Although a desert state, Rajasthan is famous for excellent wildlife retreats. There are two tiger reserves at Ranthambore and Sariska and the magnificent bird sanctuary at Bharatpur all easily accessible from Delhi.

Ranthambore was once the scene of royal hunting parties where the Maharajas of Jaipur would come on hunting sprees. Now, it is famous for the tiger and is one of the best places in the country to see this big cat on the prowl. The tigers can be spotted quite often even during the day, near the water holes, hunting or lazing around. With the strict measures that have been taken for their conservation, they seem quite accustomed to human activity and are not disturbed by it. A good time to visit is between November and April when dry deciduous forest shed their leaves which makes sightings common.

Ranthambore has a other species of wild life like deer, Sambar, chital and nilgai. Wild boar, gazelle, chinkara can be seen, as also the Indian hare, mongoose and monitor lizards. The lakes and water holes in the park are where the the deer assemble to drink water. Among the other local wild life are the leopard, hyena, jackal, jungle cats, sloth bear and marsh crocodile.

Jacanas, painted stork, black stork, and white necked stork are seen along the water bodies. Peafowl are found in abundance and other birds include Bonelli's eagle, crested serpent eagle, the great Indian horned owl, quail, partridge, spur fowl and the paradise flycatcher.

Ranthambore's royal past remains in the park in the form of picturesque ruins. There are small lake palaces, chhatris (umbrella like shelters), old fortifications and a majestic thousand year old fort on a height overlooking the park. Tigers are often seen near these buildings often resting on parapets. The forest rest house is at the foot of the Ranthambore fort is located in the lovely Jogi Mahal. It overlooks a water tank known as the Padam Talao, afloat with vibrant coloured water lilies and surrounded with lush green grass and trees.

The best way to save the Tiger is to say NO to tiger products