 National Park Ranthambore in Rajasthan, is one of the best places to observe tigers in the wild. The tigers of Ranthambore are frequently seen hunting for their prey in the forest, drinking from the lakes and watering holes in the park and resting in the shade of the monuments in National Park Ranthambore.
There are around 35 tigers in Ranthambore and they range over the 392 sq Km of the wildlife reserve. Protected from poachers, the tigers of Ranthambore are a valuable part of the ecosystem of the region. The growing numbers of deer and other herbivorous animals are kept in check by the predatory tigers. Wildlife tourism, with tourists from around the world keen to see a majestic tiger, is an important source of revenue for the local people. The tigers are the most sought after animals by tourists from the across the world, who come to Ranthambore in the hope of seeing the King of the Jungle.
A magnificent Royal Bengal Tiger is truly a sight worth seeing. Male tigers can reach 9 feet in length, including a 3 ft long tail. With their orange hide marked with black stripes, white underbelly and large heads and paws, tigers are lethal carnivores. Tigers usually kill their prey by stalking and pouncing on them, holding them back with the help of its sharp retractable claws and then biting through the deer's neck with its strong teeth and jaw. Tigers have an excellent sense of smell and vision. They hunt both during the day and nighttime, and after making a successful kill, will often hide the carcass under leaves and continue to feed on it for a couple of days. When a tiger is full it rests or sleeps, emerging only to hunt again when it is hungry. Tigers in Ranthambore feed on the abundant herds of deer as well as animals and birds like wild boar and peacock.
Young tigers have to be taught to hunt, by their mothers. Family groups of a tigress with 2 or 3 young cubs can be seen at National Park Ranthambore and are a delightful sight. Cubs usually become completely independent when they are 2 years old. Tigers in the wild live for 8-15 years. Tigers are normally solitary animals, which have clearly defined territories, which they mark by spraying scent gland secretions or urine on trees, bushes and rocks.
Hunting tigers was royal sport in India and Ranthambore was earlier the hunting ground of the royal family of Jaipur. Guests of the royal family were invited for tiger hunts in Ranthambore. In 1970 tiger hunting was banned in India. Project Tiger, a mission to protect the tiger in national parks across India, began with Ranthambore as one of its important tiger sanctuaries. Though among the smallest in area, Ranthambore has a high density of tigers and is considered one of the best places to see tigers in India. Jeep safari tours in National Park Ranthambore are the best way to see the magnificent King of the Jungle or Royal Bengal Tigers in Ranthambore India.
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