The Ranthambore
National Park, at the junction of the Aravallis and the Vindhyas, is
a unique juxtaposition of natural and historical richness, standing
out conspicuously in a vast arid and denuded tract of eastern
Rajasthan, barely 14 km. from the town of Sawai Madhopur. It is
spread over a highly undulating topography, varying from gentle to
steep slopes, from flat-topped hills (Indala, Doodh-Bhat and Chiroli)
of the Vindhyas to the conical hillocks and sharp ridges of the
Aravallis, from wide and flat valleys (Lahpur, Nalghati, Khachida,
Anantpur etc.) to narrow rocky gorges. An important geological
feature, the "Great Boundary fault" where the Vindhyas were brought
against the ancient Aravallis, passes from here.
Archaeological
Richness: Ranthambore fort and temples of medieval period.
Forest Types:
Northern Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests -5B
Main Flora: Dhok
Anogeissus pendula mixed with khair Acacia catechu, raunj, goya,
chhela, pipal Ficus religiousa, vad, amaltas Cassia fistula, gurjan,
siris saintha, gular, tendu.
Main Fauna:
Mammals: Tiger, leopard, caracal, ratel, jungle cat, chital, sambar,
nilgai, chinkara, sloth bear, wild boar, jackal, hyaena, common
langur, common fox.
Birds: 250 species
of birds, some commonly seen are; Bonnelli's Eagle, Sandgrouse,
Pheasant tailed Jacana, Quail, Paradise Fly catcher etc.
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