Ranthambhore National Park The Park: The 392 sq km park comprises of dry deciduous forests sprawling over an undulating terrain of the Aravalli' and Vindhyan ranges. The park is one of the finest tiger reserves in the country under the Project Tiger: The majestic predators, assured of protection, roam freely during the daytime and can be seen at close quarters.Ranthambhor sanctuary has a large number of sambhar, cheetal, nilgai, chinkara, langur, wild boar and peafowl. A system of three pretty artificial lakes­ Padam Talab, Rajbagh and Milak Talab, along with a number of anicuts are part of the biosphere. Besides enhancing the scenic beauty of the park, they are an important source of water for the inhabitants of the park. While deer congregate here to drink water, fresh water crocodiles can be seen basking in the winter sun to regulate their body temperature. The lake also attracts a large number of migratory and local birds.The local fauna of the park includes leopard, hyena, jackal, Jungle cat, Sloth bear and a little population of pythons. The lovely Jogi Mahal overlooking the pretty Padam Talab at the foot of the fort has a Forest Rest House. The best time to visit is between October and April. Jeeps and Canters (open bus) are available to take you around the park daily in morning and afternoon. The Fort: Ranthambhor's royal post manifests itself in the well-preserved imposing fort, built in 994 AD., atop a steep high creek 200 meters above sea level. Ruined pavilions, walls, chhatris and splendid monuments ore interspersed within the majestic fort. An 8th century A.D. Ganesh temple on an open land attracts thousands of devotees and is the venue for an annual fair held on Bhadrapad Sudl Chaturthi, fourth day of the bright half, in 'the month of July-August.