the national park.

Other wild animals which could be seen in the park include leopard, nilgai, wild boar, sambar, hyena, sloth bear and chital. It is also home to wide variety of trees, plants, birds and reptiles. Approximately 270 different species (जाति – Jaati) of birds could be seen in the park. Unfortunately, the park faces the problem (समस्या – Samasya) of tiger poaching (अवैध शिकार – Avadh Shikaar) despite the government efforts as well as human interaction due to adjacent villages to the park.